Does an Author Need a Book Coach??

Do coaches help you achieve better author results? A look at the recent Olympic Games can shed some light on the topic.?

Many elite and Olympic athletes have coaches, and some have multiple coaches, such as nutritionists and mental performance coaches.

Major league baseball teams have a team of coaches, including a bench coach, first and third base coach, hitting coach, strength and training coach, and more.

?? ??This brings me to the role of a book coach. You may have wondered what a book coach can do for you and whether you need one.

I'm not an Olympian—not even close. When I decided to train for a marathon, I knew I needed help and support to achieve my goal. I'm the gal who is sometimes allergic to exercise. I even got a doctor's note to get out of the gym one semester in high school. My good intentions to train for and complete a marathon could easily be sidetracked and abandoned.?

Joining Team in Training [TNT], The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's excellent program that offers professional sports training in exchange for fundraising efforts, was the best thing I did for myself.

I am proud to have raised thousands of dollars for the organization. TNT even sent a coach with me for the race. They were with me every step of the way on race day - no easy task as there was an ice storm.

Honestly, I wouldn't have completed the Dublin Marathon without their training and support.?

Do people complete Olympics, marathons, and write books without coaches? Sure.?

"If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do, and you'll achieve the same results." - Tony Robbins.

How can a book coach help you become a successful author??

A book coach can support, inspire, and help you achieve your goal of being a successful, published author in several ways.?

First, it's important to note that all book coaches aren't alike. They bring different skill sets, experiences, and the scope of their work with you. It's essential to find out their background and what is covered under their 'book coaching' services or programs.

Here is a look at what is possible within the universe of book coaching:?

?? Get clarity around your book idea?

A common refrain I hear from authors is that they have a lot of book ideas and aren't sure which one to write, or they have some loose ideas but don't have clarity around how to connect them cohesively.?

?? Vet your book idea

Any topic or piece of content can be turned into a book. However, knowing if your topic has a market and aligns with your business goals is important.

?? Help you craft a clear and compelling vision for your author journey

Another common obstacle I hear from aspiring authors is that they are overwhelmed by the idea of writing, publishing, and promoting a book and don't grasp the big picture and steps they'll need to take. It's easier to move forward with a roadmap.?

?? Hold a bigger vision for you - so you create some 'stretch' goals

Many aspiring authors come to me and say they are ready to be more visible and scale, yet they are afraid to or hold back from thinking really big. A supportive coach can encourage them to think bigger and create a strategy to help them reach their goals.

?? Help you create an action plan

With so many available choices and moving parts to the writing and publishing process, it can take time to figure out where to start or what to focus on.? A seasoned book coach can help you create a streamlined and customized plan. Having a plan reduces overwhelm and stress.?

?? Help you uncover and overcome mindset obstacles and blocks

Even the most successful people run into mindset issues when they think about writing a book and putting themselves out there. A coach can help you identify and move past blocks more easily so they don't derail your author dreams.?

?? Eliminate the need for you to get your Ph.D. in publishing?

While anyone can self-publish a book, there is a sizeable learning curve. Rather than take time away from your zone of genius and cut into your work and leisure time, a book coach can be your professional guide and help you craft a professional product that will help you attract ideal clients.

?? Streamline the process - they can actually save you money

While book coaches can be hired from affordable to premium rates, working with one often saves you money. Some coaching packages include book layout and design services or can direct you to make better hires, saving you from costly hiring mistakes or poor results that require budget-busting do-overs.

?? ?? Some coaches only focus on the writing aspect of your book. Great content is essential, but you need more than just writing to get your book in front of your ideal readers. So you'll want to know if your coach will help you set author goals and create a strategy to help you achieve them or if you need to tackle that on your own or with a full-service coach.?

Coaches can also hold you accountable, answer questions, talk you off a ledge, be your best cheerleader, and more.?

If you are thinking of writing a book and would like to explore working with a book coach, I invite you to a conversation.

Here is what a client has to say about the experience of working with me:

When deciding on who to choose for a book coach, Jane is your choice. She has been amazing as a combination subject matter expert in all aspects of marketing, publishing and writing books and supplies never ending support and honest feedback, as well as freely sharing her personal and professional contacts.?

I can honestly say, I never could have done this without her. There are simply not enough superlatives to describe Jane!

Marya Triandafellos, Artist and Author, Career X: Expert Advice on How to Cultivate Your Career