When you work with a nonfiction book coach, you get structure, feedback, and someone who helps you stay on track from the first conversation to the final revision. I’m Anne McAuley Lopez of Agency Content Writer, and I work with thought leaders, speakers, and business professionals who want to write honest, valuable books that support their business and their readers.
The process follows five clear steps. First, we start with a consultation to clarify your book idea and check for fit. Next, we build your structure and outline together. Then, we create a writing schedule that works for your real life. Throughout the writing phase, we meet regularly for feedback and accountability. Finally, we revise the complete draft until it’s ready for the next step.
Let me walk you through what working with a nonfiction book coach actually looks like, step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Coaching is a true partnership. Your nonfiction book coach provides ongoing accountability and expert guidance while you do the writing.
- The timeline is flexible. Most authors complete their manuscripts in three to twelve months, depending on their schedule and goals.
- You maintain complete creative control. A nonfiction book coach helps you organize and develop your ideas without taking over your voice or message.
What a Nonfiction Book Coach Does
A nonfiction book coach joins you before and during the writing process. Unlike an editor who polishes your completed draft, I help you write the right book from the beginning.
This means clarifying who your reader is and what they need. From there, we shape your raw ideas into a clear promise and outcome. Finally, we build a structure that supports that promise and create a writing schedule that fits your real life.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Everything begins with a conversation about your content or book ideas. Where are you now, and where do you want to be?
This first call usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. We talk through why you want to write this book, who you want to reach, and how you hope the book will support your business or platform. If you’ve already started writing, we talk about what exists and where you’re stuck.
This is also where we check for fit. You want to work with a nonfiction book coach who understands nonfiction, can speak to your industry at a high level, and feels like someone you can be honest with.
By the end of this step, you should have a clear sense of the next steps, pricing, and timeline. We’ll have a shared definition of success for your book.
Step 2: Clarify Your Core Message and Book Structure
Once we decide to work together, I help you pull the book out of your head and into a workable framework. You’ve got years of stories sitting in your head – hard-won lessons, client wins, and the kind of experience that could help someone else.
Your book might already be on your website through client testimonials, blog posts, and social media stories. We evaluate existing content first, then create new content to fill the gaps.
Together we’ll:
- Define the core promise of your book in one clear sentence
- Clarify your reader’s starting point and end point
- List your key stories, case studies, or speaking topics
- Group those ideas into sections and chapters
Many people come to me with ideas but no structure. That’s precisely where coaching helps most. We’ll clarify what your book is about and who needs to read it. From there, I’ll help you develop a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline. This outline becomes your roadmap, keeping you from wandering into side topics that can confuse your reader.
Step 3: Build a Realistic Writing Schedule
After the structure is set, we plan how you will write the book. Busy professionals rarely do well with “write every day, or you fail” pressure.
Instead, I’ll look at your calendar and energy patterns. From there, we’ll pick 2 to 4 focused writing blocks per week. I’ll help you break chapters into small, clear writing tasks. We’ll also adjust the plan for travel seasons, launches, or family needs.
Once a week of writing might be good enough for you. The timeline depends on how much time you can dedicate and how quickly you want to finish. Don’t be rigid about the plan and give yourself grace.
Writing tips here often sound simple: shorter writing sessions, a set start time, one clear goal for each session, a backup plan for bad days. If you’ve been away from writing for a while, we might start with a short habit reset period with low word counts to build momentum again.
Step 4: Regular Coaching Sessions and Feedback
Once the plan is in place, you start writing from the outline. Coaching sessions might happen weekly, every other week, or monthly, depending on your timeline.
During these sessions, we’ll review pages or chapters you’ve written. We talk through what’s working and where readers may get lost. We tighten your argument or framework so it feels clear and strong. If life changes your plans, we adjust your schedule accordingly.
Between calls, you get written comments on your pages. This mix of written feedback and live conversation keeps you from polishing the same chapter over and over while ignoring structural issues.
This is where the value of coaching really shows up. You’re not alone with your doubts. You have a guide who understands both writing and business. I don’t just tell you what to write and disappear. Instead, nonfiction book coaching means ongoing support, accountability check-ins, and guidance when you hit roadblocks.
Step 5: Revision and Next Steps
After you have a full draft, we move into revision. At this stage, I help you see the book as a whole instead of a set of separate chapters.
