3 Ways a Book Coach Can Help You Write Your Non-Fiction Book

When I started my writing journey, I was on my own, isolated, and clueless. I knew I wanted to write, but beyond that, I had no process in place, no idea how to start, and publishing was something ‘other’ writers did.

Once I began connecting with the writing community, I discovered a world of advice and support that’s carried me from newbie to a multi-genre author with a traditional publishing contract.

My author journey has now evolved to include a book coaching service. I now have a platform to help other writers bring their books to life and begin their own journey.

What can you expect from a book coach?

Accountability

How many times have you started writing your book only to run out of steam? Have you lost interest in your work mid-way? How many unfinished manuscripts are languishing in your desk drawer?

Having an accountability partner in your corner helps to keep you moving forward with your project. It allows you to revisit anything that isn’t working and correct it before any writing blocks occur. The regular check-ins are vital for maintaining motivation.

A book coach will set writing goals with you and hold you to the deadlines you create. They are the voice in your ear that makes you sit your bum in the chair and crack on! On top of the accountability, they will also encourage, guide, and support you in various ways.

The mind monkey chatter can be intense when writing a book. You’ll hear ‘why am I bothering’ and ‘it’s all been said before’ swirling through your mind. A book coach offers a shoulder to lean on and a sounding board as the wave of uncertainty hits.

Critique

Besides setting a deadline and keeping you focused on your book, you’ll also need to submit portions of your work depending on how your coach works. With my group coaching programme, I get my clients to submit 1200 words every week.

Getting honest and regular feedback from a coach is vital. You are too close to your own project to see the holes or tangents. My work is always critiqued so I know I’m on the right lines and delivering the book I’ve promised my readers, and this is a service I offer in return.

The idea of someone else reading your work can be a huge stumbling block for many new writers. Embracing a coach’s safety net allows for a gentle support system to be put in place, which will encourage your creativity.

If you work with a coach who rips your work apart and adds fuel to the mind monkey chatter, then you’ve got the wrong coach! Critiques should help you navigate from a structural level and strengthen your language.

Inspiration

We all need to feel inspired as we unleash our creativity. Knowing that your book coach is walking the same path as you can be a huge benefit.

Reading widely and recommending the best books that will motivate you as you write is something I love to do. My clients know all about my ‘sharing the book love’ mantra!

A book coach should be an avid reader, and it helps to know they also understand the writing process. If you can’t meet a deadline because your kids are poorly or the car broke down, it’s nice to know they understand and can empathise. They will have navigated the same highs and lows while trying to meet a deadline of their own.

Be inspired by the dedication they put into their creative process.

How does a coaching programme work?

I offer 8-week coaching programmes in small groups. I find the energy of group work to be a powerful element when writing a book. Here’s how my coaching works; other coaches will have their way of working.

• Week 1 – How to Outline a Book

The first session is a 1:1 with each participant where we do an in-depth strategy session pinning down your book idea, ideal reader, writing goals, and a detailed outline for writing your book. (To get everyone to the same level this session needs to be 1:1 so we can dedicate 90-minutes to your project).

• Week 2 – Book Writing Goals

In the second session, you will meet your classmates on Zoom. We will go over any questions you have following your 1:1 and revisit the strategy session. You will commit to a deadline, and start to write your book introduction.

• Week 3 – Initial Book Chapters

Session three begins with a student check-in: are you on track? Do you have any questions? Feedback will be provided on your submission pages. You will continue writing the initial chapters. We will also look at creating your author platform.

• Week 4 – Book Motivation

Session four starts with a motivational boost. Are you feeling stuck? Are there any questions? Feedback will be given on your submission pages. You will continue to write your next chapters (by this point you should have your introduction and first 5-6 chapters)

• Week 5 – Book Case Studies

In session five, we explore using case-studies in your book, upselling options, and the opportunities to turn your book into a talk or workshop. We will cover any questions. Feedback will be given on your submission pages. You will continue to write your next chapters.

• Week 6 – Author Branding

We will cover everything you need to know about creating an author brand in session six, as well as publicity and sales. Feedback will be given on your submission pages. You’ll continue to write your next chapters.

• Week 7 – Book Editing

In session seven, we will look at the editing process and self-publishing vs a traditional publishing contract. Feedback will be given on your submission pages. You’ll write your next chapters.

• Week 8 – Good Title for a Book

In the final session, we work on your book blurbs and endorsements. We will also cover blogging for promotion and writing a foreword. We will finalise and craft the perfect book title. Feedback will be given on your submission pages. Congratulations – you’ve written your first draft!

• Book Completion

On completion, you will have access to a private Facebook Group for additional support. Plus access to my connections for editors, designers, publishers, etc. I can also offer a 1-hour follow-up call to tie up loose ends. 

“Shelley continues to give support and offers regular golden nuggets in her ongoing writing and accountability group. Shelley knows her stuff and highly recommend for anyone who is looking for support with writing.” Paula Caroline

What is the investment?

Yes, you could write your book on your own and not pay a penny. You could also be in the same position two or three years from now having not moved forward.

The investment you make in yourself and your book is money well spent. The skills you learn in my coaching programme can also be revisited for future projects.

My 8-week book coaching programme costs £1197 (next group starts w/c Monday 8^th March)

It’s worth noting that I’ve had clients pay for my 90-minute Strategy Sessions over and over again (£197) as they pick up long-forgotten manuscripts and start over from scratch. My strategy sessions are a great way to get started, but you will need to be self-motivated to take what you learn and keep going. It’s something I see time and again. If they had invested in the group coaching, they might have had one or two books in their catalogue by now!

Want to find out more?

Drop me an email if you would like further information about my coaching programme, my Strategy Sessions, or want to take advantage of my ‘Pick my Brain’ Power Hour.

Alternatively, if you’re ready to make that commitment, you can book my coaching programme HERE. (A payment plan can be provided, please email for details).