Hi, I’m Ruthie Ackerman, author and founder of the Ignite Writers Collective.

I’ve worked with hundreds of writers at all stages of the writing process: from the seed of an idea to a polished book proposal or manuscript that’s ready for submission to strategizing a launch plan in the months before publication. My clients have become USA Today Bestsellers, have sold their books to Big 5 publishers and have snagged top-tier agents.

As an editor for 20+ years at prestigious outlets like ForbesWomen and Dow Jones, and an author myself who sold two memoirs to the Big 5, I’ve been on both sides, writing my own books and helping incredible authors tell their stories too. I know what the book marketplace is looking for and how to turn your vision into a book that sells. I’ll shine a light on the black box of the publishing industry and be in the trenches with you every step of the way from concept to launch. 

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Upcoming Classes

Upcoming Classes

8-Week January Jumpstart: Writing for Non-Writers

Next class: Starts January 13, 2026

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Book Proposal Intensive

Next cohort: Starts January 14, 2026

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Learn More About Ignite Writers Collective

The Spark is a newsletter for book nerds who have FOMO for what everyone’s talking about at the coolest lit parties, but don’t want to leave their house (if they don’t have to).

This is where you’ll find my musings on how to get your writing out of your head and onto the page, my rantings and ravings about the patriarchy, the rituals, routines and recommendations of some of your favorite authors, designy stuff I love, #realtalk on how to cross the finish line of whatever you’re working on (an essay, book proposal, manuscript, or even just digging in the sandbox of your ideas), and my behind the scenes adventures in writing my own book.

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What Past Clients Have to Say

  • "Writing a book at all is hard. Writing a book alone is even harder. Ruthie’s writing class is the ideal combination of emotional support, feedback on your writing, and the authentic belief that you can and will bring your book to life.”

    - Barrett Brooks, Executive Coach

  • “The consistent encouragement and guidance I received from Ruthie and her class has given me both the confidence and insight to achieve my goals of becoming a published author.”

    -Rachael McMullan, Writer and Birth Trauma Advocate

  • “The writing community she assembles combined with her perspective, insight, and structure helped me take my book idea from a vague concept to a developed manuscript. I now have the confidence, tools and momentum to get words on the page and make my vision a reality.”

    - Kaarsten Turner, Writer and Conservationist

  • “Ruthie’s class and the web of people she’s weaving have become the community I needed for support, accountability, and consistency. I’m pinching myself to have just signed a book deal with a major publisher, and Ruthie’s editing support on my proposal, industry contacts, writing class facilitation, and overall encouragement were essential.”

    – Carla Fernandez, Author of Renegade Grief, Impact Strategist, Facilitator and Co-Founder, The Dinner Party

  • “Before I met Ruthie, my book outline was at a standstill and I wasn’t sure how I would move forward. Ruthie was able to see right to the heart of my story, and reorganized my outline so that I had a solid foundation to work from. In less than a year, she helped me get from stuck, to a finished proposal, to having an agent!”

    – Alexis Barad-Cutler, Founder, Not Safe for Mom Group, and Co-Founder, Chamber of Mothers

  • “The peerless Ruthie Ackerman performed triage on 146,000 words. She saw me better than I saw myself, made firewalking seem fun and easy, and helped me spot my personal and professional blindspots. She also taught me the joys of a shared Google doc, renewed my faith in my own abilities and helped me stay true to my original seed and vision.”

    – Moon Unit Zappa, Author of Earth to Moon, Actress, Singer