The Book Doulas’ Book Incubator is a 10-week live program designed to help aspiring authors turn their book ideas into reality. Guided by New York Times bestselling author Kristine Carlson and acclaimed editor Debra Evans, this immersive experience empowers you to define, structure, and plan your book with clarity and confidence.
Spring 2026 Session: February 18 – April 22, 2026
The Book Doulas’ Book Incubator is a 10-week live program designed to help aspiring authors turn their book ideas into reality. Guided by New York Times bestselling author Kristine Carlson and acclaimed editor Debra Evans, this immersive experience empowers you to define, structure, and plan your book with clarity and confidence.
Spring 2026 Session: February 18 – April 22, 2026
Using our signature 10-Part Blueprint, you’ll master the foundational steps for writing a transformational self-help book or teaching memoir. You’ll also gain essential insights into building your author platform, navigating publishing options, and preparing for editing, marketing, and promotion. Additionally, you’ll discover how to use AI to help you, not hurt you, in your writing endeavors.
Beyond practical tools, the Incubator inspires personal discovery and growth, helping you embrace your unique voice and vision as an emerging author.
The world is waiting for you.
Physician, epidemiologist, award-winning advocate for global justice and human rights, and author of Revolutionary Optimism: 7 Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist
Founder and CEO of Dogeared Jewelry and author whose forthcoming book will be published this year.
Grief coach, speaker, curator, and author of Curating Grief: A Creative Guide to Choosing What to Keep after a Loved One Dies
Holistic healer, yoga teacher, and author of Empowered Soul: 180 Mindful Intentions, Reflections, and Practices to Help Women Develop Deeper Awareness and Capacity for Life’s Challenges
See more video testimonials below
Kristine is an acclaimed teacher, retreat leader, and a New York Times bestselling author of six books. In 2022, her memoir, Heartbroken Open, became a biopic Lifetime movie featuring Heather Locklear. Alongside her late husband, Dr. Richard Carlson, Kristine co-authored the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book series. Having sold over 25 million copies worldwide, translated in 35 languages across 126 countries, the series is a global brand — a household name everywhere. Kristine has over thirty years experience in the publishing industry.
Debra is a developmental book editor with over fifteen years of experience as an editor and writing partner to best-selling authors and newly emerging thought leaders. Some of her clients have included New York Times best-selling author Debbie Ford, award-winning filmmaker Barnet Bain, energy medicine pioneer Cyndi Dale, and the transformational teacher Lee Harris. To date, Debra has been doula for the birth of more than thirty books.
We’re hosting a live Zoom call where we will share the game-changing details of our 2026 Book Incubator and answer all your questions.
Wednesday, February 4 – 12:00 – 1:00pm Pacific Time
Register today for this free call.
(We’ll also send you the video recording if you can’t be there live.)
Together, we will focus on . . .
Whether a self-help book, how-to manual, memoir, or another work of non-fiction, this is the book that only YOU can write. It’s your experience, understanding, know-how, and wisdom beautifully articulated on the printed (and digital) page.
Arising from your authentic expression, this is how you want to serve and what you want to be known for. It addresses the pain or limitation you want to help others resolve.
In short, this is your means for connecting with your growing community and delivering your message. Learn exactly what you need to do to start or grow your email list, blog, podcast, and social media streams. Also, learn how to monetize your platform for the sustainability of your business.
From traditional publishing to self-publishing, along with hybrid options now available, learn everything you need to know to determine your best options and to prepare for them. In addition, learn the essentials of effective book marketing and content marketing.
Writing a book and growing a business happens with greater ease and elegance – and oftentimes greater speed – when you have the support of others who are working toward similar goals. Between the weekly Wednesday sessions and five Saturday boot camps, you will be a part of a beautiful community of people – and a container of nourishing support. And it’s a community that will be shaped by you being a part of it!
Together, we will focus on . . .
Whether a self-help book, how-to manual, memoir, or another work of non-fiction, this is the book that only YOU can write. It’s your experience, understanding, know-how, and wisdom beautifully articulated on the printed (and digital) page.
