Launching a Business
Today’s success story comes to us from certified book coach Selina Shapland!
Tell us about your experience creating your business. Have you done this before? Did you enjoy the process?
I've never created a business before, so it was a leap of faith to put myself into the world and own my space as a fiction book coach. I learned that writing a letter to self-doubt is an excellent way to deal with imposter syndrome and when I listed all that I can do and am capable of, I felt more empowered to keep moving toward my goal of helping fiction writers with their stories.
What has been the most satisfying part of the journey so far?
I've enjoyed pulling knowledge and experience together to create a business that serves genre fiction writers with their stories. I enjoy coaching long and short stories in mystery, romance, sci-fi, fantasy and horror. When my clients receive feedback and have a-ha moments it makes my day.
What has been the most challenging part? How did you overcome those challenges?
Imposter syndrome has been the most challenging part of creating my business, as well as learning how to set prices that meet my needs as a book coach and I feel are fair to my clients at this stage of my career. I overcame imposter syndrome by doing the Business of Book Coaching masterclass through Author Accelerator and writing a letter to self-doubt. Putting all my fears down on the page and then writing how I can or have overcome them gave me inner strength to keep going. I used the workbooks to help me set my prices, and I also did some research on what other professionals in Australia charge for editing services. I met with my editor who is also my mentor and discussed pricing and serving writers in Australia. Having her support and the support of the Author Accelerator Community of Practice has been invaluable in helping me overcome challenges.
What kind of writers will you serve and what services will you offer?
I serve aspiring and emerging genre fiction writers and specialise in mystery, romance, sci-fi, fantasy and horror stories. I work with long form fiction and short stories too. My packages include the blueprint for a novel, manuscript evaluation and one-to-one monthly coaching options. I have set prices for these packages, and I am working on a short story package too.
How do you plan to market your business?
I have put my website together and it is now launched. I've shared it with the aspiring romance writers group to kick things off. I'm going to focus on content marketing and Instagram at this stage. I am attending the Romance Writers of Australia Conference in Sydney in August 2023 where I plan to network with writers from Australia and New Zealand. I am also attending the AsylumFest in Beechworth, Victoria, where I plan to network with horror writers. I think writing festivals and conferences are a good way to meet potential clients and start conversations that can lead to business.
Do you have any advice for book coaches wanting to start their own business?
Collect testimonials from your practicum clients and keep them for your website. Ask the clients you've worked with to feel free to let their writer friends know about you and your services too. It can be difficult putting yourself out there, but being of service and asking for referrals in a subtle way can lead to more people knowing about you and the services you offer.
What did you do to celebrate this achievement?
I told all of my friends and family on Facebook that I’d launched my business, then I went out to dinner with my partner and best friend.
What are the next steps in your career?
I'm a life long learner, so I will continue to do short courses that develop my professional skills as a writer and editor. I will focus on serving my clients and then take time to reflect on what is and isn't working. Then I'll pivot and niche down again. I think for now, I will focus solely on where I am and reassess the next level of my book coaching career in a year's time.
Congratulations, Selina!
Learn more about her book coaching services by visiting her website or by connecting with her on Facebook or Instagram.
