Explore every episode of the podcast Coach Write

We're tackling a common misconception this week: that writing has to be a solitary pursuit. Helen unpacks why we default to picturing writers working alone, and makes the case for why writing alongside other people, particularly virtually, changes everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the image of the lone author at a mahogany desk is a myth, and where that image actually comes from
• The three reasons we default to thinking writing has to be a solitary act
• How writing without commitment or accountability leads to drift, doubt, and eventually giving up
• Why virtual writing sprints and body doubling can be more effective than writing in person
• How the Scribe Circle works, and how to find or build your own writing community

Connect with Helen:

Join the Scribe Circle: https://coachwrite.co.uk/scribecircle

Buy Enough: Rethinking Resilience in a World That Never Stops: https://link.amazon/B0dyg7r41

Newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Helen is joined by Heidi Dawson and Dr Lorenzo Mugnai, co-founders of Y Root Coaching, to talk about how a chance meeting turned into a coaching practice, and how their framework became a book, The Y Root Method, published just days before this recording.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How a corridor conversation between an astrophysicist and a leadership programme facilitator led to a coaching business and a shared framework
• How the Y Root method borrows its "goal, checks, factors, actions" structure from space science, and why asking 'why' is the opposite of a dirty word in coaching
• Why Lorenzo wrote the book with Heidi in mind as the reader, and how that shaped its structure and tone
• What it's really like writing a business book in your second language, and the surprising advantage of learning grammar rules as an adult
• How Heidi and Lorenzo use AI as a sense check without letting it write their voice, and their honest take on independent publishing, cover design and the "when is enough, enough" question of editing

Connect with Helen

Newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Connect with Heidi and Lorenzo

Website: https://yrootcoaching.com/

Heidi Dawson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-dawson-36a26820/

Lorenzo Mugnai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mugnailorenzo/

Book: https://link.amazon/B0eE4wgyz

People and Resources Mentioned

Written word media podcast episode on A+ content: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/how-to-set-up-amazon-a-plus-content-in-30-minutes-or-less/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/

Preorder Enough: Rethinking Resilience in a World That Never Stops https://link.amazon/B04frvgKn

Coaching at work magazine: https://www.coaching-at-work.com/

In this solo episode, Helen explores what a strengths-based approach can teach coaches about how they show up not just with clients, but on the page. Drawing on frameworks like Clifton Strengths, DISC, MBTI, and the Enneagram, she looks at how understanding your own strengths can shape a writing process that actually works for you.

In this episode you'll discover

• Why a strengths-based approach beats a deficit-based one, both in coaching and in writing
• The roots of strengths-based coaching in positive psychology and the work of Martin Seligman
• Three simple ways to spot your own strengths: natural talent, energy, and other people's feedback
• A tour of four popular frameworks (Clifton Strengths, DISC, MBTI, and the Enneagram) and what each one reveals
• How to use your own strengths profile to build a writing process that fits how you actually work

Connect with Helen

• Website: coachwrite.co.uk
• Newsletter, Coach Write Reflections: coachwrite.co.uk/reflections
• LinkedIn: O'Neill Helen (linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen)
• Instagram: @coach_write

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

In this episode, Helen is joined by Becca Syme, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, USA Today bestselling novelist, and founder of the Better Faster Academy, for a conversation about writing rules, strengths and building a coaching and author business that stays true to your values.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why "everything works for someone, and nothing works for everyone" became the guiding philosophy behind Becca's most popular course
• How Becca workshopped Write Better Faster for years before it became her signature programme, rather than rushing an evergreen product to market
• Why "meet people where they are" beats chasing every shiny new marketing trend
• The phased approach to testing demand before committing to direct sales, translations or audio editions
• Why staying anchored to your values matters just as much once your business starts to scale

People and Resources Mentioned

Pre-order Enough: Rethinking Resilience in a World That Never Stops: https://link.amazon/B0dnHHX0H

ProWriting Aid:  https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=15255

ALCS article https://www.alcs.co.uk/news/ensuring-writers-are-paid-in-the-age-of-ai/?utm_source=Authors%27%20Licensing%20%26%20Collecting%20Society%20Ltd&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=15601920_ALCS%20News%20-%20August&utm_content=AI%20licences%20blog%20-%20button&dm_i=76,9AEIO,EHT86W,131387,1,0,0,0

Ulysses y James Joyce https://link.amazon/B0gaqlKFj

Romance writers of America https://www.rwa.org/

Clifton strengths https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths

Margie Lawson https://www.margielawson.com/

Silk and sonder https://www.silkandsonder.com/

Connect with Becca

The Better Faster Academy https://betterfasteracademy.com/

Becca’s books https://betterfasteracademy.com/books-by-becca-syme/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeccaSyme

Connect with Helen

Website: https://coachwrite.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

In this solo episode, Helen shares why your email list should be the backbone of your marketing as a coach or author, and exactly how to build, maintain, and use it well.