Arising from your authentic expression, this is how you want to serve and what you want to be known for. It addresses the pain or limitation you want to help others resolve.
In short, this is your means for connecting with your growing community and delivering your message. Learn exactly what you need to do to start or grow your email list, blog, podcast, and social media streams. Also, learn how to monetize your platform for the sustainability of your business.
From traditional publishing to self-publishing, along with hybrid options now available, learn everything you need to know to determine your best options and to prepare for them. In addition, learn the essentials of effective book marketing and content marketing.
Writing a book and growing a business happens with greater ease and elegance – and oftentimes greater speed – when you have the support of others who are working toward similar goals. Between the weekly Wednesday sessions and five Saturday boot camps, you will be a part of a beautiful community of people – and a container of nourishing support. And it’s a community that will be shaped by you being a part of it!
What is the Book Incubator?
An incubation period is absolutely necessary to become an author.
We have found that oftentimes people have the creative seeds they need to begin growing their dream of writing a book, but they don’t have the optimal conditions for allowing those seeds to fully bloom.
The optimal conditions include:
• Desire, talent, drive, time, and author platform – these are the 5 Pillars described below
• Being clear about your message
• Belief in yourself
• Commitment to the process
• Community and support
• The ability to answer theses three questions:
• How are you going to publish your book?
• How are you going to sell it?
• Who are you going to sell it to?
By the end of this 10-week program, you will be at the peak of readiness, deeply prepared to go to the next phase of birthing your book. You will have . . . .
• Your branding tools in order
• A recipe for building your platform
• Your content curated and well-organized for your book
• Your book brilliantly structured and your writing fully underway
• Your plan of action for completion laid out within a clear timeline
• An established network of people ready to support your goals
You will have lift off!
You may be feeling like you’re not yet ready to embark on this kind of journey, however, this program is perfect even for those who feel their book is a far-off dream. It will bring you closer to this dream than you may currently believe is possible.
What is the Book Incubator?
An incubation period is absolutely necessary to become an author.
We have found that oftentimes people have the creative seeds they need to begin growing their dream of writing a book, but they don’t have the optimal conditions for allowing those seeds to fully bloom.
The optimal conditions include:
• The 5 Pillars outlined above – desire, talent, drive, time, and author platform
• Being clear about your message
• Belief in yourself
• Commitment to the process
• Community and support
• The ability to answer theses three questions:
• How are you going to publish your book?
• How are you going to sell it?
• Who are you going to sell it to?
By the end of this 10-week program, you will be at the peak of readiness, deeply prepared to go to the next phase of birthing your book. You will have . . . .
• Your branding tools in order
• A recipe for building your platform
• Your content curated and well-organized for your book
• Your book brilliantly structured and your writing fully underway
• Your plan of action for completion laid out within a clear timeline
• An established network of people ready to support your goals
You will have lift off!
You may be feeling like you’re not yet ready to embark on this kind of journey, however, this program is perfect even for those who feel their book is a far-off dream. It will bring you closer to this dream than you may currently believe is possible.
People on a mission:
• coaches
• consultants
• doctors
• healing practitioners
• writers
• bloggers
• podcasters
• workshop and retreat facilitators
• seekers
• public speakers
• transformational leaders
• and other experts in their field
Virtually anyone with a message who wants to answer the call of their life’s purpose . . . and to leave a legacy for future generations
Go here to watch the 20-minute video message we have for you.
Go here to watch the 20-minute video message we have for you.
Helena Grant
Visibility Coach and author of the forthcoming book, Never Again Have Nothing to Wear
Denise Ernst
Author of the forthcoming book, Let’s Talk About It
Leslie Kuster
Over the course of 10 unforgettable weeks, you will have a golden opportunity to focus on your body of work with us at your side. Concentrating on your soon-to-be-written book, your platform (your website, blog, social media streams, and online content), and your overall visibility in the world, we will give you the tools, guidance, and inspiration to make this spring of 2026 a defining moment in your career and life.
Live group sessions with Kris and Debra packed with teaching, guidance, assignments, and inspiration. All sessions are recorded.
Optional: On three Saturdays, join us in taking massive action toward your goals. Write, share your work, enjoy! (See below for details.)
