Nonfiction Book Coaching & Book Proposal Help
Where brave writers get their stories into the hands of the readers who need them most.
Award-winning Hay House author Jillian Abby partners with nonfiction writer to bring their stories to life with clarity, courage, and craft.
“I know I need help with my book or book proposal, but I don’t know what it looks like.“
Before we go further Before we go further — two quick questions
✦ Do you want to be the person to write your book?
✦ Do you enjoy writing when you feel inspired or motivated?
If you answered YES to both, you’re in the right place.
If not, head to my collaborative ghostwriting page of book a call to discuss where you’re at.
Does any of the following apply to you?
- You’re unclear what your book is actually about.
- You have several book ideas but aren’t sure which to start with.
- You have tried to write but lost motivation or need accountability to keep going.
- You’d love some professional feedback on the flow of your story or the quality of your writing.
- You find your mind doubting your abilities or wondering if anyone will want to read your book. You wonder if the story has value.
- You have too much to say and need to par it down or you don’t have enough to say and need ideas to expand the story.
- You’re pitching your book idea to an agent or publisher, but lack strategy or clarity with your proposal.
- You’re entering the Hay House book proposal contest.
Alright my affirmed friend, you are on the right page and book coaching with me is giving all green lights a-go!
How I work
Writing support on speed dial — when you need it
As a traditionally published author and coach who has worked with and taught hundreds of people over the past few years, I have one objective in mind—get you to the finish line with your nonfiction manuscript or book proposal.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that a one-size-fits-all approach to managing projects adds unnecessary friction and frustration to the creative process.
You and I are not fortune tellers (okay, maybe you are), and it’s likely that neither of us know the exact right level of support you’ll need or when you’ll need it.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have writing support from a successful author who’s been there (and is still in the writing trenches) on speed dial?
It’s why I’ve designed my coaching for each session to honor the creative process. Each session is a la carte. You know when you need a helping hand (that’s what brought you here, right?) and when you’re in flow and can fly solo.
Not sure which path is yours? That’s what the call is for. We’ll figure out where you’re at, and I’ll tell you honestly what I’d recommend—even if that’s not working with me.
PRICING
$300
Per session
Each coaching session is $300 for a review of up to 5,000 words and 60 minutes of live, one-on-one coaching with award-winning Hay House author, Jillian Abby.
Book Coaching & Book Proposal Services
Chose Your Path
Each service is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Clarity Coaching
Ideation Support
Typical number of sessions: 1 to 4 ($300 to $1200)
Ideal for the nonfiction writer who:
- Has an idea or multiple ideas but needs to get clear on what the book is truly about and what it will say.
- Desire a high-level or detailed outline to follow as they write.
- Isn’t sure who they’re writing for or what will make their reader desire their book
- Wants straight-forward advice as to what they’re getting into
- Is trying to decide between self-publishing or traditional publishing
“Jillian has a unique ability to straddle the lines between friend and mentor, partner and coach, cheerleader and instructor. She is attentive, reliable, and flexible. Working with Jillian is a team effort. She paces you the entire way and is every bit as excited to reach the finish line as you are. I was ecstatic to complete my proposal in only 4 months, but sad to see our time together come to an end. I look forward to more collaboration in the future.”
– MaryBeth
Grow Your Story
Draft Manuscript Support
Typical number of sessions: 4 to 10 ($1200 to $3000)
Ideal for the nonfiction writer who:
- Doesn’t want to be part of the overwhelming statistic of writers who never finish their first draft manuscript
- Needs accountability to show up and write
- Gets overwhelmed at the thought of writing so many words
- Desires feedback on the quality, clarity, or organization of their story
- Benefits from encouragement and real talk about the process
- Knows that they have a tendency to get in their own way
- Doesn’t want to talk themselves out of their dream
“One of our biggest challenges has always been communicating our material in a way that’s both clear and engaging. The concepts we work with can be intricate, and since they often challenge conventional thinking, they sometimes confuse people—despite our best intentions. Jillian not only grasped the deeper meaning of what we’re trying to convey, but also had the rare ability to distill it into language that feels both accessible and true to our message. Her clarity, insight, and skill in positioning made all the difference.”
