Most coaches and consultants dream of writing a book. Not because it sounds nice on paper—but because they know it’s the most effective tool to scale their message, elevate their credibility, and attract the right clients.
But dreaming about a book and actually writing one are two very different things. The gap between idea and execution is full of unknowns, distractions, and self-doubt. That’s why most never get past the concept stage—let alone hold their finished book in their hands.
Over the past several years, I’ve written multiple nonfiction books and helped over 130 clients do the same—many of them coaches and consultants just like you. This guide pulls from that experience to give you the full picture: not vague inspiration, but a step-by-step breakdown of what writing and publishing a successful nonfiction book actually takes in 2025.
If you're a coach, consultant, or service-based expert, publishing a nonfiction book isn’t just a passion project—it’s a business decision. And in 2025, it's more important than ever.
The coaching and consulting industry has changed dramatically in the past few years. First, the digital boom gave everyone a microphone. Then came the flood of low-quality “experts” during the pandemic. The recession trimmed the fat, and now, serious professionals are what the market wants.
But here’s the problem: buyers are more skeptical than ever. Testimonials and Instagram stories don’t cut it anymore. Authority now comes from substance—and there’s no better way to demonstrate that substance than by writing a book.
When done well, a nonfiction book does what no funnel or post ever could. It positions you as a true thought leader. It shows depth, not just volume. It proves that you’ve done the work—and can guide others through it.
Writing a book is also one of the most strategic ways to future-proof your business:
It gives you leverage.
It expands your reach.
It allows you to scale trust at a level few other assets can.
It’s not about becoming a bestseller or getting on talk shows—although those things can happen. It’s about becoming undeniably credible in your space.
And if you’re still in business today, you’ve already beaten the odds. You’ve survived turbulent years that shut down less committed coaches and consultants. That alone means you’re in it for the long game—and that makes you the perfect person to write a book.
Let’s be clear about who will get the most value from this guide—and who won’t.
This guide is specifically for:
Coaches and consultants who want to build their authority and attract better clients
Entrepreneurs who are building a personal brand or expanding into thought leadership
Experts and service providers with proven methods, frameworks, or experience to share
Aspiring authors who want to use a book to grow their business—not just check off a bucket list item
It’s also for anyone who feels called to write but isn’t sure where to begin. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, wondering if it’s “book-worthy,” this guide will help you decide.
Now, this guide is not for:
Fiction writers, poets, or creative storytellers (you’ll need a very different process)
Children’s book authors, cartoonists, or memoirists looking to publish for art’s sake
Anyone hoping for a shortcut to instant fame, virality, or passive income with no effort
The path to publishing a great nonfiction book takes time, clarity, and commitment. But if you’re the type of person who values impact over fluff, and leadership over gimmicks—you’re in the right place.
And just so you know, this isn't theoretical. I’ve worked with over 130 authors—including first-time writers, multi-book professionals, and industry leaders. This guide is based on what actually works.
For coaches and consultants, a nonfiction book isn’t just a branding asset—it’s a business growth engine.
A well-positioned book can:
Establish instant authority in your niche
Attract qualified leads who already trust your expertise
Shorten the sales cycle by pre-framing your methodology
Justify premium pricing for your services or programs
Open doors to speaking engagements, media appearances, and partnerships
Scale your impact globally—even while you sleep
This isn’t theory. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly with my clients. One consultant landed a TEDx talk within months of publishing. A coach doubled her retainer rates after using her book as a client onboarding tool. Another saw her book turn into an entire course, generating a new revenue stream without creating new content.
Your book becomes your business card, funnel, pitch deck, and resume—all in one. But unlike a podcast or a LinkedIn post, it compounds. Books don’t disappear in a feed. They live on shelves, in offices, and in the hands of decision-makers.
Just as importantly, writing a book helps you refine and package your intellectual property. It forces clarity: What do you really believe? What frameworks do you stand by? What problems do you solve better than anyone else?