Optional: Woven into the fabric of the Incubator is a 10-day challenge. Set daily writing goals and get powerful results. (See below for details.)
We are joined by some of the brightest lights in the field of transformational books, publishing, and marketing to further ensure your success.
Learn and have lifetime access to our Book Doulas’ 10-Part Blueprint. As you weave the ten parts together, you will be crafting a unique and specific framework for your best book.
Receive access to our extensive video library featuring guest speakers from previous Incubators ~ providing a wealth of information, instruction, and ignition! (See below for details.)
Become part of an extraordinary community from around the globe and enjoy continued support for your writing and book-launch journey.
For 12 months after the Incubator concludes, have access to all Zoom call recordings, our Expert Video Library, and all other tools and resources included there.
After the Incubator concludes, options include Power Coaching with Kristine and Debra (game-changing) and/or joining the Writer’s Circle community (our monthly membership container). Or utilize our carefully curated Author Resources directory.
Over the course of 10 unforgettable weeks, you will have a golden opportunity to focus on your body of work with us at your side. Concentrating on your soon-to-be-written book, your platform (your website, blog, social media streams, and online content), and your overall visibility in the world, we will give you the tools, guidance, and inspiration to make this spring of 2026 a defining moment in your career and life.
Live group sessions with Kris and Debra packed with teaching, guidance, assignments, and inspiration. All sessions are recorded.
Optional: On three Saturdays, join us in taking massive action toward your goals. Write, share your work, enjoy! (See below for details.)
Optional: Woven into the fabric of the Incubator is a 10-day challenge. Set daily writing goals and get powerful results. (See below for details.)
We are joined by some of the brightest lights in the field of transformational books, publishing, and marketing to further ensure your success.
Learn and have lifetime access to our Book Doulas’ 10-Part Blueprint. As you weave the ten parts together, you will be crafting a unique and specific framework for your best book.
Receive access to our extensive video library featuring guest speakers from previous Incubators ~ providing a wealth of information, instruction, and ignition! (See below for details.)
Become part of an extraordinary community from around the globe and enjoy continued support for your writing and book-launch journey.
For 12 months after the Incubator concludes, have access to all Zoom call recordings, our Expert Video Library, and all other tools and resources included there.
After the Incubator concludes, options include Power Coaching with Kristine and Debra (game-changing) and/or joining the Writer’s Circle community (our monthly membership container). Or utilize our carefully curated Author Resources directory.
As you now know, the Incubator program includes three Saturday Writing Boot Camps over the course of our ten weeks together.
These optional boot camps are incredibly popular with our participants as a simple yet super- effective structure for getting down to business!
You can join us for the entire six-hour time frame, or you can come to the segment that works for you. We meet up via Zoom at the beginning and end of the boot camp, with the time in between being your time to write and/or take action toward your platform-building goals.
One of the best parts is our Q&A and conversation time together during the afternoon gathering, where you can read something you’re working on (a chapter, blog, website content, or another key piece of writing), get feedback on your ideas, ask burning questions, and receive lots of coaching . . . plus great inspiration from the whole group.
BOOT CAMP DATES
Saturday, February 28
Saturday, March 21
Saturday, April 11
THE BOOT CAMP STRUCTURE
Opening Circle — 10:00 – 11:00 am Pacific time:
Group gathering via Zoom . . . time to set your intentions for the day, get direction, writing prompts, and lots of motivation for your work session!
Four-hour self-directed work session
Closing Circle — 3:00 – 4:00 pm Pacific time:
2nd group gathering via Zoom . . . Q&A time, share your work (read a piece of your writing aloud), receive coaching and feedback if you wish, and enjoy the co-creative process together.
These optional boot camps are incredibly popular with our participants as a simple yet super- effective structure for getting down to business!
You can join us for the entire six-hour time frame, or you can come to the segment that works for you. We meet up via Zoom at the beginning and end of the boot camp, with the time in between being your time to write and/or take action toward your platform-building goals.
