Coaching a Writer to Publication
Today’s success story comes to us from certified book coach Candace Coakley. You can learn more about her book coaching services by visiting her website or following her on Instagram and Facebook.
My coaching client’s book is being published!
Melinda G. McCall, DVM’s memoir Driving Home Naked and Other Misadventures of a Country Veterinarian is out August 2023 through She Writes Press.
Which publishing route was taken for this project? Please share why that route was chosen. Why did it work best for this book project?
Publishing with She Writes Press was an ideal option for Melinda. She owns and operates a busy large animal veterinary practice and wanted to share her inspirational memoir about the grit and commitment it takes to be a woman in a male-dominated profession. SWP did a phenomenal job bringing this book to life.
How were you involved in the writer’s process leading up to publication?
I coached Melinda from initial concept to published memoir and beyond. We began with Blueprint for a Book to flesh out her ideas and clarify her central argument. Through our intense work together, Melinda transformed 28,000 words of “stories” into an inspiring 88,000-word memoir.
What are you most proud of in terms of this book coaching relationship?
I loved every step of the process. I'm especially proud of the blurbs I helped Melinda secure including Temple Grandin, Jennifer S. Holland, Courtney Maum, and others. These glowing endorsements are a testament to the quality of her writing. Support from the Author Accelerator community also makes me smile. Thanks to Abbie Raeke, Kerry Savage, and Deborah Ann Lucas. Coaches supporting coaches is what it's all about.
What did you do to celebrate this achievement?
I planned a fun book launch event at an organic farm near my home. Melinda lives in Virginia and is bringing her daughter to visit Boston and celebrate our two years of work together.
What’s next for the book?
The sky’s the limit for Driving Home Naked. I can’t wait to share lots of exciting news.
What are the next steps for your career?
I continue to build my book coaching business by supporting strong women determined to make the world a better place.
Why would you recommend book coaching to get to this point in the writing journey?
Coaching is the key to success. Having a coach in your corner makes the magic happen for your book.
Congratulations, Candace and Melinda!
Preorder Driving Home Naked and Other Misadventures of a Country Veterinarian at Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. The book comes out August 8th, 2023!
