Congratulations! You finished your draft. What comes next?

Next Level Novel is an expert manuscript evaluation packed with actionable insights that turn your draft from 'meh' to masterpiece.

Next Level Novel is for writers who want to tell unforgettable stories.

Tired of one-size-fits-all advice that offers zero direction?

Worried that your readers (or even your editor!) will just tell you what you want to hear?

Afraid that your novel sucks, but not sure what to do to fix it?

You’re in the right place.

Imagine having a professional editor with an eye for detail, a sharp mind for story structure, and a compassionate but no-nonsense approach to guiding you through your writing journey.

That’s what you get with Next Level Novel.

Here’s my promise to you:

  • No Vague Suggestions: Concrete, actionable feedback that's not just fluff, but the good stuff.

  • Tailored Action Plans: Because one-size-fits-all fits no one in the world of writing.

  • Zero Bullshit Feedback: I tell it how it is because I care about making your story the best it can be.

I’m Danielle Kiowski.

  • As the Chief Academic Officer at Story Grid University, I’ve developed a proven curriculum to teach writing to aspiring authors.

  • I’m trained in the Story Grid methodology and have worked alongside the founder, Shawn Coyne, for five years.

  • My experience with story builds on my Yale education in economics, international studies, and psychology: all great for figuring out worldbuilding and character development

I’ve helped hundreds of writers improve their craft and tell their stories.

Will your story be next?

This is what makes Next Level Novel different:

  • Actionable Analysis

    As a writer, you know how frustrating it is to get vague feedback like "I didn't like that your protagonist was so passive." What does that mean, and how can you fix it?

    With Next Level Novel, you'll get detailed, objective insights into what your story needs. I’ll analyze your story at every level, with big picture analysis, detailed scene breakdowns, character development reviews, and a worldbuilding assessment. You’ll have everything you need to create compelling characters, dazzling worlds, and edge-of-your-seat plots.

    No more vague advice — you'll know exactly what to work on. And because the analysis is tailored specifically for your story, you can be confident that you're making the changes that will have the biggest impact.

  • Personalized Plan

    With the right toolkit, revising your draft is an exciting opportunity to improve your story. You’ll get completely customized resources and education to help you write your next draft.

    I’ll work with you one-on-one to find out what you want from your editing experience and what your goals are for your project. Then, I’ll study your manuscript and develop a custom plan to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

    Your feedback comes with the resources that you need to incorporate it into your project, including a list of masterworks in your genre and cheatsheets to help you understand exactly what readers expect from your story.

    It’s a masterclass made just for you.

  • Clear Next Steps

    Next Level Novel is more than advice. Put my feedback into practice with a step-by-step plan to write your next draft.

    You’ll get clear instructions on what to do next. The Next Steps Workbook and Level Up Checklist will walk you through the revision process, while the Next Draft Calendar helps you plan your work and meet your goals. Track your progress and ensure that you're including all the important elements of a story that works so that you can take your novel to the next level.

You’ll get everything you need to take your novel to the next level.

  • Big Picture Analysis

    A comprehensive overview of your global story arc will give you insight into how the essential features of your story work together. Create a coherent story that resonates with your reader to create a lasting impression. I’ll work with you to highlight the parts of your story that are most important to you and ensure that every other component supports the story that you want to tell.

  • Detailed Scene Breakdown

    Great scenes are the building blocks of a great story. You’ll get a detailed breakdown of the first five scenes of your manuscript using the Story Grid Spreadsheet. This detailed review will evaluate the critical parts of each scene to ensure that they are working. You’ll also get a template for the scene analysis so that you can apply these principles across your entire draft.

  • Annotated Manuscript

    In-line notes on first impressions of the story and any major stylistic comments give you insight into how readers experience your novel. Combining the immediate sense of the story in these notes with the careful analytical approach in the other components of Next Level Novel will help you understand your full reader experience: keep them hooked for the first read and make them want to read it again and again.

  • Personalized Resources

    You’ll get completely customized resources tailored to your individual project and your goals. This includes a list of masterwork-level novels for further study and a cheat sheet to help you fulfill your readers’ expectations. Save time by targeting your learning to focus on the concepts that will make the biggest difference for your project.

  • Worldbuilding Report

    Worldbuilding is essential for your readers’ experience, whether you’re writing fantasy, science fiction, or realism. Do your readers want to spend time in the world that you’ve created? This complete report will evaluate your world. Get a detailed assessment of how the features of your story’s setting work and how your world sets an effective context in which your story can unfold.

  • Character Development Review

    Do you want to create powerful, compelling character arcs that will keep your readers hooked? This report shows you exactly what you need to do to improve each of the characters in your story. You’ll learn about the key elements you need to focus on and get advice on how to apply them in your writing. Create memorable characters your readers will love — or love to hate.

  • One-on-One Coaching

    We’ll discuss your project so that we can focus the feedback and revisions on the best path to reach your goals for your project. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss ideas, and ensure that you have what you need for your next draft.

  • Next Steps Workbook

    This workbook is personalized for your project and targeted to your specific needs, so you can get the most out of your writing time. With customized exercises and helpful tips, the Next Steps Workbook will help you stay on track as you revise your draft.