One of the best parts is our Q&A and conversation time together during the afternoon gathering, where you can read something you’re working on (a chapter, blog, website content, or another key piece of writing), get feedback on your ideas, ask burning questions, and receive lots of coaching . . . plus great inspiration from the whole group.
BOOT CAMP DATES
Saturday, February 28
Saturday, March 21
Saturday, April 11
THE BOOT CAMP STRUCTURE
Opening Circle — 10:00 – 11:00 am Pacific time:
Group gathering via Zoom . . . time to set your intentions for the day, get direction, writing prompts, and lots of motivation for your work session!
Four-hour self-directed work session
Closing Circle — 3:00 – 4:00 pm Pacific time:
2nd group gathering via Zoom . . . Q&A time, share your work (read a piece of your writing aloud), receive coaching and feedback if you wish, and enjoy the co-creative process together.
Focusing on:
branding, messaging, website essentials, SEO, social media,
content marketing, podcasting, public speaking, publishing options,
the craft of storytelling, the must-knows of writing & editing,
how to truly build a vibrant online community . . . and more
Over the past three years, we have been fortunate to have some of the most knowledgeable, talented, and extraordinary individuals join us during our live Book Incubator sessions – offering their best advice, insights, and specific instruction for making the most of the author-entrepreneur journey. While each Incubator includes exciting new guests – joining us live during key Wednesday sessions – the library of recorded videos from our previous five Incubators is a genuine treasure trove of expertise that you can put to use right away or over time.
(The value of our growing library currently stands at $10,000.)
Here are some of the remarkable teachers and guides accessible in our video library.
SEO basics, website essentials, and more
What publishers look for in a potential new author
Social media essentials and how to make it fun
How to grow a highly engaged, global community
Publishing options and online course creation
Building your podcast show – the basics
The pathway and the freedom of self-publishing
Messaging, tag lines, and website essentials
Building a brand around your book
Building your speaker platform
The art and craft of storytelling
Hybrid publishing and book marketing
Focusing on:
branding, messaging, website essentials, SEO, social media,
content marketing, podcasting, public speaking, publishing options,
the craft of storytelling, the must-knows of writing & editing,
how to truly build a vibrant online community . . . and more
Over the past three years, we have been fortunate to have some of the most knowledgeable, talented, and extraordinary individuals join us during our live Book Incubator sessions – offering their best advice, insights, and specific instruction for making the most of the author-entrepreneur journey. While each Incubator includes exciting new guests – joining us live during key Wednesday sessions – the library of recorded videos from our previous five Incubators is a genuine treasure trove of expertise that you can put to use right away or over time.
(The value of our growing library currently stands at $10,000.)
Here are some of the remarkable teachers and guides accessible in our video library.
SEO basics, website essentials, and more
What publishers look for in a potential new author
Social media essentials and how to make it fun
How to grow a highly engaged, global community
Publishing options and online course creation
Building your podcast show – the basics
The pathway and the freedom of self-publishing
Messaging, tag lines, and website essentials
Building a brand around your book
Building your speaker platform
The art and craft of storytelling
Hybrid publishing and book marketing
Are you ready to hold your feet to the creative flame?
When it comes to writing a book and publishing it, one of the most essential parts of that process is the act of sitting down and writing. There is no replacement for it.
Our 10-Day Writing Challenge is woven seamlessly into the structure of the Book Incubator for those of you who wish to take advantage of this extended writing sprint.
It takes place from Monday, March 16th through Wednesday, March 25th!
If you choose to accept this challenge, the power and pleasure of gaining forward momentum will be unmistakable. The basic architecture of the 10-day challenge includes:
We recommend choosing a word count goal that stretches and excites you without being overwhelming. Your goal could be 500, 800, or 1,000 words—for example. Simply find the number that lights you up and commit to it for each of the ten days.
Alternatively, if you would prefer your goal and commitment to be time-based rather than based on the number of words written, choose a writing window that feels doable and inspiring to you. Is it 20 minutes each day? 30 minutes? A full hour? You can experiment with shorter and longer windows! The key is to commit to using that allotted time with a singular, laser focus on your writing.
Also, what is the best time of the day for you to write? Early morning, afternoon, post-dinner, or perhaps late in the evening? Whatever you choose, allow that timeframe to be one of your top priorities during the 10-day challenge.
