The Dirty Secret About Coaches and Experts Who Promise You a Nonfiction Book Deal

Over the past year or so I’ve seen an explosion of people teaching how to get a book deal. 

And while I’m all about entrepreneurship in any form I must tell you what I know as an industry insider about group programs, retreats, and coaching that promises to help you become a published author.

Most suck. 

Many are disingenuous and are self-publishing companies in disguise.

Others are well-meaning but out of touch with current trends and what publishers want.

And some regurgitate things that they learned from an actual publishing expert like me. 

(Yep, my work has been copied. Or, as my husband said, people stole my shit and sold it.)

The truth is, the majority of the offers I see online — of book coaches, of authors using their experience to teach, of guides and courses teaching how to write book proposals — aren’t worth your time or money. 

The first reason is what you learn. Most of the programs I have seen focus on writing the book itself — rather than the marketability of that book. 

And that’s a big deal because most authors don’t just want to write the book. They also want the book to sell and be read. Which is unlikely to happen if you don’t have an audience or if the concept isn’t proven.

Second, it’s important to do your due diligence on who you learn from. 

Many experts don’t specialize — meaning that their advice may not apply to the book you want to write. 

Or the “experts” are authors themselves whose only results are their own. When that happens, there’s almost always people behind the scenes who aren’t being credited. 

(Like the person who is writing this email.)

Not to mention that most book coaches don’t have experience working within publishing — which matters a lot when you want to get a book deal. Industry insiders (like me) will know what literary agents are looking for books like yours and know exactly what publishers want to see.

I’m writing this email because I want every author out there to have quality resources and education from reputable experts. 

Unfortunately, there’s no qualification or certification out there to prove that anyone — including me — can truly help you get a book deal. 

That said, those of us who have years of experience, who have worked with hundreds of authors, and who have receipts to show — are probably your best bet. 

It’s my hope and intention that my advice saves you time and money, and puts you in capable hands that you can trust with your book, your work, and your dreams.