Together we’ll:
- Cut or combine sections that repeat themselves
- Fill gaps where a reader would have questions
- Sharpen intros and endings so each chapter has a clear purpose
- Decide where stories, data, or examples can carry more weight
Change happens. You can count on it. As the book grows, the outline may shift. That’s normal. Trust the process and stay focused on the reader.
When needed, I can also provide hands-on editing support or connect you with an editor from my network to get your manuscript into publisher-ready or self-published shape.
Writing Tips to Make Coaching More Effective
When you work with a nonfiction book coach, you can make the process smoother with a few simple habits:
Be honest about time. Don’t promise daily writing if your schedule cannot handle it. A smaller, steady commitment works better.
Show the messy draft. I cannot help if you only share polished pages. Give me the rough work so I can see where you get stuck.
Capture ideas between sessions. Jot notes on your phone, in a notebook, or in a shared document. Random thoughts often become strong chapters.
Stay open to structure changes. Coaching is a partnership, not a lecture. The more you bring to it, the more your book improves.
Is Nonfiction Book Coaching Right for You?
Thought leaders, speakers, and business owners often carry their book in their heads for years. When you work with a nonfiction book coach, you turn that pressure into a step-by-step plan you can follow.
Nonfiction book coaching makes sense for you if:
- You have a clear expertise or framework, but no clear outline
- You want the book to support speaking, consulting, or a business offer
- You care about quality and reader results, not just having a book with your name on it
- You start strong, then lose steam without deadlines or support
- You want honest, experienced feedback, not just friends saying “This is great”
If you’re wondering when is it time to hire a book coach, the answer is simple. Afterall, the hardest part of writing a book isn’t the writing itself. It’s getting started and staying consistent. That’s where coaching makes the difference.
What Makes Working With Me Different
When you work with me, you’re working with an experienced writer who turns conversations into stories. Over the years, I’ve worked with businesses and nonprofits as a content writer, editor, blogger, and now book coach.
I’ve loved words as long as I can remember. I’ve had the opportunity to create content that connects missions to target audiences across industries.
Because of this experience, I understand the challenges you face. I know what it’s like to balance multiple priorities, work within budget constraints, and create content that connects with your audience.
Work With a Charlotte, NC Based Nonfiction Book Coach
Ready to talk about your book idea? Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, timeline, and the level of support you need. One focused conversation can turn “someday I will write a book” into a practical plan you can start this month.
Your story deserves more than staying stuck in your head. It deserves to be on the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does nonfiction book coaching typically last?
Timelines vary based on your goals, writing schedule, and availability. Some authors complete their manuscripts in three to six months, while others need a year or more. The timeline depends on how quickly you want to finish and how much time you can dedicate to writing each week. If you want to understand more about how much a book coach costs and what factors affect pricing, I wrote a detailed guide.
What’s the difference between a book coach and an editor?
A nonfiction book coach works with you before and during the writing process. I help you structure your book, stay accountable, and work through challenges as you write. In contrast, an editor works with your completed manuscript to refine what you’ve already written. Most authors need a nonfiction book coach first, then an editor once the manuscript is complete. You can read more about the difference between a book coach and an editor on my blog.
Do I need to have my book outlined before we start?
No. Developing your outline together is part of the coaching process. Many people come to me with ideas but no structure. That’s precisely where coaching helps most. We’ll build your chapter-by-chapter outline as we work together.
How much does it cost to work with a nonfiction book coach?
The investment varies based on the level of support you need, your timeline, and how hands-on you want your coach to be. Packages start at $8,000. During our consultation, we’ll discuss what works for your budget and figure out a plan that makes sense for where you are right now.
Can you work with me if I’ve already started writing?
Yes. Many clients come to me with partial manuscripts, blog posts, articles, and journals that need structure and direction. We’ll assess what you have and create a plan to finish.
Should I join a writing group or work with a nonfiction book coach?
Both can be helpful at different stages. A writing group provides community and peer feedback. A nonfiction book coach offers professional guidance, accountability, and strategic planning tailored to your specific project. Many authors benefit from both. I wrote about how to decide between a book coach and a writing group if you want more details.
Anne McAuley Lopez is a content writer and nonfiction book coach based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She specializes in book coaching services for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and nonprofit leaders ready to write their stories.