In addition to the connection provided during our live weekly sessions, you will receive daily emails in your inbox for the 10 days of the challenge. Not automated messages, but real, impassioned cheerleading from two people who know the power of a challenge… and a deadline.
This Writing Challenge Zoom call (completely optional) is an opportunity to report how your writing commitment is going. The date and time of this gathering will be announced at the start of the Book Incubator.
On each day of the challenge, if you would like to share with us the number of words you’ve written or the amount of time you’ve devoted to writing, we would love to know! All you need to do is “reply” to our daily writing challenge email, jot down your numbers, and hit send. We’ll keep track with you as you go!
You can take a structured approach or a more intuitive or free-wheeling approach to the challenge. Or you can mix it up – and try both ways of accomplishing your writing goals.
A structured approach is where you let your word-count goal or time-based goal lead the way. Also, if you already have a working outline for your book, you might decide in advance of each writing session to focus on a particular chapter, or story, or a part of the process your book may be based on (depending on your genre: self-help, teaching memoir, etc.).
An intuitive approach would be led by your connection with your inner self and/or the divine (by whatever name you resonate with) — where you simply ask for guidance and inspiration. “Show me the way. Guide me. What is most important for me to write about today?”
We find that many writers like the alchemy of both approaches! For example, you might set an 800-word goal and ask to be guided from a deep place in your heart or soul as your fingertips meet the keyboard. Mix it up and discover what works for you. The daily emails you’ll receive will support any variation on these approaches!
What many in the industry don’t tell you is that spending money and following a formula doesn’t guarantee success. It isn’t enough. You need desire, talent, drive, time, and a strong platform – these are the 5 Pillars to making your dream of writing a book come to fruition.
In the Incubator Program, we will show you how to grow these five pillars into a rock-solid foundation for writing your book and expanding your platform, one that can support you and your career for the rest of your life . . .
In this context, desire is a deep and burning calling to bring your message forward. This desire feeds inspiration and gives you the fuel to focus on the next three. foundational pillars.
Talent, in this setting, includes your innate gifts and the skills you possess. As you uncover these more fully and expand them, you will simultaneously become a more effective and powerful writer and communicator.
Drive is your passion in action. In this case, it’s the initiative, energy, and momentum you bring to your writing and platform-building. Your work ethic and drive are intimately interconnected.
Time is your creative canvas; your clean slate. Prioritizing time for your writing and platform-building activities is one of the keys to your success as an author and as a leader in your field.
Your platform is your structure for success. Figuratively and literally, it’s your podium for reaching the world – your website, social media streams, podcast, and more. It’s the golden key to having a book that sells.
2 payment options available
We’re hosting a live Zoom call where we will share the game-changing details of our 2026 Book Incubator.
Wednesday, February 4 – 12:00 – 1:00pm Pacific Time
Register today for this free call.
(We’ll also send you the video recording if you can’t be there live.)
Our weekly live gatherings take place on Zoom — ten consecutive Wednesdays:
Call time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Pacific time
Wednesday, September 11
Wednesday, September 18
Wednesday, September 25
Wednesday, October 2
Wednesday, October 9
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 23
Wednesday, October 30
Wednesday, November 6
Wednesday, November 13
Special Note: Each of the Wednesday sessions is recorded
with the replay made available within 24 hours. So you never have to miss a thing!
September 21
October 5
November 2
Saturday Boot Camp Structure and Hours:
TOTAL HOURS: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pacific time (6 hours)
How the Boot Camp days unfold . . .
Opening Circle — 10:00 - 11:00 am Pacific time:
Group gathering via Zoom . . . time to set your intentions for the day, get direction, writing prompts, and lots of motivation for your work session!
Four-hour self-directed work session
Closing Circle — 3:00 - 4:00 pm Pacific time:
2nd group gathering via Zoom . . . Q&A time, share your work (read a piece of your writing aloud), receive coaching and feedback if you wish, and enjoy the co-creative process together.
Taking place for fifteen consecutive days
within the Book Incubator container —
September 30th through
November 14th.