In this episode:

• Why social media is "rented space" and what happens when platforms change or disappear
• Why coaches and authors are in the credibility business, and how a consistent newsletter builds trust and connection
• Choosing an email platform (Wix, Kartra, MailerLite, Kit, and others) based on budget and technical comfort
• Why Substack isn’t a newsletter, and how to think about it strategically
• What to actually write about: reflections, behind-the-scenes content, and lessons from client work
• Helen's content pillars: portfolio careers, writing and publishing, AI and futurist topics, and life sustainability
• Why Helen steers coaches away from using AI to draft newsletters, at least to start with
• How to grow your list using tools you already have, including podcast guesting and lead magnets
• Why engagement matters more than list size, and Helen's own experience running an email cleanse
• The importance of consistency, and why replying personally to subscribers builds real community

Resources mentioned:

• Coach Write Reflections newsletter: https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections
• MailerLite, Kit (formerly ConvertKit), and Octopus as email platform options

Connect with Helen:

• Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write
• Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen speaks with Claire Fitzsimmons, co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a wellbeing journal for the anxious, disconnected and uncertain, co-created with illustrator and psychologist Amanda Sheeren. Claire is an ICF Associate Certified Coach, a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, and host of the podcast A Thought I Kept.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How a serendipitous dinner conversation with a stranger who turned out to run an independent publishing company led to the journal finding its home with an independent, specialist publisher rather than a conventional route
• Why Claire and Amanda built the design of the journal around analogue, tactile experience, deliberately pushing back against the digital overwhelm and screen fatigue so many of us are trying to escape
• How the book’s ‘untethering’ pathway helps readers get curious about what they’re really seeking when they reach for their phone, rather than trying to demonise technology altogether
• The balance Claire and Amanda struck between offering readers real tools and simply adding to the noise and overwhelm of the wellbeing industry, and why curiosity works better than ‘musts’ and ‘shoulds’
• Why Claire and Amanda actively choose to support independent bookshops over one-click buying, and what that decision means for the sense of connection and community behind the book
• Claire’s advice for aspiring writers: building small, everyday writing habits rather than waiting for the “right” moment or feeling to arrive

Resources and people mentioned:

Work with Helen: https://coachwrite.co.uk/services

99 Designs Cover Design: https://99designs.co.uk/

2027 Planner: Plan Your Portfolio: https://link.amazon/B04B49u9p

Coaches Journey Podcast Episode: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/125-helen-oneill-how-to-publish-as-a-coach-build-a-portfolio-career-and-make-your-next-step-count

Support the Coach Write Podcast: https://patreon.com/coachwrite 

Connect with Claire

Website: https://www.ifloststarthere.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-fitzsimmons-4130aa100/

Substack More Good Days: https://moregooddays.substack.com

Substack It’s a Lot, Actually https://itsalotactually.substack.com

Book: If Lost Start Here: https://www.ifloststarthere.com/book

A Thought I Kept (podcast): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521342

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen

Instagram: @coach_write

Coach Write Reflections newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you’re listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

Helen ONeill reflects on her first year of hosting the Coach White Podcast, sharing insights on format, technical setup, audience engagement, and monetisation strategies to help aspiring podcasters and authors.

Key topics

• Podcast format and length preferences
• Technical setup and editing tools
• Audience engagement and feedback
• Scheduling and consistency strategies
• Monetisation and supporting the show financially
• Adapting content based on listener feedback
• Video integration and YouTube presence
• Long-term growth and discoverability

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

Resources mentioned

Riverside FM: https://riverside.sjv.io/c/6390911/2648500/28064

Podbean: https://podbean.com

Audio Jungle: https://audiojungle.net/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachWritePodcast        

Patreon: To support the show, go to https://patreon.com/coachwrite

In this episode, Claire Pedrick shares her journey of writing and publishing her coaching books, the lessons learned along the way, and insights into the evolving world of publishing, including the importance of accessibility, branding, and authenticity.

