How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get to be an expert at writing books?

I've always been good at writing--I have a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's of fine arts in creative writing nonfiction. Right out of college as an undergraduate, I got my first professional writing job as an editorial assistant for an editorial and publishing services firm. Aside from working in Barnes & Noble, this was my first experience in the publishing world. While working there, I ghosted and edited articles and books for the company's clients, who were professional speakers, coaches, executives, and consultants who had a big message they wanted to get out into the world. And the book was their vehicle for doing that because it allowed them to reach larger audiences, stay with people for longer, and actually change the way their readers thought about the world, which, if you really think about it, is a power that only a book possesses.

I know how overwhelming writing a book can feel -- it's hard to get organized, it's hard to get started, and it's hard to find the time to actually do the writing. And when you do get a chance to write, you don't know where to start and easily get distracted. Plus, it's an extension of yourself, in a way, that's sent out into the world to represent you and your ideas. So you want it to be really good, right?

I remember the first book I worked on -- I was excited and completely nervous all at once. At the time, I was working at the self-publishing company and I had been there a few months—long enough to prove my stuff, and my boss gave me my first book project. On one hand, I was excited by the challenge -- it was my first book, a big step up for someone who'd only written five-page articles! But then reality started to sink in. I had to write a book -- a whole book -- all by myself!

Just the thought of starting a project so big was overwhelming. But at that point I was stuck -- I had to do the book because it was my job. So I dove in and started working. It was something that I had to figure out. I looked at other books (both good ones and bad) and how they were constructed, how the material was organized, how the author used stories and example, and how the author led the reader through their information. I read, I analyzed, and looked for clues as to what made the books successful.

In this process I learned that books are based on a formula—fiction, nonfiction—they all have certain pieces that make them work as a whole. All books, particularly nonfiction books, have core elements that are arranged and compiled in ways that engage their readers, communicate their expertise in the absolute best way, and ultimately compels their readers to take action. Once I had all the elements of the book essentially figured out, I just had to put them together.

As a person who makes a living working on books, figuring out this system was HUGE! It made my life so much easier. Since leaving the publishing company and starting my own editorial consulting business in 2006, I've used this system, or a version of it, for almost every project I've worked on and it's the same system I teach my clients.

But that's not all there is to it. When I went back to school to get my master's degree in 2007, I had to write a 150-page thesis manuscript, in addition to other school work, reading, and my work and home responsibilities. I learned pretty quickly that the best way to write a project of that length when you have a million other responsibilities is to break it into small, manageable pieces. If you're running a business or have a family or a full-time job, then you can know what it's like not to have time. In your heart you know that writing a book will make big things happen for you, but in your head you know that taking time to write a book means working more without getting paid for it, or reducing your number of clients and making less, or giving up something else that's important to you.

This isn't a sustainable way to get a book done, and I encourage my clients to not only develop a writing practice they can easily manage, but also to give themselves time to let the project grow. As you're writing your book, you'll evolve as a person because the writing process requires you to think about your experiences in ways that you may never have done before. And you'll learn a lot about yourself and what you do in the process. Books tend to evolve out of this process.

My passion, aside from writing, is helping aspiring authors feel empowered by the writing process, feel confident in the manuscripts they produce, and get their book done so they can move on to bigger and better things.

Who are your clients, exactly?

I work with people just like you who have an important message they want to share with the world. Some want to share their personal experiences, and others need to write and publish to establish expertise and differentiate themselves and their business. My clients want to be seen as thought leaders, and they understand the importance of writing and publishing, in print and online, to achieve that. That said, my clients come from a variety of backgrounds and professions.

* Accountants and Financial Planners
* Athletes
* Attorneys
* Business Coaches
* Consultants
* Doctors
* Editors and Proofreaders
* Entrepreneurs
* Executives and Business Leaders
* Holistic Health and Wellness Practitioners
* Life/Personal Coaches
* Marketing Consultants
* Parenting Coaches
* Real Estate Agents
* Speakers and Trainers
* Virtual Assistants
* Yoga Teachers

What if you haven't yet worked with people in my field?

I have worked with a diverse array of professionals on a variety of different projects. But if I haven't worked with someone from your particular field, that's okay. The fundamentals of compelling, persuasive writing are universal. And whether or not your competitors are writing and publishing, I can help you and your unique expertise stand out. And we'll talk about it beforehand, just to make sure.

How are you different from other writing coaches?

Unlike many writing coaches, I only work with people who write nonfiction, including memoir, self-help, how-to, and business books. Many times, my clients don't consider themselves, first and foremost, writers. They are people who are working with me to develop their writing skills and complete their book. This makes my editing and coaching services unique and highly focused toward a particular result.

Because most of my clients aren't professional writers, I do lots of teaching and I've developed materials to make the entire writing process--from drafting to self-editing--easier. I also read and make suggestions for how to improve your writing every month you work with me.

What type of personality do you work best with, and what is expected of me?

