What Is Book Publishing Strategy Coaching (and Who Is It For?)
Book publishing is often presented as a sequence of tasks: write the manuscript, find an agent or publisher, or choose a self-publishing platform, then market the book. In reality, publishing is a system of interconnected decisions, and many authors get stuck not because they lack talent, but because they lack strategic clarity.
That is where book publishing strategy coaching comes in.
What is book publishing strategy coaching?
Book publishing strategy coaching helps authors think clearly and deliberately about how their book should exist in the world before they commit to a particular path. Rather than focusing on sentence-level editing or generic marketing tactics, this kind of coaching addresses higher-level questions:
Who is this book really for?
What other books exists in this space? And what can be learned from them?
Which publishing path best supports its goals?
What sequence of decisions will lead to the strongest outcome?
Coaching on book publishing strategies supports authors in making informed choices about traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, as well as timing, positioning, production scope, and launch planning.
In short, it replaces guesswork with perspective.
How publishing strategy coaching differs from editing or writing coaching
Many authors confuse publishing strategy coaching with manuscript editing or writing instruction. While those services are valuable, they serve different purposes.
Writing coaching focuses on craft, accountability, and process.
Editing focuses on improving the manuscript itself.
Publishing strategy coaching focuses on decision-making to shape the book so that it will engage its intended audience and a better chance of success.
A publishing strategy coach helps authors step back from the page and evaluate the bigger picture: market context, audience alignment, publishing options, and long-term implications of each choice.
This is especially important because publishing decisions are often expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to reverse once made.
What does coaching on book publishing strategies typically include?
While every coaching relationship is different, book publishing strategy coaching often includes:
Clarifying the purpose, scope, and audience for the book
Evaluating traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing paths
Understanding trade-offs between speed, control, reach, and investment
Defining book positioning through developing strong comparable titles, audience descriptions, and a discoverability plan
Aligning the book with broader professional or personal goals
Preparing for next steps such as agent queries, proposals, or production decisions
Rather than telling authors what to do, effective coaching helps them understand why one path may serve them better than another.
Who is book publishing strategy coaching for?
Book publishing strategy coaching is well-suited for authors who want to approach publishing thoughtfully and professionally, including:
First-time authors who feel overwhelmed by options
Subject-matter experts turning expertise into a book
Writers transitioning from one publishing model to another
Authors with a finished manuscript who are unsure what comes next
Authors who want clarity before investing time or money
It is particularly helpful for authors who sense that “just getting published” is not the real goal — and that how the book is positioned, produced, and launched matters just as much as the writing itself.
When should an author seek publishing strategy coaching?
The most effective time to seek coaching on book publishing strategies is before major commitments are made: before querying agents, signing contracts, or investing heavily in editing, production, or marketing.
Strategy coaching can also be valuable mid-process, especially when authors feel stuck, uncertain, or pulled in conflicting directions. It can also help reframe a book launch that has not gone as planned.
Publishing is rarely linear. Strategic support helps authors regain orientation when the process becomes noisy.
A more intentional way to publish
At its best, book publishing strategy coaching brings clarity to a complex landscape. It helps authors move forward with intention rather than urgency, and with confidence rather than comparison.
Publishing does not have to feel opaque or reactive. With the right strategic guidance, authors can make decisions that honor both their work and their long-term goals.
If you’re considering your next steps and want clarity before committing to a publishing path, you can learn more about author coaching for publishing strategy by looking at the “for authors” option in the navigation bar.
