Well-Read: Can a Writing Coach Help YOU Publish?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Can a writing coach help turn anyone who has a story to tell into an author? With all of the buzz surrounding people such as start-up bloggers and unwed mothers getting book deals, I checked in with locally based author, speaker and writing coach, Lisa Tener to separate fact from fiction. Lisa and I met when I first started hosting the Reading With Robin radio show. She sent me the book she co-authored called The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Anger: Dynamic Tools for Healthy Relationships and I still recall her description of the “angerobic” exercises. Here's her take on what coaching can, and can't do for a wannabe writer.
What would your ideal client look like?
I love working with people who have groundbreaking ideas like Dr. Ellen Weber Libby, who wrote The Favorite Child, a psychotherapy book about how favoritism impacts children when they become adults. I liked that Dr. Libby wanted to work together on the whole project. I love books that make a difference, including Kathy LeMay’s The Generosity Plan, which helps people be strategic about their philanthropic contributions (of time, talent and treasure). I enjoy working with clients that are working on books that expose me to new ideas such as holistic healing and personal growth.
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Have you ever had to tell a client that you couldn’t work with them?
Yes, if someone consistently doesn’t make his or her commitments, that doesn’t work. I only want to work with clients who are committed to their success and are highly motivated.
Are there topics that are considered to be “over-done?”
Yes, I was recently speaking to literary agent, Regina Brooks, about this very topic. She mentioned that cancer memoirs are a very hard sell. We also spoke about dating/relationship books. That’s a competitive category, so a book in this genre would need a very fresh hook.
Having a “platform” is something we are hearing more and more in the publishing world. What is a platform and is this necessary in today’s book market? In the nine years I’ve been hosting the show I notice a huge increase in what authors need to do in order to get their books into readers’ hands.
It’s not all about the marketing. In most cases you need to write a compelling book that the editor falls in love with. But if you want a traditional publisher, it’s almost impossible to get published without a platform. I find that authors don’t always understand the issue of ‘platform’. You need a platform for a publisher to take you on. The means the number of people you reach online and offline (through website, blog, social medial, speaking, teleseminars, etc.). Publishers are more risk-averse than ever and they only want to invest if they know you are an audience who wants this book.
Do clients come to you with what you believe are realistic expectations?
It varies so much and depends a bit on goals – often the loftier the goals, the less realistic, but not always. I have clients who are first-time authors getting 5 and 6 figure books deals with modest platforms so anything is possible. Here are the typical situations: when someone wants to write a book to get more clients or start a new business, it often makes sense to self-publish. If they’re thinking of traditionally publishing, often they are unrealistic about the time frame. (It will probably take a couple of years vs. being able to have a book in a few months if they self-publish.)
How has the perception of self-publishing and now e-books changed since you’ve been a book writing coach?
Self-publishing doesn’t have the stigma it used to. Several well-known authors have self-published for various reasons. At the same time, if you’re looking for national television coverage, it can still make sense to go the traditional publishing route. A traditional publisher can bring more ‘savvy’ to the table and can often make the book look better. It can also help you to stand out from the crowd of self-published books especially since there are so many low-quality e-books and self-published books out there. However, self-publishing and e-publishing can help you get your book to the public and can make a positive difference for your business, your life and your readers that much quicker. If you self-publish, make sure you get professional editing, a professionally produced cover and layout. Get recommendations and references.
With all you are saying about traditional vs. self-publishing are traditional publisher a little more open to potential book deals now that they’re not the only game in town?
Mainstream publishers have cut back on how many titles they publish each year. Celebrity authors take up a fair number so it’s more competitive to get in. Having said that, my clients continue to get book deals. You need to make a compelling case for your book and you do that in your book proposal.
Does being a book writing coach ever cross over into coaching other areas of the client’s life if you sense something is keeping them from doing their best work?
Yes. There are often blocks that get in the way at first. We may need to do some work around letting go of old belief systems or changing habits to create success. There is a powerful visualization exercise connecting with their muse (a symbol of their creative side) and ask the must for answers, a shift, clarity, confidence, etc. Many clients need support around the business end. How are they going to make money as an author? As a graduate of MIT’s Sloan School of Management and an entrepreneur myself, I’m well-versed in business plans, marketing and running a business. Many of my clients, particularly the women, don’t charge enough for the work they’re doing. It’s not uncommon for me to support them to charge for the value they are delivering. It’s rewarding when I can see a client making more money even before their book comes out!
You offer ghost writing services. Do you ever suggest to a client that they have a great idea and good material to work with but might do better with someone else doing the writing?
I’m actually hesitant to suggest ghostwriting. More often I encourage people to do their own writing and then learn through editing and coaching or classes to become a better writer. It’s so rare to find ghostwriters who can write in “your voice.” It’s also often out of people’s budgets. In cases where ghostwriting would be a good fit for a client, I do have several colleagues I trust to do a good job.
What’s the best way for a potential client to get started with your services?
I often recommend starting with an hour to hour and a half book concept consultation if someone is at the beginning of the process. I’ve also been suggesting that they do the New Quick Start Program and then have the consultation if I feel that will work better for their individual needs.
For more information about Lisa Tener and the services she provides please visit her web site www.LisaTener.com. You can also follow Lisa on twitter @LisaTener.
Reading enthusiast and all around "book-pusher" Robin Kall can be heard live Saturday mornings from 7-8am on Reading With Robin WHJJ 920AM. This week, Jennifer Weiner -Then Came You and Laura Dave- The First Husband. Also streaming live at www.920whjj.com. Follow on Twitter @robinkall, and Facebook - Reading With Robin.
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