Key topics

• Claire Pedrick's journey to publication
• Lessons learned from writing multiple books
• The importance of editing and cover design
• The role of accessibility and neurodiversity in publishing
• Strategies for self-publishing and marketing

Connect with Claire

Website: http://www.3dcoaching.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairepedrick/

Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/clairepedrick

Books: https://mybook.to/ClairePedrick

Connect with Helen

Free newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Tools and Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for the Coach Write With Confidence free workshop on 14th August 2026: https://coachwrite.co.uk/confidence

Download your free copy of 2027 Planner: Plan Your Portfolio: https://coachwrite.co.uk/resources

Ruben Hassid  https://substack.com/@ruben

The Art of Enough by Becky Hall https://link.amazon/B0efQdt0c

Practical Inspiration Publishing https://practicalinspiration.com/

Help This Book https://helpthisbook.com/

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you’re listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

In this episode, Martin Cavannagh, head of content at Reedsy, shares insights on content strategy, editing, cover design, and building a successful author platform. Perfect for authors and coaches looking to leverage content and community for growth.

Key topics

• Content strategy for authors and coaches
• Choosing the right editor and cover designer
• The role of AI in publishing and design
• Building a community and platform for growth
• Creating valuable free content to attract clients

Resources mentioned:

Reedsy: https://reedsy.com

Reedsy You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Reedsy

Connect with Helen

Free newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you’re listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

This episode explores how writers and publishers can make their content more inclusive and accessible. Helen O'Neill discusses terminology, conscious language, and practical publishing choices to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Key Topics

• Understanding D-E-I-B principles in writing
• Conscious language and mindful word choices
• The importance of context and consequence in language
• Writing for a specific audience and niche
• Publishing options for accessibility and inclusivity
• Digital and print accessibility considerations
• The role of AI and technology in accessible publishing
• The emotional and social impact of language

Connect with Helen

Free newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Resources mentioned

The Conscious Style Guide by Karen Yin https://amzn.to/3T8ToUc 

Reedsy Marketplace https://reedsy.com

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you’re listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

In this episode, Helen ONeill speaks with Hayley Brackley, neurodiversity consultant, coach, speaker, and founder of Great Minds Don’t, about the journey behind her book The Seven Lenses: A New Way of Seeing Neuroinclusion.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why there’s no single “right” way to write a book.
• How accessibility choices can expand your audience, not shrink it.
• How having the right support system makes publishing feel far less daunting.
• Where AI can be useful for sorting feedback and sense-checking structure.
• Why neuroinclusion is about turning good intentions into practical action.

Connect with Helen

Free newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

About the guest

Hayley Brackley is a neurodiversity consultant, coach, speaker, and founder of Great Minds Don’t. She supports individuals and organisations in creating more inclusive spaces, with a focus on practical neuroinclusion.

Connect with Hayley

Website: https://www.greatmindsdont.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-brackley/ 

Buy Hayley’s book: https://amzn.to/44mbxjY

Leave a review for Hayley’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/create-review/?ie=UTF8&channel=glance-detail&asin=B0GZFQR6KY

Resources mentioned

Mailerlite: https://www.mailerlite.com

Coaching at work Magazine https://www.coaching-at-work.com/

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you’re listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the British vs. US English decision is rarely just a spelling question, and what it really comes down to
• How to choose your book's language based on where your ideal reader and client actually live
• Why your author voice matters more than which spelling convention you pick, especially in an age of AI generated content
• The practical impact of consistency, house style, and working with a human editor
• What really influences book sales (hint: it's not spelling) and how to handle the occasional one star review about it

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How a car accident, an induced coma and a brain injury led Dr Fatima Syed to poetry, and why she calls her poems "five minute poems" written straight onto her phone
• Why she chose to self-publish her book, Yaqeen, Stitched From Sorrows, to keep her raw, unedited words exactly as they were written
• How using AI as a light-touch editing tool, rather than a co-writer, helped her stay true to her own voice and her first language
• Fatima's belief that every loss, whether it's a job, a relationship or your health, is really a loss of identity, and why looking one layer down changes how you coach through it
• Why book fairs and face to face connection have been more powerful for reaching readers than any marketing strategy, and what that says about writing for the right audience