The Writer's Sherpa programs were created for people who recognize the importance and value of writing is not only in the result, but also in the process, and people who are excited to find out how to make writing and publishing help them reach their goals. In other words, they are high achievers committed to making writing a regular part of their life.

I'm going to ask you to commit to writing-no more excuses-with lots of support from me as you work toward your goals.

What exactly is your system and what does it include?

Writing your best book is a combination of strategy, planning, writing, and revising. Here's what we'll work on:

1. Make writing a priority. Writing is like exercise, it's a practice that you can get good at, but you have to work at it consistently. The first thing we'll look at is how you're spending your time and come up with a regular writing schedule that is both manageable and sustainable for you.

2. Profile your ideal audience. One foundation of good writing is attention to the reader. We'll work together to get clear on who your ideal reader is and what your book offers them.

3. Get clear on your book's topic and what it's REALLY about. Understanding how your material and information makes life better for your reader will allow you to write in a way that speaks directly to their most pressing wants and needs.

4. Drafting your book. I'll be with you thorughout this process, offering coaching, motivation, and accountability, as well as strategies to make getting your first draft written as easily as possible.

5. Polishing your draft. We'll work together to clean up your draft and get it ready to publish. I'll reveal all my secrets for self-editing your work, and making your book more valuable to readers.

6. Preparing for publication. This step is customized to meet your needs and publishing strategy. Sometimes I help clients get their web site together, and other times I help them with a book proposal. I can help you decide the best route to publication for you, and help you get your book ready.

By the end of our time together, your book will be ready to go. Plus you'll know the process, which can be used over and over again for all the books you'll write in the future.

What results can I expect?

You can expect to:

• Get your book done;
• Feel confident in your manuscript;
  
• Hone in on what your ideal readers want and what they're willing to pay to find out;
• Create a compelling book and platform that will hook your readers and get them to contact you;
• Use simple techniques that dramatically improving your written materials;
• Find writing easier than you ever imagined it could be;
• Develop writing habits that are painless to maintain and continually produce pages and new material;
• Feel more confident sending your work out for publication;
• Actually finish the writing project you've been putting off;
• Get targeted, specific feedback on your writing every month;
• Learn how to submit your work for publication;
• Be accountable to your goals;
• Get a stack of checklists, templates, samples, and tip sheets you can use every time you write;
• And learn writing skills that you can use every day, forever!

How quickly can I expect results?

Obviously, this depends a lot on you, and how much you put into the assignments and your writing. That said, you'll start writing in our first week working together, which means you can see results (such as improved writing skills, clarity about your project, and motivation to write your book) right away.

How can I guarantee myself that I will get my book done with this program?

Do the writing and assignments. And understand that writing is a practice--the more you do it the more results you see. I will do everything in my power to make sure your writing improves and you have everything you need to write and publish successfully, but you have to do the work.

Will I recover the investment I put into this coaching program?

Yes! Getting your book written and published involves an investment, but you'll see so many new opportunities when you do it. Some examples are paid speaking engagements, books sales, and the ability to increase consulting fees.

Melinda, based on everything I've read and heard about you, I know you're the book coach for me. What are my options for working with you?

Congratulations! Your writing life is about to change!

I currently offer two different programs. If you are really serious about writing and publishing your book and you want to work with me one-on-one, then I offer four- and six-month one-on-one coaching packages that include two 45-minute phone calls per month and targeted feedback on everything you write while we're working together. And at the same time, we'll be working on the steps listed above--profiling your target market, honing your writing skills, and polishing your manuscript.

Signing up for my coaching program starts with a get-acquainted session. E-mail me at melinda@writerssherpa.com to set yours up now!

I also offer The FINALLY Write Your Book Program for aspiring business, self-help, and nonfiction authors. If you're a do-it-yourselfer who only needs guidance and occasional support, then this twelve-month program is for you. Every week for a year you'll get a book-writing lesson delivered to you by e-mail. We'll cover everything you need to write your book successfully and start building your following of eager readers, including solidifying your idea, figuring out what your readers want, organizing your material, writing and polishing your book, and setting up your marketing systems. This program includes monthly assignments and feedback on key sections of your manuscript, plus opportunities for one-on-one coaching from me wtih monthly open office hours.

To find out all the details of this program, visit my information page here: The FINALLY Write Your Book Program.

If I'm not sure I'm ready to get started, is there a way I can sample your work at a low cost?

A way to sample The Writer's Sherpa programs is by subscribing to the weekly e-mail newsletter. The WRITE Path E-zine provides you with writing tips and publishing strategies, plus updates and offers on programs offered exclusively to subscribers. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to write and publish to grow their business. Subscribe here.

Okay, I'm ready to do this for myself, but I have a few questions. Can I call you?

Good--you're one step closer to your writing success! And yes, if you have questions, send me an e-mail to arrange a phone call. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. I can't wait to meet you, and am honored to be the one to help you write and publish to your true potential. Let's get going! 

Contact me to get started!