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Why Publishing a Book Still Matters for Coaches (And How It Can Elevate Your Thought Leadership)
In a time when everything is online and information is at our fingertips, the idea of publishing a book may seem almost cliché. Everywhere you look, new authors are emerging, and many coaches are jumping into the fray to write their own stories or share their methodologies. The question on many minds: Does publishing a book still matter? With everyone seemingly publishing books, does it hold the same weight as it once did?
The short answer is: yes, but only if done right. A well-crafted, bestselling book can empower your coaching career, establish your authority, and create a lasting legacy.
In this article, we explore why publishing a book still matters for coaches and how a well-timed, strategically written book can help you build a solid reputation, become a thought leader, and attract high-quality clients. We’ll also highlight some of the most successful books in the coaching space and examine how they became bestsellers, offering key takeaways that you can apply to your own journey.
Why Publishing a Book Still Matters for Coaches (When Done Right)
According to Forbes, the publishing world has changed dramatically in recent years. With the rise of self-publishing, more people than ever are turning to books as a way to express their expertise and ideas. However, while anyone can self-publish, the key to success is the quality of the book and its potential to impact readers. Books still matter because they provide an undeniable sense of authority.
The Power of Becoming an Author
Having a book associated with your name instantly elevates your status in your niche. As Michael Bungay Stanier, author of The Coaching Habit, has noted, “Writing a book isn’t just about creating a product; it’s about creating a platform for yourself as a thought leader.” Books are a long-term investment in your credibility.
Individuals who publish books on their specific areas of expertise are often seen as the go-to authorities, whether they are life coaches, leadership experts, or business strategists. A book signals to your audience that you’ve invested significant time and energy into your craft, and it positions you as someone worth listening to.
Positioning Yourself as an Expert
Publishing a book is one of the most effective ways to position yourself as an authority in the field of coaching. Rather than simply offering advice, the real value lies in demonstrating that you’re trusted to deliver insights that have the power to change lives. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, writing a book is a powerful credibility move because it gives people a concrete reference for your work and pulls your knowledge, expertise, and experience into a single, foundational body of content.
Pro Tip: When you write a book, you gain more than just a tangible product. You acquire credibility, social proof, and an opportunity to build a deeper relationship with your audience, all of which make it easier to attract clients.
Case Studies: Bestselling Books by Coaches Who Lead the Way
In this article, we will also cover a few examples of bestselling books that have not only shaped the careers of their authors but have also changed the landscape of coaching. These books are proof that when done right, a book can significantly elevate a coach’s authority.
1. The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier
- Why It’s a Game-Changer: Michael Bungay Stanier’s book is a masterclass in simplicity and effectiveness. With over 700,000 copies sold worldwide, The Coaching Habit became a bestseller by tapping into the common struggles that coaches face: how to improve client outcomes without saying too much.
- Impact: The book has become a reference in coaching programs, offering seven essential questions that every coach should ask to bring about lasting change. Stanier’s writing is direct, actionable, and deeply rooted in research. His book doesn’t just teach; it transforms how coaches work with their clients.
- Key Takeaway: The success of this book lies in its practical value. According to Stanford Graduate School of Business, lasting behavior change comes from small, specific actions and practical strategies, not just more information. Stanier’s book is filled with actionable frameworks that readers can put to use right away.
2. The Prosperous Coach: Increase Income and Impact for You and Your Clients by Steve Chandler & Rich Litvin
- Why It’s a Game-Changer: The Prosperous Coach challenges the traditional views of coaching. It urges coaches to move away from the transactional nature of typical coaching and instead build deep, authentic relationships with clients. The book encourages coaches to create a practice centered around high-impact, high-income clients.
- Impact: The book has made an enormous impact on coaches looking to grow their practices, inspiring a whole new wave of “high-ticket” coaching models. Chandler and Litvin’s collaborative approach to coaching has turned The Prosperous Coach into a bestseller, earning it praise from thought leaders like Tony Robbins.
- Key Takeaway: The book’s success can be attributed to its ability to shift mindsets. As Rich Litvin explained in an interview with Forbes, the authors’ ability to articulate a coach’s deeper value and potential helped coaches unlock new levels of success.
3. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
- Why It’s a Game-Changer: While not a traditional coaching book, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero became a New York Times bestseller thanks to its empowering message and relatable, humorous tone. The book helps people tap into their potential and is filled with motivational advice that resonates with both coaches and their clients.
- Impact: The book has been a catalyst for individuals seeking personal transformation and has enabled Jen Sincero to grow her own brand as a motivational speaker and coach. As Sincero has said, “When you become a bestseller, you don’t just get a book; you get a movement.”
- Key Takeaway: Jen’s book is a great example of how personality and relatability can make a book stand out. According to Forbes Books, what really sets a book apart is the author’s unique insights, perspective, and lived experience. Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass is a good example of that kind of distinctive voice.
4. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
- Why It’s a Game-Changer: James Clear’s book is a massive success in both personal development and coaching. It focuses on the science of habit formation and how small changes can lead to big results over time.
- Impact: The book became a bestseller with over 4 million copies sold worldwide. It’s been widely used by coaches to help clients build sustainable habits, and it’s particularly revered for its actionable advice that is grounded in psychological research.
- Key Takeaway: Books like Atomic Habits thrive because they are based on actionable, science-backed advice that resonates with a broad audience, including both coaches and individuals looking to improve their lives.
How to Get Your Book Published and Become a Bestseller
Writing a book is just the first step. The real challenge lies in getting it published and ensuring it becomes a bestseller. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
1. Define Your Niche and Purpose
- Before you start writing, be clear about the message you want to share and who your target audience is. Whether it’s leadership, personal development, or coaching techniques, having a clear focus will make your book more appealing to readers.
2. Write with Purpose
- Focus on value. According to FriesenPress, readers buy a nonfiction book because it promises to solve a problem they’re dealing with. So your book needs to hit a real pain point and offer a clear solution.
3. Consider Self-Publishing or Traditional Publishing
- Both options have pros and cons. Traditional publishing gives you credibility and resources, but self-publishing offers more control and higher royalties. The choice depends on your goals.
4. Market Your Book
- To achieve bestseller status, you’ll need to market your book effectively. According to a 2023 study in the International Journal of E-Business Research, social media platforms are now a pivotal part of modern brand marketing strategies, making a strong, engaged online presence essential for promoting any product, including your book.
Thought Leadership is About More Than Just a Book
To recap, publishing a book still matters because it gives you the tools to position yourself as a thought leader, expand your reach, and establish a long-lasting impact. As Seth Godin, a renowned thought leader, famously said: “A book is a way to amplify your voice, to share your ideas with more people.”
Becoming a bestselling author is not about following the trend. It’s about creating something that adds value, builds authority, and ultimately transforms lives. So, if you’re ready to step into the world of publishing, remember that writing a book is only the beginning of your journey to becoming a thought leader in the coaching industry.
Ready to Become a Bestseller?
If you’re ready to publish a book that positions you as a thought leader, COACHILLY MAG can help. With expert editing, design, and marketing services tailored for coaches, they’ll guide you through every step—from manuscript to bestseller. Coachilly ensures your book resonates with your audience and stands out in a crowded market.
Start your journey to becoming a bestselling author today. Learn more about Coachilly’s publishing services here. We can help you from start to finish, or to just get your book noticed after you’ve completed it. Even publishers now work with our team because we understand how to boost sales, motivate readers to leave authentic reviews and what it takes to become a bestseller.