If you want your business to grow, your message must grow with it. A nonfiction book gives your message structure, permanence, and leverage.
One of the most common questions I get from aspiring authors is: “Do I really have enough to say for a book?”
Here’s the truth: you probably do—but not every idea deserves a book. The key is determining whether your message, story, or framework has the depth and structure required to sustain a full, valuable narrative.
Here are 5 signs you have a nonfiction book idea worth pursuing:
Your idea solves a real problem your audience struggles with consistently.
There’s a clear transformation—from Point A to Point B—you guide clients through.
You have a repeatable framework, philosophy, or method that you’ve developed over time.
You can speak about your topic for hours without running out of insights or examples.
Your idea has layers—there’s nuance, personal perspective, and practical application.
If you can imagine someone buying your book instead of hiring you—and still walking away with value—that’s a strong indicator you’re onto something.
One quick test: could you write 100 to 150 Microsoft Word pages (12pt font, 1.5 spacing) about your idea? That’s about 30,000 to 45,000 words. If the thought overwhelms you, it might not be the wrong idea—just underdeveloped.
And that’s where strategy, coaching, or research can help. Sometimes, all you need is the right structure to unlock a flood of content.
There’s no perfect word count for a nonfiction book—but there is a smart strategy based on your business goals.
At Trivium Writing, we help authors categorize their books based on intended use. Here’s a quick breakdown:
A short book designed to attract leads and build your list. It introduces your approach without giving away the full “how.” Think of it as a downloadable asset or event giveaway.
This is a strategic resource that prepares your audience to work with you. It gives away more of your framework and starts creating buy-in. Many coaches use primers to streamline onboarding and sales.
This is where you plant your flag in the ground. It distills your methodology, vision, and beliefs into a compelling narrative. Ideal for building a legacy and positioning yourself as a category leader.
Pro tip: 30,000–60,000 words typically translates into a 100–200 page book—substantial enough to feel authoritative, but not so long that it overwhelms the reader (or you, as the writer).
You don’t need to write a massive book to make an impact—you need to write the right kind of book for your goals.
Let’s get one thing straight: writing a nonfiction book takes time—but probably less than you think when you follow a smart, structured process.
At Trivium Writing, most of our clients write solid first drafts in just a few months—not years.
Here’s how the math works:
The average nonfiction author working with us writes 900 words per hour
That adds up to 7,500 words per week if you dedicate just 1–2 hours a day
That means:
A Lead Magnet Book (5,000–10,000 words) = 1–2 weeks
A Client Primer (10,000–30,000 words) = 3–6 weeks
A Thought Leadership Book (30,000–60,000+ words) = 8–12 weeks
Of course, these timelines vary based on your availability, writing habits, and support system. But with the right guidance and accountability, most professionals can finish a powerful book in under 4 months.
Want to move faster? Here’s how:
Use audio transcription to speak your ideas and edit later
Create a clear outline before writing a single sentence
Block calendar time for writing like you would for client work
Hire a coach or ghostwriter to support or guide the process
The key isn’t just discipline—it’s structure. Without it, writing becomes an endless loop of doubt, distraction, and rewriting. With it, you're producing real pages every week.
You don’t need to be a “writer” to publish a great nonfiction book. You just need to choose the right path—one that matches your time, skills, and goals.
Here are the three most effective ways coaches and consultants get their books written:
This is the most budget-friendly route, but it requires the most time. Courses like Architecture of Writing can teach you the fundamentals of structure, style, and strategy. If you have the time and want to sharpen your writing skill, this is a solid option—but you’ll need a lot of discipline to follow through.
This is the sweet spot for many professionals. You get strategic support, editorial feedback, and accountability—all without the cost of a full ghostwriting package. Coaches and consultants help you develop your ideas, improve your writing, and keep your project moving. This is exactly what we offer through our Author Partnership Program.
Explore nonfiction writing coaching.
