The nonfiction writing coach guide for professionals with a story

A nonfiction writing coach gives you structure, accountability, and expert feedback so your book actually gets finished. Instead of writing alone, you work from an outline, hit weekly milestones, and get guidance on clarity, structure, and your reader.

Many people want to write and never start. Defining Moments Press cites the figure that 80% of people say they want to write a book, yet only 1% actually do. The usual reason, according to its free course, is lack of clarity, which is why the first step is always an outline.

A book writing coach typically costs $100 to $300 an hour, according to Scribe Media. Longer coaching relationships are often sold as monthly retainers, and self-paced programs cost less than one-on-one time.

For the full breakdown, including what a coaching fee pays for and a cost estimator, read how much a book writing coach costs.

The right kind of help depends on whether you need structure, feedback, or someone to do the work. This table compares common options on the same four points.

See the full ranking and criteria on the book writing coaches comparison.

You turn a story into a book by moving through eight clear stages, in order. This is the sequence Defining Moments Press teaches across its free course and Author Blueprint.

1. 1

   Step 1: Define your expertise

   Decide what you know or have lived that can help someone else.
2. 2

   Step 2: Know your reader

   Pick one specific reader. Once you know who the book is for, the rest falls into place.
3. 3

   Step 3: Outline your table of contents

   Clarity first. The free course ends with an outline you can write from.
4. 4

   Step 4: Write in short weekly sessions

   The Author Blueprint plans for about 2 to 5 hours a week.
5. 5

   Step 5: Edit

   Tighten structure and clarity before anything is designed.
6. 6

   Step 6: Self-publish in ebook and print

   Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers.
7. 7

   Step 7: Launch

   Plan the launch before the book is written so readers are waiting.
8. 8

   Step 8: Put the book to work

   Use it for authority, speaking, and clients. You keep all rights and royalties.

For a fuller version written for professionals, read how to write a book about your life story.

This guide is written first for professionals who have a nonfiction story or life lesson: coaches, healers, entrepreneurs, and experts who know their experience could change someone's life. Defining Moments Press works with current and aspiring authors around the world, including people with no audience yet.

If you already wrote your book and only need publishing help, start with the self-publishing services guide. If you want to write a children's book, Defining Moments Press supports that too; ask about it on a discovery call.

You can also see the program page on the Defining Moments Press Author Blueprint site or browse the main Defining Moments Press website.

What does a nonfiction writing coach do?

A nonfiction writing coach helps you turn your expertise, story, or life lesson into a finished book by giving you structure, feedback, and accountability. At Defining Moments Press, that support runs through an 8-week course with a step-by-step process, templates, and tools, and its done-with-you option adds a full year of book coaching.

How much does a book writing coach cost?

Most nonfiction book writing coaches charge about $100 to $300 per hour, according to Scribe Media. Longer engagements often run as monthly retainers; Bestseller Publishing gives an example of $6,000 for a 6-month retainer at $1,000 per month. Defining Moments Press lists its self-paced Author Blueprint 8 Week Challenge at a one-time payment of $1,997 on its checkout page.

Can I really write a book in 8 weeks?

Defining Moments Press built its Author Blueprint as an 8-week program and says authors can write a bestselling book in 8 weeks or less. Your pace depends on your preparation and weekly time; the program plans for about 2 to 5 hours a week. A short book with a clear outline is the most realistic fit for this timeline.

Can professionals with no audience write a successful book?

Yes, an existing audience is not a requirement. Defining Moments Press says you can write your bestselling book even if no one has ever heard of you, and its free course covers knowing your reader and building authority as an expert. Results vary and are not guaranteed; the book is a tool you still need to market.

Is a book coach worth it?

A book coach is worth it if structure and accountability are what keep you from finishing. Bestseller Publishing estimates a coach might compress an 18-month solo project to 6 to 9 months. If cost is the barrier, a free writing group or a self-paced course with templates can give you structure for less, with less personal feedback.

How do I start writing my nonfiction book?

Start by deciding who the book is for and what change it promises them, then outline your chapters before you write. The free one-hour course from Defining Moments Press walks through exactly that and ends with an outline for your table of contents. From there, the Author Blueprint guides editing, publishing, and launch over 8 weeks.