  • Level Up Checklist

    This personalized checklist helps you review your draft and ensure that you address key issues. Use clear tests to check that your story works together as a whole and satisfies your readers’ expectations.

Ongoing Support

One year of periodic emails to support your writing goals. I'll check in regularly to track your draft progress and keep you motivated until you reach "The End."

Next Draft Calendar

A personalized schedule to keep you on task so that you can finish your next draft. Writing is enough — let me help you plan how you’re going to tackle the next phase of your project.

PLUS
Stay accountable with support and resources.

Here’s how it works — no plot twists here!

We’ll save those for the readers. From start to finish, expect a smooth process with step-by-step guidance.

Get Acquainted

We hop on a call, exchange backstories, and set the stage for your manuscript’s success.

Manuscript Review

You hand over your masterpiece-in-progress. Don’t worry, it’s in good hands.

Within four weeks, I’m ready with a full package of deliverables ready for your review.

Revise and Conquer

With expert guidance, insightful feedback, and clear next steps, you power through your next draft. It’s dangerous to go alone: but armed with a schedule to keep your pace and regular check-in emails from me to make sure you’re on track, you’ve got this.

Deep-Dive Discussion

After reviewing my feedback, we set up a call to delve into your project further. This is the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and discuss the changes you're considering.

Choose Your Adventure

Pick the plan that’s right for you.

Story Starter Plan
$2,500

Includes:

  • A comprehensive overview of your global story arc will give you insight into how the essential features of your story work together. Create a coherent story that resonates with your reader to create a lasting impression. I’ll work with you to highlight the parts of your story that are most important to you and ensure that every other component supports the story that you want to tell.

  • Great scenes are the building blocks of a great story. You’ll get a detailed breakdown of the first five scenes of your manuscript using the Story Grid Spreadsheet. This detailed review will evaluate the critical parts of each scene to ensure that they are working. You’ll also get a template for the scene analysis so that you can apply these principles across your entire draft.

  • You’ll get completely customized resources tailored to your individual project and your goals. This includes a list of masterwork-level novels for further study and a cheat sheet to help you fulfill your readers’ expectations. Save time by targeting your learning to focus on the concepts that will make the biggest difference for your project.

  • We’ll discuss your project so that we can focus the feedback and revisions on the best path to reach your goals for your project. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss ideas, and ensure that you have what you need for your next draft.

Masterpiece Plan
$12,000

Everything in the Story Starter Plan and the Page-Turner Pro Plan, plus:

  • In-line notes on first impressions of the story and any major stylistic comments give you insight into how readers experience your novel. Combining the immediate sense of the story in these notes with the careful analytical approach in the other components of the review will help you understand your full reader experience: keep them hooked for the first read and make them want to read it again and again.

  • We’ll craft a plan and you’ll get ongoing feedback and support as you work on your project, with regular meetings to check in. Get the accountability that you need to follow through.

  • Six months of intensive follow-up coaching to help you take action on my recommendations as you work on your next draft.

Page-Turner Pro Plan
$4,750

Everything in the Story Starter Plan, plus:

  • Worldbuilding is essential for your readers’ experience, whether you’re writing fantasy, science fiction, or realism. Do your readers want to spend time in the world that you’ve created? This complete report will evaluate your world. Get a detailed assessment of how the features of your story’s setting work and how your world sets an effective context in which your story can unfold.

  • Do you want to create powerful, compelling character arcs that will keep your readers hooked? This report shows you exactly what you need to do to improve each of the characters in your story. You’ll learn about the key elements you need to focus on and get advice on how to apply them in your writing. Create memorable characters your readers will love — or love to hate.

  • This workbook is personalized for your project and targeted to your specific needs, so you can get the most out of your writing time. With customized exercises and helpful tips, the Next Steps Workbook will help you stay on track as you revise your draft.

  • This personalized checklist helps you review your draft and ensure that you address key issues. Use clear tests to check that your story works together as a whole and satisfies your readers’ expectations.

  • My Story Grid novel diagnostic with Story Grid Editor extraordinaire Danielle Kiowski was spectacular. She saw things in my novel I wasn't able to see, liked it in general, and had specific things to do to make it really shine. The call was great fun and really productive. I couldn't recommend her services more highly.

    Johne Cook

  • I had an awesome time working with Danielle on my novel. In short, I have never received such detailed, personalized, thoughtful coaching. She clearly told me what I needed to hear about what was working and what wasn't, all in a compassionate way. Then she worked with me to find solutions, giving space for me to find ideas and even giving suggestions when I was stuck.

    Sam Bradford

Let’s start your story’s next chapter.

Because your manuscript isn’t just another draft. It’s your masterpiece waiting to happen.

Fill out the form below to get started with a consultation call. I’ll be in touch to schedule a call to find out more about your project.

It’s time to unlock your novel’s potential.

It’s time to tell your story.

FAQs

  • I can help with that! Contact me about Story Coaching to take you from idea to a finished draft.

  • I’m here to support you. Ask me about Final Draft Coaching for ongoing coaching and feedback as you continue working on your project.

  • I will deliver your feedback within four weeks of your manuscript submission. The rest is up to you!

Have questions?