– Caitlyn
The Road to Publishing
Book Proposal Support
Typical number of sessions: 2 to 6 ($600 to $1800)
Ideal for the nonfiction writer who:
- Wants to query agents or a traditional publisher
- Wants to enter the Hay House book proposal contest
- Has a concept for a story but needs to create a strategy
- Wants a clear path to write the proposal
- Needs a sharp query letter
- Wants to partner with a business expert who is also a writer
“Jillian’s professionalism and expertise were instrumental in bringing my book proposal to the next level. I can’t think of anything she could have done to make the experience better—it was exceptional from start to finish. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone looking to refine their writing and bring clarity to their projects.”
– Briana
STILL NOT SURE?
That’s okay. Let’s talk.
Let’s have a quick call and talk through where you’re at. If I’m not the right coach for you or I don’t have the service you need, I’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
Want some free writing tips and life-of-an-author advice?
COMMON QUESTIONS
Book Coaching FAQ
Everything you need to know before we talk.
What does a nonfiction book coach do?
Coaching, in whatever arena we’re receiving it, pushes us to perform better and deliver greater results than we could alone. Book coaching offers both the creative encouragement and the accountability and discipline needed to take your work from an idea all the way to a completed manuscript. And because the journey is just as important as the destination, your book coach is your trusted companion and guide. And wouldn’t it be fun to journey together!
How much does book coaching cost?
$300 per session for up to 5,000 words plus 60 minutes of live feedback. The more you’re willing to DIY the work, the fewer sessions you’ll likely need.
How does coaching help me decide between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
I am an agent-represented, traditionally published author who has supported many authors on both the self-publishing and traditional publishing pathways. We start by talking through your vision for your book, including ideal publication date, degree of creative control desired, target audience and how you’ll reach them, size of your promotional platform, investment budget, and more. From there, we can determine the right pathway for you… which may include starting with self publishing and then trying to get picked up by a traditional publisher. Whatever you choose, I’ll be cheering you on!
What’s the difference between book coaching and ghostwriting?
If you enjoy writing, if you have the time to write, and if it matters deeply to you that you’re the one to write the words in your story, then coaching is the way to go. But maybe you lack the time due to your professional career or other obligations. Or perhaps the thought of sitting down to write for several weeks or months in a row makes your head hurt. A collaborative ghostwriter can capture your voice, your energy, and your message. You provide the ideas and your collaborative ghostwriter gets them on the page. Learn more about collaborative ghostwriting services.
How many coaching sessions will I need?
If you’re seeking clarity before you start writing your manuscript, one to four sessions is typically what we need. If you want support as you write your first draft manuscript, four to ten sessions is ideal. And if you’re working on a query letter or book proposal, two to six sessions is typically sufficient. And if you really, really love hanging out with me then sessions can be transitioned to author-bestie-for-hire.
Do I need a book proposal to enter the Hay House contest?
If you’re in Hay House’s Book Writer’s Bootcamp VIP program or the Hay House Writer’s Community, you absolutely need a book proposal to enter their contest. And if Hay House is not the right publisher for you, you’ll still have a professional proposal to send to other agents and publishers who allow direct submissions. How helpful would it be to work with someone who actually won? *tries to wink, but it comes out a blink*
Is book coaching worth it?
If you’re serious about actually finishing your book, coaching is one of the highest-leverage investments you can make. Finishing is where almost everyone gets stuck. An often-cited survey from the Jenkins Group found that around 80% of people feel they have a book in them, yet only a tiny fraction ever finish and even fewer get published. The gap between “I have a book in me” and “I finished my first draft manuscript” is where most dreams stall out. Coaching is how you close it. Like a coach for a professional athlete or a high-performing executive, a book coach keeps you accountable, pushes you past the spots where you’d normally quit, and gives you honest feedback and real encouragement. So the real question isn’t whether coaching is worth it, it’s how badly do you want your book?