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

Connect with Helen

Join the Advanced Readers Team for Enough: Rethinking Resilience email: helen@coachwrite.co.uk

Weekly email: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Connect with Fatima:

Website https://www.navigatechange.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stitchedfromsorrows/

Book: https://amzn.to/4xSZiJ5

People and Resources mentioned:

Joanna Lott https://joannalottcoaching.com/

Mailerlite https://www.mailerlite.com/

Tim Ferriss Article https://tim.blog/2026/06/12/has-ai-already-killed-nonfiction/

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Grief Curve https://amzn.to/4vz8WPD

In this episode of the footnotes, Helen ONeill shares her key takeaways from SPS Live 2026, the largest independent author conference in Europe. Here are some speakers whose sessions resonated most:

Tom Donnelly on separating your creative and critical brain when you write

Becca Syme on questioning the writing rules you've always been told to follow

Becca Syme on the eight types of fans and what they mean for your coaching practice

Oriana Leckert on how Kickstarter works and whether it could work for your book

Ricardo Fayet and Sara Usera on using data, not guesswork, to drive your Amazon ad decisions

Sacha Black on building an authorship business with talent, honesty, and grit

Rachel McLean on burnout, simplicity, and deciding what enough actually looks like

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

Connect with Helen:

Coach Write Reflections newsletter: https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

People and Resources Mentioned

Tom Donnelly https://www.tddonnelly.com/ 

Becca Syme https://betterfasteracademy.com/ 

Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/

Ricardo Fayet https://www.ricardofayet.com/

Sara Usara https://www.booksflyer.com/about

Reedsy https://reedsy.com/

Sacha Black writing as Ruby Roe https://www.rubyroe.co.uk/

Rachel McLean https://rachelmclean.com/

Avreil Price is a leadership coach, consultant and founder of AV Consultancy, who helps senior leaders step back, recognise the impact they have already made, and shape what comes next. Her debut book, The Legacy Coach: Your Next Chapter, Your Legacy, Your Way, grew out of her own experience of life-changing transition, including recovering from a brain haemorrhage in 2020, relocating from England to Wales, and leaving a 30-year career in local government to set up her consultancy.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How a single coffee conversation and the words "send me chapter one" became the spark that turned Averil's book idea into a reality, and why accountability and the right writing community made all the difference
• Why Averil gathered real-world feedback on her manuscript by working with six volunteer readers over six months, and how that process shaped the book and kept her writing
• What happened when a professional editorial relationship went badly wrong, and the lesson Averil learned about taking control of who you choose to work with
• How The Legacy Coach sits at the centre of a broader business model, including a leadership programme for senior leaders in local government, showing how a book can anchor an entire coaching practice
• Why Averil believes your legacy is not something you leave behind but something you are already building, and how helping people see that changes the decisions they make

Connect with Averil:

Website: https://www.avieconsultancyltd.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averil-price-14674526/

Book: The Legacy Coach: https://amzn.to/4fOhey5

Connect with Helen:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen

Instagram: @coach_write

Newsletter: https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections

People and Resources Mentioned:

Solace https://solace.org.uk/

Bookish: https://www.book-ish.co.uk/about-us/

Sian-Elin Flint Freel https://www.linkedin.com/in/sian-elin-flint-freel-8959844/

The Coaching Tools Compendium: A Journey of Discovery and Growth by Sandra Whiles https://amzn.to/4eH24ta

One of the questions Helen gets asked most often is this: should I write the book first, or build the programme first? In this episode of The Footnotes, Helen digs into the chicken-and-egg reality of aligning a signature coaching programme with a book, and why doing both can be one of the most powerful things a coach can do for their business and their credibility. She covers four key benefits of having both, four pitfalls to watch out for, and a practical reflection exercise to help you get started, wherever you are right now.

