From a Seed of an Idea to a Published Book

Inkbot Editing works with entrepreneurs, adventurers, leaders, memoirists, and experts in their field who are dedicated to making a change with a nonfiction book. Craving clarity onĀ the next step in your book journey?Ā Learn more about our editorial services now by scheduling your book strategy session.

SCHEDULE YOUR BOOK STRATEGY SESSION

From a Seed of an Idea to a Published Book

I work with entrepreneurs, adventurers, leaders, memoirists, and experts in their field who are dedicated to making a change with a nonfiction book. Craving clarity on the next step in your book journey? Schedule your 1:1 book strategy session now.

SCHEDULE YOUR BOOK STRATEGY SESSION

IS YOUR BOOK IDEA KEEPING YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

If you nodded yes, you've already started your book journey.

You're driven to empower others to learn, grow, and find their way. Maybe you're an entrepreneur, adventurer, coach, artist, business executive, activist, or motivational speaker. Or you have a powerful true story to share that you know will help others.

Or perhaps you're an expert in your field: building environmentally conscious brands, mountaineering, dog training, wilderness survival, meditation, running a nonprofit, orchid cultivation...whatever the specialty, people turn to you when they need guidance. 

You're here—both on this planet and on this website—because you have a message to share with the world. A message so strong that pieces of it keep flashing into your mind. 

You know you want and need to get this message out into the world, but something's stopping you: self-doubt, imposter syndrome, questions about the big bad world of publishing. You're in the right place.

It's a Sad Truth: Most Books Never See the Light of Day

Chances are, your current book idea isn't your first. Most of us driven, creative souls have had a flash of inspiration at some point and thought, "I need to write a book." But life got in the way, we got bogged down with our work (and life in general!), and we let the idea slide.

The sad fact is, the vast majority of book ideas never even make it into a rough draft. Of those that do, another huge percentage are abandoned—a draft left in a file or drawer somewhere, stuck in limbo forever.

And far too many books that do end up being published sit behind unclicked links on Amazon or at the back of dusty bookstore shelves, not making any sales—and not reaching the readers they could inspire, uplift, and help.

Maybe that original idea is still floating around, nagging you. Or maybe you've come up with a new idea you're thrilled about. And this time, it feels different—it feels like it could really be something.

I SEE YOU, CHANGE-MAKER—

I'M MOLLY MCCOWAN

As a sought-after developmental editor and book coach, I've worked with New York Times–bestselling authors, Big Five publishers, and hundreds of indie authors. What I love most about my career? Meeting amazing people driven to make an impact using the one tool that's hardwired into all human beings: storytelling.

I help authors:

  • Understand the world of publishing
  • Decide whether traditional or self-publishing is right for them
  • Get clear on their message and how to best deliver it
  • Write book proposals and query letters that land agents
  • Self-publish books that reach readers
  • Develop a strong book marketing plan to get their book seen

You're an expert in your field—and you're driven to help others learn and grow. I'm an expert in crafting compelling books—and I'm driven to help authors get published. Together, we create books that change the world.

IT'S YOUR OWN ADVENTURE, BUT CHOOSING ISN'T EASY

The publishing world is known for being ambiguous. Sometime I imagine the head honchos at the Big Five publishers transforming into bats and escaping out the window when someone asks, "What did you think of that manuscript I sent over?"

All bats aside, today's authors are asked to be more than simply writers and storytellers. They're expected to be marketers, public speakers, bloggers, and publicists. It can be overwhelming and discouraging, and it can lead to endless cycles of the imposter syndrome that comes along with thinking, "I have no clue what I'm doing."

The good news? You shouldn't be expected to know all the answers.

Here are just some of the questions and dilemmas I help with regularly in my 1:1 book strategy sessions for authors: 

THE SELF-PUBLISHING PATH

QUESTIONS I CAN HELP WITH

  • How can you use a book to boost your business or career?
  • What kinds of editorial and design experts will you need to hire to self-publish a high-quality book?

  • How long does it take to self-publish a great book?
  • Is your book idea strong enough to attract your ideal readers?

  • How do you get clear on your target audience and their unique needs and expectations?

  • What goes into marketing a self-published book?

  • How do you maintain motivation to keep writing?

  • How can you overcome writer’s block, perfectionism, or imposter syndrome?

  • How can you avoid common mistakes in your writing?

  • What are the four levels of editing, and how can they help you revise your book?
  • What should you look for in a good cover design?

THE TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING PATH

QUESTIONS I CAN HELP WITH

  • Is your idea strong enough to attract agents and publishers?
  • How do you write a book proposal that sells?
  • What are agents looking for in a nonfiction book?

  • Do you need 10,000 Twitter followers to land a book deal?

  • What are best ways to get crystal-clear on your audience and message?
  • How do you build an author platform?

  • Do you still have to market and promote a traditionally published book?

  • Are your writing skills strong enough, or do they need work?

  • What are the best structures for a nonfiction book?

  • How do you write an attention-grabbing query letter?

  • What are agents looking for in a pitch session?

  • How should you prepare to write your entire book, should you land a book deal?

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Published Author

Whether you're just starting a book project or you're getting close to the finish line and are unclear about what to do next, a 1:1 book strategy session with Molly provides clarity on your next steps so you can move forward with confidence.

We'll work together to problem-solve any hurdles or obstacles you may be encountering, come up with an accountability plan to get you rockin' that word count, and get your questions answered. Your session is fully customizable and 100% tailored to you.

 

Your book strategy session includes: 
  • A detailed pre-work questionnaire that ensures you get the type of feedback and support you need
  • A 60-minute 1:1 Zoom call with Molly
  • Review of your current draft, table of contents, or outline (no written report is provided)
  • List ofĀ resourcesĀ tailored to your questions and needs
  • Unlimited email support for one week following our session
SCHEDULE YOUR BOOK STRATEGY SESSION NOW

Investment: $400

WHILE YOU WAIT...

Get Instant Access to My Key Advice for Writing and Revising Your Book

My Great Courses® class takes you through the most intensive step-by-step revision process on the market.

Here's what students are saying:

  • “These are things that are often neglected in creative writing classes for some awful reason, and they're truly critical to know as a writer.”

  • “Very complete information, well organized, and well presented by a good lecturer. I’ve taken many online courses but this one stands out. Highly recommended. I truly learned much more than I expected.”

  • “Molly McCowan is an excellent teacher and gave excellent tips and insights on editing my own work and getting it ‘just right’ for the next steps toward publication. This course is a must for all writers.”

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