From Architect to Book Coach
Sabrina Estudillo Butler
Author Accelerator certified book coach
Tell us more about your background and your journey to book coaching.
I found book coaching because I was tired of being an Architect. Yep, I'm an Architect - licensed and all. But that work did NOT fulfill me, so I searched for ways to do something I love (read) and get paid for it.
I found an online course that taught me how to build a proofreading business, which quickly turned into a proofreading and copyediting business. After about a year of my freelancing side-hustle, I realized I wanted to work with authors earlier on in the book writing process. And after some very intense googling, I found Author Accelerator!
It was *exactly* what I needed, but I thought I would have to wait a few months to enroll because I couldn't afford it right away. Thankfully, an editor I knew was already in the program and recommended that I apply to the BIPOC scholarship, and I got it!
Three months after enrolling, I decided to quit my architecture job and pursue my editing (and then-soon-to-be) coaching business full time. This was a scary move! I had NO background in anything to do with literature, English, or writing, but I took the leap I felt was right.
A full year and three months after going full time in my business, I got certified!
What was your experience in the Book Coach Certification program? What did you find most satisfying? How about most challenging?
Going through the Book Coach Certification program was such a gratifying experience. I went from knowing virtually nothing about how to plan and write a book to feeling confident teaching the process to my clients. And I learned SO much about the publishing world and how the marketplace works.
The most satisfying part of the program was also the most challenging: the practicums. It was exciting (and a little scary) to work with an actual person on their book.
I worked with the same client for practicums 2 and 3, and she had a baby, lost a loved one, and moved out of state with her husband and 3 kids under 4 all while we coached together. The fact that I was able to help her create a polished book proposal, including 2 sample chapters, and develop her pitch strategy during all that was immensely satisfying.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’re taking away from the training?
The most valuable piece of advice I'm taking away from the training was actually given to me during one of the practicum prep calls. I had asked the certification team about how to handle imposter syndrome when coaching. Since I was brand new to this world, I really struggled to own my authority as a coach.
Margaret, Erin, and Stuart assured me that my training prepared me to be a great coach, but there was also a secret thing to keep in mind: I only have to know a little more than my client. I only have to be one step ahead. And with more experience, the gap between what I know and what my clients know will only grow.
What did you do to celebrate earning your certification?
I jumped around my office excitedly and later enjoyed a really delicious steak dinner.
Tell us more about your coaching plans.
My business, Unpolished Words, was going through a rebrand when I received my certification news. I've since relaunched, including a new website, brand visuals, and offer suite.
In a historically white, gatekept publishing industry, I provide a writer-first sanctuary for BIPOC high-achievers and creatives in need of guidance, encouragement, and accountability while they write the book they *need* to write.
Right now, I'm taking on 1:1 nonfiction coaching clients, typically for three months or more. I also offer 1-hour "Mini Coaching" sessions where I help writers work through any problems they're experiencing with their works in progress, or where I help them get clear on the foundational pieces of their book (their why, the point, the reader).
By 2024, I plan to launch a digital course/product that essentially allows writers to work their way through my coaching framework at their own pace with support from me in the form of a monthly group coaching call.
People can follow me on Instgram. I also have a weekly newsletter for writers where I talk about the creative + writing processes and share book recs and educational resources. Sign up for The Em Dash here.
What are the next steps in your career?
I am focused on building my coaching business one client at a time while also working through the fiction course. I always say I care more about the writer than the book (but I still care about the book!), so I want to be able to serve BIPOC authors no matter the genre.