Our Level 2 Book Development Program
Your next step after emerging
from the Incubator?
After the Incubator Program, you will be fully prepared to continue onward – writing your book and expanding your author platform in meaningful ways.
The conception of your book will be fully realized. The gestation period will be underway.
For those who would like to continue working with us, we have designed the 6-week Momentum process, which includes (1) small group coaching, (2) private coaching, (3) an online writing retreat, and (4) getting our eyes and hands on your pages – receiving editorial review and direction.
In short, this is an intensive focus on your book and the acceleration of your writing process with both of us at your side.
Due to the in-depth nature of our editorial coaching and support, there are typically 5-6 positions available in each Momentum group. Please note: The Incubator Program is a prerequisite for Momentum.
For more details about this exclusive process, please contact us here.
Our Level 2 Book Development Program
Your next step after emerging
from the Incubator?
After the Incubator Program, you will be fully prepared to continue onward – writing your book and expanding your author platform in meaningful ways.
The conception of your book will be fully realized. The gestation period will be underway.
For those who would like to continue working with us, we have designed the 6-week Momentum process, which includes (1) small group coaching, (2) private coaching, (3) an online writing retreat, and (4) getting our eyes and hands on your pages – receiving editorial review and direction.
In short, this is an intensive focus on your book and the acceleration of your writing process with both of us at your side.
Due to the in-depth nature of our editorial coaching and support, there are typically 5-6 positions available in each Momentum group. Please note: The Incubator Program is a prerequisite for Momentum.
For more details about this exclusive process, please contact us here.
Our weekly live sessions take place on the following ten consecutive Wednesdays:
The Zoom link is provided upon registration for the Book Incubator. Additionally, each Tuesday we will send you a reminder email that includes the Zoom link again (so you never have to hunt for it).
Although joining us for the weekly sessions is optimal, we completely understand that either your schedule or a time zone difference may not make it possible to be with us on every call.
We record every session and the replay videos will be sent to you within 48 hours each week.
The Saturday schedule for each Boot Camp day:
–Opening Circle on Zoom: 10:00 am – 11:00 am Pacific time
–Self-directed work session: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Pacific time
–Closing Circle on Zoom: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pacific time
The Zoom link is provided upon registration for the Book Incubator.
Note: The Writing Boot Camps are optional but highly recommended. Also, these sessions are not recorded.
Starting on Monday, March 16
Concluding on Wednesday, March 25
The details of the Writing Challenge are provided after the Book Incubator has gotten underway.
While participating in the Writing Challenge is also optional, it can be utilized as a simple yet highly motivating structure for adding to the potency of your incubation process.
Our area of expertise is nonfiction — with a special focus on transformational self-help books and teaching memoirs (a hybrid of memoir and self-help).
That said, we welcome writers whose focus is fiction if they wish to (1) utilize the Book Incuabator to further cultivate their ability to reach and connect with their readers through the quality of their storytelling. And (2), if they would like to build or expand their online community and author platform. The crystal clear information and guidance we provide that focuses on topics such as website essentials for authors, social media strategies, podcasting, public speaking, publishing pathways, and more are useful to both nonfiction and fiction writers.
Due to the large group format of the Book Incubator, private coaching is not included inside the Book Incubator. However, if you would like to schedule one or more private coaching sessions with us during or after the Incubator, as a separate add-on, please contact Debra: debra@bookdoulas.com.
Upon registration, you’ll receive a program Agreement form that includes all of the details of the Book Incubator, including the cancellation policy. Here is the essence of our policy:
Once registered, we do not offer refunds and there are no cancellations. We do, however, make exceptions for any family or personal crisis, meaning a serious life/health issue or a death in the family. In these instances, participants can request a leave from the program and join us on the next go-around.
“We would love to have you join us in an ongoing conversation about how to make
your dream of becoming an author and a leader in your field a brilliant reality.”
~Kristine & Debra
“We would love to have you join us in an ongoing conversation about how to make your dream of becoming an author and a leader in your field a brilliant reality.”
~Kristine & Debra
Fill in the form below to book a 15 min no-obligation consulting session.
