List-Building For Authors

Build a Low-Maintenance Email Responder that Works and Get More People on Your Email List

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List-Building For Authors is a four-module online course, consisting of 11 lessons, covering all the skills and techniques you need to write a low-maintenance responder and build your author email list.



“Great Tips!”

“Some great tips from Monica, and every writer, no matter where on the journey, can learn something new.”

~ Joanna Penn, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thriller under J.F. Penn, author of How To Market a Book and founder of TheCreativePenn.com

“Actionable steps…”

"…almost everyone can walk away with actionable steps to take their writing business to new heights.”

~ Michael La Ronn, author of Modern Necromancy Series

“Excited and motivated to get back to writing…”

“Yay! I was so excited and motivated by your content that I wanted to get back to writing right away. I have so much respect for you as a writer, and I’m happy to note how your suggestions will make the the story spread.”

~ Susan Pogorzelski, author of Gold in the Days of Summer, winner of the 2014 International Rubery Book Award for Best Children’s Book

Your Instructor


Monica Leonelle
Monica Leonelle

Monica Leonelle is a USA Today bestselling author and creator of the Story Symmetry Framework, the Hierarchy of Prosperous Creation, and The World Needs Your Book—where we start with the impact we want to make on the world and then build a sustainable business around your idea, message, or story. Author of over 30 books, she’s been writing and producing her own fiction and nonfiction since 2009.

Monica is the author of the Growth Hacking for Storytellers series (which has sold over 50,000 copies), helping authors with everything from improving their writing speed to perfecting their author mindset. She’s been featured in several books and on over 30 podcasts about writing and publishing. Her books, website, podcasts and online courses have helped thousands of authors start, finish and publish their books.

Before becoming an independent author, Monica led digital marketing efforts at Inc. 100 companies like Hansen’s Natural and Braintree. She has an MBA in marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship from the Chicago Booth School of Business. She’s been an avid blogger of marketing and business trends since 2007. Her ideas have been featured in AdAge, The Huffington Post, Forbes, Inc., the AMEX OpenForum, GigaOm, Mashable, Social Media Today, and the Christian Science Monitor.

Monica lives in a very, very old, 3-story home in St. Louis, MO with her husband and adorable westie, Mia. It possibly has ghosts. And definitely has a secret passage.


“I’ve read many books on outlining, plotting, and pre-planning stories…”

“I’ve read many books on outlining, plotting, and pre-planning stories… [Nail Your Story] incorporates the best qualities of them all. Save yourself the time and just read this one.”

~ Carl Waters, author of Burning Uncle Tom's Cabin

Who exactly is this course for?

It’s for storytellers who want to get their novel or big message out into the world. It’s for entrepreneurs, coaches and business owners who want to create a book that helps them support and grow their business. And it’s for authors (fiction and non-fiction) who are already writing and publishing, but want to improve their writing practice and nail the process of writing a first draft, for their current book and all their future books as well.

This course is for you if you’re committed to completing the videos and assignments (there are only ten total!), and are good at working at your own pace (you’ll have the flexibility to complete each lesson in your own time). It’s for you if you want to start creating your finished draft, step-by-step. It’s for you if you want feedback and support on your assignments from likeminded authors and peers (you’ll get that in the private Facebook group).

It’s NOT for you if you’re not prepared to commit to the process and do the work. We aim to make the challenge of producing your first draft much easier than if you were going it alone, but there will be work involved and you are responsible for your results. There are no results without effort, but we're fully committed to helping you succeed. We want you all to have that finished draft sitting on your desk, or device, by the end of the course!

