What Does a Book Publishing Coach Do?
You’ve probably heard people say, “I was today years old when I learned [insert the blank]” to express their amazement upon learning something they probably should have known sooner.
I’m one of them. Whether it’s song lyrics, Hollywood stuff or newsworthy things from “before my time,” life hacks, or just random facts, I frequently find myself having “today years old” moments.
As a book editor and book publishing coach for more than seven years, I’ve worked with dozens of authors who will readily admit, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” as the saying goes.
When it comes to publishing a book, there can be a lot to learn.
The problem is that it can be embarrassing, disappointing, frustrating, or even costly to wait to find out vs. trying to learn along the way before it’s too late.
These days, it’s common for authors to hire out guidance as they go through the publishing process.
Whether you’re self-publishing or traditionally publishing, you may find, as many authors do, that a publishing coach can make a big difference in how (and how well) you publish your book.
If you’re curious and wondering, “What does a book publishing coach do?” and you’re thinking about hiring a coach to help with your book, this short article is for you.
Some time ago, I wrote a longer article about the different kinds of book coaching. Keep in mind that you may not need each type, and that just because someone claims to be a “book coach” or an “author coach” doesn’t mean they can help you in all phases of your author journey. Coaches may specialize in one or more of the different types of coaching.
Why hire a book publishing coach for help with traditional publishing?
A book coach offers traditionally published authors mentorship, guidance, and personalized support throughout the publishing process.
What does a book publishing coach do?
A book coach can . . .
Help you write and sharpen your author query letter and book proposal
Help you find publishers and agents that may be interested in your book and help you pitch your manuscript to them
Once you get a book deal, provide support with the manuscript transmittal, copy editing, design, proofreading, and indexing stages of the traditional publishing process (guides you through the traditional publishing process, step by step)
Assist with pre-sales, marketing questionnaires, book marketing plans, and in building your author platform so you can sell more books
Answer questions, help with long-term planning, and offer tips and strategies
A publishing coach can pull back the curtain on what it takes to succeed as a traditionally published author and can help you better navigate the traditional publishing process.
➡️See coaching calls and packages for traditional publishing
Why hire a book publishing coach for help with self-publishing?
A self-publishing coach offers will-be indie authors mentorship, guidance, and personalized support in navigating the self-publishing process.
What does a self-publishing coach do?
A book coach can . . .
Help you select the best self-publishing platforms and formats for your book
Guide you through the self-publishing process, step by step, and help you publish to Amazon KDP
Advise on your book’s design, description, and details, including title, keywords, categories, pricing, and pre-orders
Optimize your book visibility and sales, especially on platforms like Amazon KDP
Offer tips on book marketing and publicity so you can sell more books
Answer questions, help with long-term planning, and offer tips and strategies
➡️See coaching calls and packages for self-publishing
Some great alternatives to book publishing coaching:
➡️Take the Traditional Publishing Process online course for nonfiction authors
➡️Take the Step-by-Step Self-Publishing Process online course for nonfiction authors
Some coaches offer one-off coaching calls, book coaching packages, online DIY courses, or email courses.
Take care to hire a book coach who is a fit for you and your goals and who you feel comfortable working with. Be sure to hire someone who has experience working with authors in your genre, and be sure you’re open to advice and feedback. It can be an incredibly empowering and rewarding experience.
In recent months, authors I’ve worked with have not only said that the entire process was helpful and stress-relieving; several have rocketed to the top of the Amazon rankings, attracted the attention of major media outlets, scored book deals that they never expected, and have been excited and energized for the future with my help, and I love hearing of their success.
For more tips and how-tos for publishing your book, you can access my articles related to publishing by clicking here.
For a longer article about book coaching, see “What Is a Book Coach?: Writing, Publishing, and Marketing Coaches for Authors.”