Time We Discuss: Day in the Life of Book Coach - Big Help Making Authors
Watch/Listen to this Episode Day in the Life of Book Coach - Big Help Making Authors
In this episode of Time We Discuss, we learn what it's like to be a book coach (author coach) from Cathy Fyock. Cathy describes her role as a book coach, helping clients achieve their goal of writing a book, which is often a significant personal or professional milestone for them. Her typical day involves coaching sessions with clients, where she reviews their progress, provides feedback, and helps them overcome obstacles in their writing process. Cathy emphasizes that her job is not to edit or publish the books but to offer broad developmental editing, ensuring the book flows well, is clear, and effectively communicates the author's message.
Cathy also discusses her collaboration with a hybrid publisher, who handles the technical aspects of publishing, while she remains involved to provide moral support and guidance. A key aspect of her coaching is holding clients accountable by setting clear goals and timelines, typically aiming for them to complete their book within six months. This period, she explains, is ideal because it creates a sense of urgency and focus, preventing procrastination that often occurs with longer timelines.
Cathy's expertise lies in helping clients, particularly those writing nonfiction, business, or memoir books, to clearly articulate their message and target it towards their intended audience. Many of her clients find her through referrals or are repeat clients who appreciate the accountability and support she provides. She also generates new business through anthology projects, where multiple authors contribute chapters to a book, which serves as a stepping stone for them to write their own solo books.
Cathy shares that her shift from HR was sparked by a request from her National Speakers Association chapter to present on her book-writing process, which she had not initially recognized as a formal method. This led to her becoming a book coach, a role that she formalized by writing a book about how to write a book, thereby establishing her expertise in the field.
Cathy notes that many of her clients come to her either at the very beginning of their writing journey or when they are stuck after making some initial progress. She emphasizes the importance of starting with a strategic discussion about the book's purpose, which often reveals the underlying reason why clients may be struggling to finish their manuscript. Cathy's approach ensures that her clients not only complete their books but do so with a clear understanding of how the book will serve their broader professional or personal goals.
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