Start by getting clear on what kind of support you need — editorial feedback, accountability, or both. Then look for coaches with a proven track record in your genre, verifiable client results, and a clear methodology. Ask for referrals from authors you admire, search LinkedIn, and check who's speaking at writing conferences. Always book a discovery call before committing — the relationship matters as much as the credentials.

The right writing coach is your link to the world outside your head, and a valued team mate or even partner. They can extract what you know and do in a way that adds value to not just your audience, but to your business overall. I’ve seen, experienced and been part of processes where the author has unlocked a strategic business problem that has been bugging them for years!

A book coach is your best ally if you want to write a high-quality non-fiction book that actually serves your business and your readers. Unlike a ghostwriter (who writes it for you) or an editor (who refines a finished draft), a book coach works alongside you to develop your idea, structure your content, and guide you through every stage — so the finished book is genuinely yours, and you understand how to talk about it with authority.

Remember, the more personal the service, the more involved the coach is, or experienced they are, then the more you will pay for that service. So be clear on what you are paying for and why. Is it your first book for a fairly new business, or one you really want to push the benchmark on and really establish yourself?

Make budget choices that make you comfortable so that you’re not overstretching, but also make sure you have skin in the game!

Not all coaches are editors; and not all editors are coaches. That is a very big distinction! There are amazing editors out there who may not have the skill that it takes to draw out concepts and ideas from the author. Equally, while some coaches make awesome champions, they may not have same eye for detail, understanding of audience or market relevance as an editor. I’d say the best coaches are macro, as well as micro focused – but delivery is important. 

The first step is a Clarity Call — a short, free conversation to talk through your book idea, where you're at, and what kind of support makes the most sense for you. From there, we'll map out the right path forward. There's no obligation, just clarity.

Ask these questions when assessing a potential coach:

1. What do you think you most need from this relationship? 
2. What does your potential coach feel you need help with, and how will they address that? 
3. What is the process you will use to collaborate? 
4. What kind of ‘feedback’ should you expect and how will they deliver that?
5. What is their experience in this area/genre with people like you?
6. Who are some of their clients and what have they achieved as a result?
7. What other kind of publishing advice can they provide?
8. What will happen if you do not deliver on deadlines?
9. What will be your responsibility and what will be theirs?
10. What will the final outcome be? 

The answers to these questions will help you determine whether a particular coach will be a good fit for you.

People turn to coaches for many reasons – for critical and objective feedback, publishing industry expertise and advice, emotional support during what can be an incredibly lonely and uncertain time, and of course, accountability to make sure deadlines are reached (and NOT repeatedly extended).

Imagine if we gave potential pilots the following instructions, ‘just go away and chat to a few people who have flown a plane before, read a few blogs or books, do a bit of practice online in a simulator, then come back in 6 months’ time and we’ll see how many fatal crashes you’ve had.’

That’s a pretty scary proposition, right?

So, it makes sense that anyone who wants to ‘become something’ and become something great, not just OK – a pilot, athlete, leader or even author – needs a logical system to follow and, more importantly, guidance through that system to be successful (and minimise their chance of crashes).

This is the essential role a book coach plays for authors. Yes, we give experienced and professional editorial feedback, but we also motivate and direct you, and give you the support you need to get the job done, and done well.

This brings together my 10 years’ worth of knowledge and experience, as well as my established working relationships with the best in the business of books. There is nothing else like this around. (Serious.)

New to this, have a tight budget and need to get off to a flying start? Join Author Kickstart.

Ready to add value to your business within a tight timeframe and need 1:1 support? Join Author Accelerate.

My authors have won awards and signed publishing contracts in both options. The most important decision you can make is to start

This program meets you where you’re at. I’ve had people join before with absolutely no idea and others with the makings of half a book. As long as you want all the opportunities that come with writing a non-fiction book, you’re in the right place.

If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Bottom line is that there’s a significant amount of things I’m going to ask you to learn and implement.

But you’re not going to do all the things, all at once. As long as you’re willing to invest a few hours each week and reach out for help if you get stuck, you can do this!

My promise to you is that you’ll always feel like EVERYTHING you’re doing is bringing you one step closer to the end goal of a book and all the rewards and fulfillment it offers.

The short answer is: yes. You will need to consider costs like hiring an editor, designer, printer, publisher, and marketer. I can’t tell you how much those will be since every author’s writing and publishing choices are different. What I can tell you is that this program will SAVE you time and money.

First up, I’m going to explain all the pieces of the puzzle. Then, I’m going to help you make wise choices using my Directory of Trusted Suppliers (this will save you from going down the rabbit-hole of sourcing quotes from multiple suppliers). Plus, my special relationships means you also have access to discounted services.

Getting you ‘unstuck’ and keeping you on track is what I’m here for.

1. I run (and record) fortnightly group workshops involving Q&A, training, guest experts and authors.

2. You'll have the keys to my Coaching Vault, where you can access EVERY workshop I have ever run (there’s over 50 sessions!). You can literally get ‘unstuck’ in a matter of minutes.

3. You’ll be a part of an active and highly supportive Facebook community full of go-getters who are on the exact same journey as you. I will strategically “match make” you with 2 other peers as Focus Friends so you can meet regularly and keep each other supported and motivated.

4. And if you’re *really* stuck or struggling? I offer paid 1:1 coaching sessions.

You’ll never be a “lonely writer” again.

On average, it’ll take 4-6 dedicated months to get a book from initial idea to final edit. The Fast-Track Project Plan maps out the entire process by weekly tasks so you hit the milestones toward your target deadline - and then beyond! It includes editing, designing, publishing and marketing, too.

You don’t need to retreat to a cave and ignore your family, friends and business. As a guide, you’ll get best results if you can allocate 5-7 hours per week implementing what you learn. Some weeks you will do more, and some, you’ll do less - that’s OK.

Lifetime. You’ll be able to move through and refer back to all the resources whenever you need, plus access any future updates (this is my signature program so I’m forever refining and adding new resources)