If time is your biggest constraint, a ghostwriter may be your best investment. Ghostwriters interview you, extract your knowledge, and write the manuscript on your behalf. You get a professional book with minimal time input—but it comes at a premium, often between $20,000 and $200,000, depending on the writer and scope.
Which path is right for you?
It depends on how much control, time, and budget you have—and how important the quality of the finished book is to your business.
Most of our clients fall in the middle: they want their voice in the book, but they don’t want to spend years figuring it out alone. That’s where strategic support makes all the difference.
Over the years, I’ve helped over 130 coaches and consultants go from “I think I want to write a book…” to “I can’t believe I’m holding this in my hands.” Every time, we follow a version of the same proven process—refined and battle-tested.
Here’s the 10-step roadmap we use at Trivium Writing to take your nonfiction book from idea to finished product:
Clarify Your Book Goals
Define your audience, objectives, and how your book fits into your business.
Craft Your Core Message
Using our Architecture of Writing method, build the internal and external architecture of your message and style.
Create Your Chapter Outline
Structure your book in a way that’s easy to write and easy to read.
Build Your Pre-Launch Assets
Write your book blurb, brainstorm titles and subtitles, and start talking about your book early.
Design a Strategic Cover
Invest in a professional design that speaks directly to your ideal reader—and converts browsers into buyers.
Launch a Landing Page + Email List
Start collecting interest and building a list of future readers and reviewers.
Write Your First Draft
Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress. You’ll revise later.
Get Feedback and Revise
Send your draft to beta readers or work with a coach to improve flow, structure, and clarity.
Hire Editors and Proofreaders
This step is essential. A strong edit turns a decent manuscript into a professional book.
Finalize, Upload, and Launch
Whether you’re self-publishing or using a hybrid model, this is when you prepare files, upload to Amazon or IngramSpark, and launch your book to the world.
No matter where you are in your journey, you can plug into this system and move forward with confidence.
Once your manuscript is complete, the next major decision is choosing the right publishing path. The publishing landscape today offers more flexibility than ever, but each option has distinct advantages and trade-offs.
There are three main publishing models: traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing. Let’s break each one down.
Traditional Publishing
This is the classic model, where you pitch a book proposal to agents or publishers. If accepted, the publisher handles editing, design, printing, and distribution.
This model is ideal if you want widespread bookstore distribution and are comfortable giving up creative control and waiting a year or more for publication. Financially, the publisher typically covers the cost of production but takes a significant share of profits. Authors often earn $1–$2 per copy sold.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishers operate like traditional publishers but require the author to invest in the publishing process. You pay a fee (typically $5,000 to $30,000) and receive professional services such as editing, design, and distribution support.
This route gives you more creative control and faster turnaround times than traditional publishing, while still offering the polish and professionalism that DIY self-publishing can lack.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing gives you full ownership of the process and 100% of your royalties. You’re responsible for every decision—editing, design, formatting, distribution, and marketing—but you also retain full creative freedom.
Platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital make it easy to publish and distribute globally. This is the most popular option for coaches and consultants because it allows them to align the book directly with their business goals—and retain control over timelines, messaging, and profits.
At Trivium Writing, most of our clients choose self-publishing or hybrid publishing. These routes provide the right balance of control, speed, and quality, especially for entrepreneurs using their book as a lead-generation or authority-building tool.
Publishing a high-quality nonfiction book requires an investment. But how much you spend—and how wisely you allocate that budget—can make all the difference in the book’s quality and business impact.
There are three core categories to consider:
Your writing process will dictate both cost and timeline. You can do it alone, but most professionals choose to work with experts to speed up the process and ensure quality.
Here’s what the typical options cost:
Book writing courses: $100 to $2,000 (some are free)
Book coaches or consultants: $2,000 to $20,000
Professional ghostwriters: $20,000 to $200,000 depending on the book’s scope and the writer’s experience
At Trivium Writing, we offer a hybrid model through our Author Partnership Program, which combines writing coaching and consulting to help clients get their book done faster—without sacrificing authorship or quality.
