About Sarah Bullen

Sarah Bullen has been coaching, editing and teaching writers since 2005. Sarah is a multi-published author and literary agent, and the author of numerous books on the art of writing, as well as books on spirituality and near-death experiences.

As the founder of The Writing Room, she has had over 180 books published by writers she has mentored.

She has taught writing craft to over 2,000 authors over 17 years of mentoring writers. Sarah also writes for magazines, including Marie Claire, Sunday Times and Men's Health. She offers publishing guidance and writing advice to thousands of readers worldwide. She is the author of Write Your Book in 100 Days,

Love and Above and her most recent book, The Other Journeys into Mysticism, Magic and Near-Death was published by Johnathan Ball in 2024.

MORE BACKGROUND

She had a ten-year career as an investigative newspaper journalist and editor before focusing on book publishing. She was the news editor of Summit TV and Business Day Radio, the financial editor of the Daily Mail and Guardian, launch editor of NetAssets, bureau chief of House and Leisure and has written for titles including; Euromoney, Euroweek, Sunday Times, The Guardian U, Men's Health, Cosmo, Women's Health.

Her role in books and publishing has been extensive, from consulting to publishing houses in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA, editing books and publishing. She has covered all aspects and has a deep industry knowledge of publishing, positioning books for a reader, and reader trends.

As a literary agent and writing mentor she is a frequent guest on publishing podcasts, talk shows, television and radio – speaking on publishing trends internationally and the publishing industry at large.

For the past six years she has been a speaker and panelist at writers’ conferences, literary festivals and writing schools.

READ THE BLOG

RITUALS +RITES

My NDE Story

A Timeline

Chapter 1

Financial Journalist

Sarah began her career in hard news journalism, spending ten years uncovering stories. She moved from roles as personal finance editor at the Mail & Guardian and radio news editor at Business Day Radio and into magazines. She founded a custom magazine publisher Gas Publishing and was the publisher and managing editor.

Chapter 2

From Newsroom to Authorship

In 2003, Sarah wrote her first book, Hey Baby! (Penguin). This leap launched her career as an author and book editor, showing her firsthand how books can transform both writers and readers.

Chapter 3

Cancer

Life changed dramatically when Sarah’s filmmaker husband was diagnosed with brain cancer at 38. CHowever, their world was turned upside down when her husband realized that his ‘entranced moments’ were actually symptoms of a brain tumor. Choosing to combat the cancer through African shamanic practices, the couple embarked on a journey into a mystical world of ritual and ceremony.

Chapter 4

Magazine boss to NDE survivor

During her husband’s final weeks, Sarah herself fell critically ill, entering a four-week coma and a near-death experience. Sarah returned from her coma with profound messages and a spark to follow. This experience became a roadmap that has inspired many, guiding them through their own challenges and spiritual journeys.

Chapter 5

Cancer and Transformation

From these experiences, Sarah dedicated herself to mentoring writers worldwide. Since 2007, she has coached over 2,000 authors, helping them shape their books through courses, retreats, and one-on-one mentorships. Her work is about more than writing – it’s about personal transformation through storytelling.

The Writing Room

Founded by Sarah in 2007, The Writing Room is a global community and mentorship program for authors. Through structured courses, personal coaching, and four annual retreats, writers are guided step by step from idea to finished manuscript.

17 years

of mentoring authors

200+

published authors (and counting)

90+

writers completing courses annually

100%

positive testimonials

The Writing Room focuses on craft, accountability, and consistency – not quick fixes. Lessons are delivered in clear, task-based emails with an accountability system, supported by live mentorship and community writing sessions. Authors can choose self-study programs, year-long mentorships, or immersive retreats in locations such as Lesbos, Greece.

What do we offer?

CONNECTION

You want a personal, honest and upfront connection while you formulate your story?

COMMUNITY

Writing is a solo journey, but being able to reach out to others who are on the same journey is important.

TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST

A mentor who can guide you and bring out the best in you, and your book.

GUIDANCE:

You are open to a creative method that is rich and deep, and to working with someone you can relate to and trust.

RESULTS

You want to go from thinking about your book to writing it and getting it published. I like books to be commercially viable - and over 200 published authors will show you that it works. At the end of our process, and if you really commit to it, you will have a book ready to publish.