Book Coaching FAQ

How does it work?

When I’m working with a client on a non-fiction book proposal, we start by creating a blueprint. We go through a number of steps to really understand exactly what it is that the book is about, the best way of structuring it, who your audience is, what the gap in the market is and exactly what it is that you bring to the project. Then we move on to the proposal itself, including a detailed chapter outline and sample chapters. We go through as many rounds of edits as necessary to get each section of the proposal to a highly polished standard.

How do we do that?

I set deadlines for you every fortnight and you’ll receive detailed in-line edits each time, as well as notes on high level and structural concerns. We’ll get together on zoom calls regularly, work methodically through the blueprint and proposal, where we can bounce around your ideas and generally nut out any difficulties. I am here to give you guidance, support and accountability as well as to give you editorial feedback and to help you understand the market and your book’s place within it. After each call and/or round of feedback, you will know exactly which section you’ll be working on for the next deadline.

What technology/Apps do I need to use?

I use Word to give in-line edits. And I use email and Dropbox to communicate and organise files. All calls are done via Zoom and recorded for you to review at a later date.

Are you a qualified coach?

Yes I am! I am certified by Author Accelerator as a Non-Fiction Book Coach. Author Accelerator is one of the leading book coach training certification programs in the world and has extremely high editorial and ethical standards.

What’s in a Non-fiction book proposal?

Good question! You can download my guide to what’s in a non-fiction book proposal here.

What’s the difference between A book coach and an editor?

An editor gives editorial feedback on both a higher structural level and a detailed line level. A book coach does that too but can also provide other kinds of support for the writer such as; accountability, support growing their authority and personal brand as a writer, pitching to agents and general writing career coaching. It’s not just about the book you’re working on but also how the book fits into your wider career.

What’s the difference between a book coach and a ghostwriter?

A book coach does not write the book for you. They guide you through the process of writing it yourself. It’s your work, and you are the writer. If you are not sure if you need a book coach or a ghostwriter, get in touch and we can have a call to figure out what it is you need.

Can you help me pitch to agents?

Yes, this is something I can help with. I can pull together a list of agents who might be interested in your proposal, come up with a pitch strategy and support you with query letters (cover letters) that will help your submission get noticed amongst the hundreds of others they recieve each week.

Can you help me pitch to agents even if I didn’t work on the proposal with you?

I’m happy to help writers who have worked independently on their proposals with the pitch process. First I would need to do a thorough read though of your proposal to see if I agree it’s pitch ready. We can do this through a one off Book Brainstorm.

If I work with you am I garanteed to get an agent and a book deal?

No. I cannot garantee you’ll get an agent. Or a book deal. No one can promise that. There are just too many factors involved that are outside of our control. What I can promise, is that I’ll help you to write the best book proposal you can.

How much work is involved in writing a book proposal?

A lot. A book proposal is a very detailed roadmap for a book, as well as a business plan for that book. This might mean that if your book is research heavy, you may have to do some of that research to complete the proposal. It also means you’ll be writing sample chapters and detailed chapter outlines. Including sample chapters, your proposal may be 50 pages. The great thing about a solid book proposal is that it makes the book a lot easier to write when the time comes!

What if I miss deadlines?

Emergencies will inevitably happen (unexpected school closures, illness, bereavement, they happen!). If they do, get in touch with me ASAP to rearrange the deadline. Rearranging deadlines is for emergencies only. I will expect you to meet the fortnightly deadlines in order to get through the work. If your submissions are late, I won’t be able to garantee that I will return your edits on time.

Why is it application only?

I want to make sure that you and I are a good fit. Writing a book proposal is a big time commitment and I need to know that you are going to be able to meet the deadlines and that you have appropriate expectations (I don’t want you to fork over all the money to find out you fully expect a 6 figure book deal out of it!). I also want you to get a chance to understand what’s involved and how I work, so that you’re happy to jump in. If you would rather get started ASAP, the best way to do that is to book a Book Brainstorm with me. If after that one off session you want to do the full book proposal program, I am happy to deduct the cost of the session from the program price.

I have a deadline - can I put together a book proposal faster?

If you have a deadline - perhaps an agent that is already sniffing around very keen for a proposal from you and you’d like to move faster, it’s definitely possible. Book in a call with me and we can go through the options. A faster program will incur a rush fee.

I’m writing a memoir, do I need a proposal?

If you are writing a memoir, you’ll need a completed manuscript to pitch to agents. Some people pitch with a synopsis and manuscript (just as you would with fiction) and others with a full proposal and manuscript. It’s up to you but a full proposal will give you the best chance of securing an agent.

I don’t know if I want to write memoir or non-fiction, can you help me with that?

Yes! There are so many ways to approach life writing and we can use the blueprint process to figure out what is going to be best for you, whether that’s narrative memoir, non-fiction or a hybrid of both.

Do I need to have a complete Manuscript to get a non-fiction book deal?

No. It’s standard to sell a non-fiction book on proposal. Memoir, however, will need to be a complete manuscript.

Do you work with fiction writers?

No, I currently only work with non-fiction and memoir writers. If you are a fiction writer looking for a book coach, visit Author Accelerator who can match you with a suitable coach