Helping a Writer Secure a Traditional Publisher & Book Deal

Today’s success story comes to us from Author Accelerator certified book coach Marni Seneker! Her client Misha Maynerick Blaise just published her prescriptive nonfiction book, Breathe Deep: An Illustrated Guide to the Transformative Power of Breathing on May 2, 2023!

Which publishing route was taken for this project?

Traditional publishing through Simon & Schuster. Misha has published a number of books with traditional publishers in the past five years and has representation, so she expected this book to find a home somewhere.

How were you involved in the writer’s process leading up to publication?

Misha came to me with a concept and some chapters roughed out. Most of her work historically had been for specialty market (Crazy for Birds, for example, placed in National Park book stores, etc.). Her concept was a Big Idea about how all human beings are connected to one another. It had science, philosophy, multi-faith; it was a lot! She approached Author Accelerator because her agent really didn't know how to help and she needed some support.

What are you most proud of in terms of this coaching relationship?

I was a somewhat newly minted Author Accelerator coach, and this writer is experienced and esoteric and brilliant and to be able to rise to that level made me proud, especially when she said in a written testimonial: "She is an alchemist who helped transform my hot mess of jumbled ideas into a lucid text. I literally feel like she taught me how to write the book that I wanted to write!"

What’s next for the book?

The dirty secret about the book she wanted to write: it didn't sell. This is only a small part of it and very similar to her other books. But I pitched her an idea I have related to her social media posts, so we will see if she pursues that.

What are the next steps in your career?

I'm working on marketing my business, so I posted about it on Tuesday when it came out (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook). I sent the book to a few family and friends. Of course I will review it on Amazon, because we all know how much that means for the algorithm.

I feel like there's a lot of learning for me in the world of pitching, and I've just referred a long-time client of mine to another coach in the community with a ton of experience and agent connections. I'm hoping to sit at the feet of this (junior) master and learn-always learning.

Why would you recommend book coaching to get to this point in the writing journey?

Well, I'm not a writer, just a super-fan of writers. But I do know it's a lonely road. And it requires a lot of endurance, and commitment to craft and vision, and support. We are all better together.

Author Accelerator certification gave me a framework and blueprint (literally) for the work, the confidence that once I was certified I was qualified to do it, the ongoing support of classes and community, and so many other resources. I have created true friendships with so many coaches and I am so grateful to be able to "talk shop" and learn from all of you wonderful humans.

Congratulations, Marni and Misha!

Learn more about Marni’s book coaching services on her website or by following her on Instagram!