I often hear people say, “I’m a coach, I can help you write a book.” But here’s the truth: not all coaches are book coaches and confusing the two can cost aspiring authors both time and progress.

Let’s be clear: coaching is a valuable profession, and life, business, and wellness coaches play important roles in helping people move forward. But writing a book is a specialized journey, and if you’re serious about publishing, you need the right type of support.

Has Your Coach Ever Written a Book?

Before trusting anyone to walk with you through your author journey, ask this simple question:

“Have you written and published a book?”

Because if they haven’t, they likely don’t understand the depth of what you’re about to take on. Writing a book isn’t just a goal. It’s a process. A deeply personal, sometimes messy process that requires emotional stamina, creativity, structure, and yes, accountability.

I’ve written and published eight books and several short stories, and I can tell you, it doesn’t get easier. You just get better at navigating the ups and downs. That’s why even as a book coach, I have an accountability coach of my own. I understand how real the struggle can be, and I don’t ask my clients to do what I’m not willing to do myself.

The Emotional Side of Book Coaching

While book coaching isn’t therapy, the reality is that writing stirs up intense emotions, especially when the story includes personal experiences, trauma, or long-held beliefs. A good book coach doesn’t just fix your grammar. They walk with you through the tough stuff, helping you shape your message while keeping your voice intact.

Life coaches may provide powerful emotional support, but they’re not trained to navigate the complexities of manuscript structure, reader engagement, or publishing logistics. They won’t read your chapters, track your storyline, or advise you on how to improve pacing or deepen character voice. A book coach does.

What Does a Life Coach Do?

Let’s break it down:

Life Coach

Focus: Personal growth, emotional wellbeing, goal setting
Approach: Identifies strengths, helps set life goals, creates personal action plans
Support Includes:

• Emotional encouragement

• General accountability

• Improving life skills like stress management, time management, and confidence

Example: A life coach might help you create healthier boundaries, explore a career change, or manage work-life balance.

And while that’s incredibly valuable, it’s not the same as helping someone write and publish a book.

What Does a Book Coach Do?

Book Coach

Focus: Guiding authors through the writing and publishing process
Approach: Offers direct support on everything from brainstorming and outlining to editing, writing rhythm, and publishing prep
Support Includes:

• Feedback on chapters and content structure

• Monthly check-ins and write-ins

• Deep understanding of the emotional and practical stages of book creation

• Assistance with how to publish a book and build visibility

Example: A book coach may help you develop your manuscript structure, offer feedback on your tone and flow, and walk you through self-publishing steps like cover design, ISBN registration, and launch planning.

In other words: we get into the detail of your words.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Why You Need a Specialist

When you’re serious about publishing, you don’t want a coach who’s guessing their way through your manuscript. You want someone who understands what it means to show up to the page, consistently. Someone who’s been through the publishing trenches and knows what it’s like to balance the emotional load of storytelling with the technical demands of editing and formatting.

A life coach might help you set a writing goal.
A book coach will help you achieve it.

Writers Deserve More Than Encouragement: They Need Strategy

Writing a book isn’t just about motivation, it’s about structure, strategy, and staying power. Book coaches aren’t just sounding boards. We give hands-on guidance, deadlines, writing tools, publishing checklists, and marketing insights. And yes, we read your work. We get a feel for your writing voice, and we help shape it, not change it.

So, the next time someone says, “I’m a coach, I can help you write a book,” pause and ask:
👉 “Have you written a book yourself?”
👉 “Will you read and give feedback on my manuscript?”
👉 “Do you understand what happens after I hit publish?”

If the answer is no, they’re likely not a book coach and that’s okay. But as an aspiring author, you deserve someone who’s in the trenches with you, guiding you toward a book you’re proud to share.

Ready to Write Your Book with Support That Actually Gets You There?
We only work with 4 coaching clients at a time for personalised attention.
👉 Book Your Discovery Call https://calendly.com/kimvermaak/30min and let’s talk about the journey ahead.