Many writers and authors get stuck. They’re uncertain what they need to do to get their books in the hands of publishers and onto readers. Sometimes it’s lack of motivation, other times, it’s getting sidelined by rejections. That’s where coaching comes in. Working with a book coach, helps authors overcome mental and physical barriers along the publishing journey. It also provides guidance and inspiration when you need it most. Your Books Uplift Book Craft column is designed to help you connect with top people in the industry who are blazing trails and helping you realize your full potential.

Tina P. Schwartz is an experienced book coach, author, and owner of the The Purcell Agency.  Her days are consumed with helping authors achieve success. So, if you’re looking to get from laptop to bookshelf, she’s your go-to guide. Meet Tina:

Share a little about your journey from laptop to bookshelf: My journey started when I lost my corporate job two weeks before giving birth to my first child. I didn’t know what to do for income since I couldn’t get unemployment because I was unable to go on interviews being so close to my due date. That’s when I started writing. My problem was I didn’t know what to do with those manuscripts, until I took some on-line classes and joined a professional group (SCBWI) to take classes and be coached on these skills I’m sharing with people now. Losing that job was a blessing in disguise since it allowed me to become a professional writer, work from home, and be with my family full-time.

What is your book craft? Many have written a manuscript and then don’t know what to do with it. I offer Writing Coaching Services called “From Laptop to Bookshelf” that shows people what to do next. It discusses things like Query Letters, Market Guides, should you go self-publishing or traditional publishing route, how to find the right Agent or Editor, what to do when you get a contract, how to promote your book. It’s a “journey guide” to help you along your way to publication.

How did you get started offering these professional services? As an author-agent, I’ve helped people with these skills for many years. Finally, another industry friend who coaches said I should really start giving this valuable information away as lessons in a Coaching business. That’s how I added my third hyphen… Author-Agent-Writing Coach!

What fulfills you most about working with your clients? I love when I see people who are just starting out gain confidence in their abilities and their product (an actual book). It’s especially gratifying to see something that came to my “inbox” as a query, then a couple years later, find it on a bookshelf at my local bookstore.

What is the ROI that your clients can look forward to by working with you? Their Return on Investment will be the knowledge of “what to do next” to become a published author, and ideally get that first (or next) book deal.

What makes you, and your services, unique? I believe the most unique thing I bring to the table is the fact that I’ve “been there”. I am a traditionally published author-turned-literary agent. I’ve started out as someone who wrote something, then didn’t know what to do next. By going to conferences and marketing myself to industry professionals, I was able to get contracts on my own as a never-before-published author.

Who is your ideal client? My ideal client is someone who loves books, who loves the industry, and who is eager to learn.

What is one of your most memorable client engagements? I love hearing about “getting an offer” whether it be an agent who wants to sign them, or an editor who wants to publish their book. Sharing news of a book deal offer is my most memorable conversations with clients.

How do you hold yourself accountable and achieve the goals that you set forth? I have daily check lists of what I need to accomplish. In addition, I meet with other professionals on a bi-weekly basis to do “check ins” on how my goals have been met, or if not, why, and how we can help each other thrive and meet all goals.

How do you help your clients do the same? I have a boatload of proven and recommended tricks and skills to not only set realistic goals, but how to track them, and achieve set goals.

How can people get started working with you? I’m located in the suburbs of Chicago so I can meet in-person or virtually. The can go to my website www.tinaPschwartz.com to learn about me and see if they like me and feel we’d make a great fit; they can set up a :30 minute complimentary “meet and greet” Zoom or In-person meeting to ask specific questions and see if our styles and personalities would make a great partnership. They can reach out to me via email QueryTinaP@gmail.com or by phone 847-702-6945 to coordinate schedules and set up a meeting.

What else would you like people to know about you? I’m a very enthusiastic and encouraging person who loves coaching others to reach whatever successes they’re looking for. I’m nurturing and want others to succeed in whatever their hearts’ desire.

Image Courtesy of Tina P. Schwartz