This course is for you if:

  • You’re an entrepreneur or coach, and you want to write your first book to promote your business or services.
  • You’re an aspiring fiction or memoir author, and you want to write your first book, either as a passion project or potential commercial success (or both!).
  • You’re a fiction author who has written a few books already but want to improve your first draft practices.
  • You’re high-vibe, high-energy, and motivated.
  • You’re interested in learning story structure and incorporating it into your work, to make your writing shine.
  • You write nonfiction (self-help, business, or spiritual), genre fiction, or memoir.
  • You want to write a book to tell your story, support your business, or attract new clients.
  • You've written books before, but need an easier, more time-efficient way to write the next one.
  • You need to learn a tried and trusted process to produce a solid first draft.

“Something finally clicked…”

“I've been spinning my wheels trying to take the next step in my craft… Monica Leonelle finally made something click in my brain.”

~ M.A. Brotherton, author of The Seven Keys Saga

Course Curriculum


  Module 1: The Big Picture
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  Module 2: Emails
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  Module 3: Building Your List
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  Bonus Content
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"I'm freaking excited to get started!"

"I have that inspired passion again for my book idea now that I have more of a direction. Before, I knew it was there but didn't know where to go, what to do, where to start. Thank you!"

~ Jen Mavros, host of The Jen Mavros Show podcast and creator of the Mavros Method of Manifestation

Frequently Asked Questions


Will I actually have a finished draft at the end of this course?
Yes! If you commit to studying all the lessons, doing your assignments, writing consistently, and putting in the work to finish your first draft, you'll definitely have a finished first draft by the end of the course!
How is the course delivered?
The course consists of ten lessons spread across four modules. You'll get access to the lessons immediately. Each lesson consists of a video and an assignment and/or workbook(s) to complete. Each lesson should take 1-2 hours at most. And, of course, you’ll also be working on your draft at the same time. The lessons will make working on your draft much easier, as you’ll know exactly what you should be doing at each stage.
What are the lessons like?
Each lesson consists of a video and assignment. I use a three step process in my teaching. I share the information, offer an example, and then give you an exercise, assignment, or workbook. As you work through the videos, you'll be creating your first draft.
Do you provide feedback?
While I can't read drafts, I'm happy to answer questions in our Facebook group. Posting there allows you to get feedback and encouragement from your peers. This is a course where you’ll be meeting like-minded people and there will be opportunities to learn from each other and collaborate.
Will you re-write, edit, read, or market my work?
No. Please check out our editing services or my mentorship program for one-on-one guidance from me!
Is this course ideal for coaches?
Yes. If you’re building your coaching program (or any other business), this will help you create a book that supports and promotes your work. Writing your book is growing your business, and vice-versa. They work beautifully together, and a book will help you really stand out from the crowd because so few coaches have one right now.
Is this course ideal for startup entrepreneurs?
Yes. I worked in tech startups for most of my corporate career and have coached several CEOs on their writing. Those CEOs have gone on to write and publish books that have helped their businesses succeed. Drafting your first book while growing a business from scratch is a great way to make sure your book and business support and promote one another. You can also take this course no matter where you are with your business growth. We’ll help you draft a book that’s highly relevant to your business objectives, whatever they may be.
Is this course ideal for fiction authors?
Yes. The course is based on story structure that was originally created for novels. It also uses the principles of my unique Story Symmetry framework that forms the basis on the books Nail Your Story, Novel Writing Prep, and Story Symmetry. The way it's taught in this course shows that you can apply storytelling to fiction and nonfiction projects!
Do you have a money-back guarantee?
This program is no quit, no refund from the moment you sign up, so make sure you are committed before doing so! To repeat: We don’t offer refunds. By signing up for this program, you are fully committed to both the content and whatever payment plan you choose. You are responsible for all payments under the payment plan you’ve chosen regardless of whether you use the material or remain in the program.

“Best-in-class superstar!”

“Monica’s writing skills are really incredible and I knew from the start that she would be extremely successful. Among her good qualities are her persistence and her passion for all things marketing, technology, and branding. I recommend her to anyone looking to get a best-in-class superstar!”

~ Dan Schawbel, New York Times & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of Promote Yourself, Forbes & Inc. 30 Under 30

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