Publishing involves more than uploading a Word doc to Amazon. To be taken seriously by your audience, your book needs professional editing, design, and formatting.
Typical costs include:
Developmental and copy editing: $0.05–$0.49 per word
Proofreading: $0.03–$0.05 per word
Formatting and layout: $250 to $1,000
Cover design: $500 to $2,000+
Expect to spend around $2,000 to $5,000 for production alone if you're self-publishing and outsourcing to qualified professionals.
Even the best book won’t sell itself. A launch strategy is essential. Depending on your goals, marketing expenses may include:
Social media ads (Facebook, Amazon, Google): $150/month minimum
PR outreach or podcast placements: $300–$1,000/month
Email marketing platforms: $30–$100/month
Virtual assistants or launch teams: cost varies by scope
Many authors spend more on promotion than on production—and for good reason. A well-positioned book can return your investment many times over by attracting clients, speaking gigs, partnerships, and media opportunities.
Publishing a nonfiction book isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the few business investments that builds evergreen authority and compounding returns over time.
Publishing your book is a milestone—but it’s not the finish line. In fact, some of the most exciting shifts happen after your book is live in the world.
Here’s what you can realistically expect:
More Clarity in Your Business
Writing a book forces deep reflection. Many authors come out with a stronger understanding of their own message, mission, and positioning.
Increased Authority in Your Market
You’ll be perceived differently—by prospects, peers, and even competitors. Being a published author sets you apart.
More Speaking Invitations
Whether it’s panels, podcasts, conferences, or webinars—people want to hear from published experts.
New Opportunities You Didn’t Anticipate
Books open doors. From media appearances to leadership roles, unexpected things happen when you’re visible and credible.
More Qualified Leads
Readers who reach out after reading your book are already sold on your expertise. They’re warm, ready, and willing to invest.
Increased Confidence
Publishing a book is no small feat. The act alone strengthens your self-perception—and that reflects in how you show up in business.
More Visibility for Your Brand
Books extend your reach far beyond your existing network. They continue working while you sleep.
Deeper Client Relationships
Clients who read your book before working with you often show up more aligned and prepared.
Better Marketing ROI
Books amplify the impact of other marketing channels—especially social media, email, and paid ads.
A Stronger Content Ecosystem
Your book becomes a resource you can repurpose into blog posts, talks, workshops, and offers.
Unexpected Referrals
Readers will talk about your book—even to people you don’t know. Books create word-of-mouth at scale.
A Desire to Write Another One
Once you see the results—and the pride that comes from publishing—a second book often becomes inevitable.
Most importantly, publishing a book shifts how you see yourself. It moves you from practitioner to thought leader, from service provider to author, from reactive to proactive in your business.
That shift alone is worth the effort.
Writing and publishing a nonfiction book is not just a creative endeavor—it’s a strategic leadership move.
When you decide to write a book, you’re not just sharing ideas. You’re stepping into a higher level of visibility, responsibility, and influence. You’re declaring that you have something meaningful to say—and that you're willing to lead with it.
The truth is, most people won't do it. Not because they don’t have the knowledge or passion—but because they don't have the clarity, structure, or support to see it through.
But the coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs who do write and publish books—especially those who treat the process with care and intentionality—position themselves in an entirely different category. They don’t chase authority. They become it.
If you're ready to turn your expertise into something lasting—and use your book to attract clients, elevate your brand, and scale your impact—Trivium Writing can help.
Over the last few years, we’ve helped over 130 authors do exactly that. Whether you're looking for coaching, consulting, or a guided path through the entire writing and publishing process, we have the structure and experience to get you across the finish line.
Book a free 30-minute consultation to talk about your book idea. We’ll help you get clear on your next step—whether you work with us or not.
This is your time to lead with your ideas. And a book is still the most powerful way to do it.