Introducing... "Ideal Client Pricing" !

Not yet started that book you want to write? Great! You are my ideal client and I will actually reward you with real money…

When I started out as a book coach 22 years ago, all of my clients came to me with ideas in their head but nothing outlined or written. They didn’t know where to start and were overwhelmed with all the possibilities.

That was great because we got to do all the beautiful work together: getting complete clarity about the book, its messages and its impact, making all the big decisions about the format, framework, structure, tone and outcomes, as well as outlining the content together, to craft the best possible structure and outline for the best possible book – a book that would have its best possible chance in the market.

Over the years, people began to write their books, publishing became much more accessible, and lots of support for aspiring authors emerged. As one of the pioneers in the book coaching industry, I’m delighted more people are getting to achieve their dream of becoming published authors.

However… I’ve noticed a disturbing trend recently. Although I always prefer to start client programs when the author’s book ideas are at that embryonic stage, I’m getting more and more enquiries from people who have started writing their books but become stuck. Some have been trying to write for a few months, some have spent years yet not made much progress. The one thing these aspiring authors have in common is that they ‘had a go’; in other words they embarked on their book writing journey solo or without the guidance of a seasoned coach. And then self-doubt crept in, or new ideas, or distractions or any number of other obstacles.

It's not their fault. All the motivational posts online (including mine?!) could be leading people to feel over-inspired and overconfident. They start with lots of enthusiasm even if they don't have the clarity. In fact, I think this is a symptom of our society today: we think we can do big things with a DIY (do it yourself) approach. Just look at the number of people who try to build their own websites or renovate their houses and then get stuck, instead of bringing in the professionals from the start.

The issue is that when authors come to me in frustration, with a half-done manuscript they are not at all sure about, it’s hard work. I have to work harder to help them unpick, unpack and unravel what they have done. Sometimes, it’s actually better to start over from scratch, with the proverbial blank slate.

Some say they are happy to do that, but then fight for the work they have already done. They are too invested in and wedded to their ideas and not really open to feedback or coaching, even if they say they are. It’s painful for them to admit they have wasted months or years, and the work they’ve already put in. Like I say, it’s painful. For both of us.

Having had too many of these conversations over the past few weeks, I’ve decided to do something really radical. I can’t even believe I’m doing this, but it is going to reward my ideal clients, reduce the number of challenging projects for me, and pay me for the extra work with those who are not ideal but who I choose to work with.

It’s called “Ideal Client Pricing”. Here’s how it works:

* Those aspiring authors who have not yet started writing or even planning their books will pay the lowest fee.

* Those who think they have outlined some ideas and content, and insist on sticking to that content, can work with me for a slightly higher fee.

* And those who have done a lot on their book but are stuck, unsure and underconfident about what they have done, will pay the most.

Clients in that last group may choose to start over, in which case they may get the “Ideal Client Pricing”. As I said, this is a new idea and I’m excited to try it out. I would LOVE to work with ONLY my ideal clients, wouldn’t you? But at least I will feel I’m getting paid fairly if I choose to work with other clients.

If you want to copy this idea in your own business, please do! I think it is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my 22 years of running The Book Midwife® and I’d be delighted if more businesses rewarded their ideal clients in this way.

Let me know what you think. If you try this in your own business, let me know how you get on.