“You should hire a book coach.”

What I know today is that hiring a book coach means the difference between a great book and a mediocre one. It also means the difference between a regular book launch and a best-earning book that leaves your legacy in the world in a powerful way. 

I listened to those words the first time and didn’t follow through. I was too scared. I didn’t want anyone to think I was a horrible writer. Oh, that fear of what others would think. I know I’m not alone there. 

When I got over the fear and the terrible impostor syndrome and adopted a beginner’s or learner’s mindset, a whole new passion for writing started, and coaching felt exciting. I wanted to know what I didn’t know. I wanted to get better at it. I was thrilled to learn what the pros could teach me and ready to learn what it took to turn people on with my writing. 

The best book-writing coaches I’ve ever had were able to ask me questions that helped me think about how I was expressing a scene on the page. They taught me to show the reader a scene versus telling it to them. I also hired writing coaches that helped me become a better blogger. Blogging is one of my favorite forms of writing and educating people. I love the easy-to-read style of a great blog, and I’m always attempting to get better at it. 

The best coaches for writing a book will help you understand great writing, but they’ll also help you understand your ideal reader and the business of having a book. They’ll help you decide what book you should be writing in the first place, as well as how to write it in a way your readers love, and that brings those readers from occasional readers to super fan status. They’ll help you understand how to launch a book and also how to sell that book well beyond the launch.

The best coaches have great coaches. You’ve heard that before, right? One of the reasons I love book coaching so much is because of my teachers, mentors, and coaches. The passion they have for the topic infused my cells and helped me spread that enthusiasm and knowledge. There are so many reasons to invest in a great book coach! 

5 Reasons Why You Need to Invest in a Book Coach 

1. To learn what you don’t know about writing, publishing, and launching and avoid rookie mistakes. 
2. To produce a spectacular, professional, high-quality book that sells.
3. To make sure your legacy is being left in the most powerful way possible.
4. To tap into a bigger network of writers and build your author community and platform.
5. To have a professional resource when you have questions, need support, or just need an ear. 

You know the why, but what about the how? I wish I’d had these guidelines when I was first out there dabbling with who and how to hire a great book coach. Here are some guidelines to think about when you’re starting this journey: 

Hiring a Book Coach: What to Remember

1. They are not all alike or the right fit. You should have a great feeling and a good personality match in your coach. Listen to your gut. If it feels off, it is.
2. They should be able to provide people who can vouch for them. Ask for references and check them. 
3. They should have authored a book and speak from experience. Ask and research it. 
4. They should have professional systems for scheduling, onboarding, and communicating. If it feels unprofessional, it is. 
5. They should love your genre and know how to talk about it. Make sure you invest the time to interview them and ask several questions to get a feel for this.
6. They should be able to move you through all aspects of the book process or refer for the aspects they don’t specialize in. Bottom line: Know what you’re paying for. Ask about what exact services they provide. 
7. Interview more than one person and understand their fees. The cheapest (or most expensive) coach is not necessarily the best. You will get what you pay for, but doing some comparisons will also help you not be taken advantage of when it comes to cost. 
8. Book coaches are not editors, and vice versa. Some are both. It’s good to understand what you want and need in terms of your project. 
9. Ask about publishing and launching strategy. It’s an important aspect of your book process, and some book coaches have more info than others about this crucial stage. 
10. Trust your instincts, and don’t compromise on your goals and dreams. This book is your legacy. Your coach feels that and is part of that journey. This should matter to them, too! 

At Brave Healer Productions, we coach the process of your book journey from ideation to bestselling launch and beyond. We know this matters to you. It matters to us, too. Your brave words are part of our ripple in the world. To schedule a chat with our publishing team, please contact support@lauradifranco.com