In this episode:

• Why your ideal client and your ideal reader are the same person
• How writing a book clarifies your thinking in ways that working in the coaching room simply cannot
• The credibility gap that a book can close, and why a hundred LinkedIn posts won't do it
• Why having a book makes marketing feel less like selling and more like sharing
• The four pitfalls: doing both without a plan, the book and programme drifting apart, perfectionism, and writing for everyone
• How to begin: mapping the transformation at the heart of both your book and your programme

Connect with Helen

Book Strategy Session: https://coachwrite.co.uk/strategy   

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen

Instagram: https://instagram.com/coach_write

Coach Write Reflections newsletter: https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections

Helen speaks with Dr Phil Renshaw, co-author of Coaching on the Go. In this episode you'll discover:

• Why coaching has been accidentally over-professionalised, and why teaching managers to coach using a professional coaching framework is costing organisations time and money
• How Phil and his co-author Jenny Robinson wrote their book Coaching on the Go before approaching a publisher, and what that unconventional choice taught them about the writing process
• What it really takes to land a traditional publishing deal, including how to pitch, what publishers are looking for, and why Phil and Jenny were turned down four times before Pearson said yes
• How the Gizmo profiling tool grew out of the book and became the engine of Phil's coaching business, creating a long-tail model that keeps the book commercially relevant years after publication
• Phil's honest advice for coaches who want to write a book, including why getting clear on your real motivation before you start is the most important step of all

Subscribe to the CoachWrite podcast wherever you're listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference; a review can too.

Connect with Helen

Join the Scribe Circle: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/scribecircle

Sign up for the free weekly email: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Connect with Phil

Website: www.coachingonthego.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renshawphil/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coachingonthego

Book: https://amzn.to/4wXN6X1

Resources mentioned:

https://coachbot.ai/

Content for Everyone by Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini:  https://amzn.to/4uJokIE

Getting reviews for your book is a lot like getting testimonials when you first start your coaching practice. You know they matter. What nobody tells you is how hard they are to get.

In this solo episode, Helen shares why book reviews are so important, how to build a review strategy before you even publish, and some practical ways to make it as easy as possible for your readers to leave their thoughts.

In this episode:

• Why reviews are about far more than the warm and fuzzies
• What an ARC is and how to use advanced readers to kickstart your launch
• Where to direct readers, and why Goodreads is becoming increasingly important
• The paid services that connect you with reviewer communities
• The rules of asking well: be specific, give the link, and say thank you

Connect with Helen

• Newsletter: https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17798513.Helen_ONeill
• Website: https://coachwrite.co.uk

Helen speaks to Alice Driscoll and Louise Van Haarst, co-founders of The Powerhouse and co-authors of the bestselling book Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work.

In This Episode You'll Discover:

• How Alice and Louise moved from a chance meeting at Henley Business School to co-founding The Powerhouse and writing their bestselling book, Smart Conflict.
• Why having a fully developed workshop methodology meant they never faced a blank page, and how writing a detailed book proposal shaped their entire structure before a word was written.
• The practical reality of co-authoring while running a fast-scaling business, including how they divided the writing, managed tight deadlines, and kept a single voice across the manuscript.
• How Smart Conflict has opened unexpected doors since publication, including a place on the Thinkers 50 Radar 30 list, a Business Book Award finalist spot, and organic gifting by readers to their own clients and teams.
• Their honest reflections on using AI in the writing process, the challenges of cover design, and the lessons they would share with any coach considering writing a book.

Connect with Alice and Louise

Website: https://thepowerhouse.company

Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work: https://amzn.to/4uO5lwk

Connect with Helen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

Sign up for Coach Write Reflections, the free weekly newsletter for coaches who write: https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections/

Get your free guide to publishing options and episode show notes at coachwrite.co.uk

People and Resources mentioned

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron https://amzn.to/4dBVPq0

Audible royalty model changes: https://www.acx.com/mp/blog/audible-new-royalty-model

Coaching at work magazine https://www.coaching-at-work.com/

Thinkers 50 radar: https://thinkers50.com/radar-2025/

Business book awards: https://www.businessbookawards.co.uk/

Subscribe to the Coach Write podcast wherever you’re listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your words can make a difference a review can too.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why treating your book as a key business resource rather than a sales tool is the strategy that builds long-term thought leadership
• How Kickstarter crowdfunding works as a publishing tool
• The case for selling your books direct through your own platform, and how owning your customer data creates relationships that convert readers into coaching clients
• How painting the edges of books by hand became a unique collector's edition, and what it teaches us about the value of things that deliberately do not scale
• How life reshaped Holger’s creative process, and the unexpected way AI became a tool for rebuilding the ability to write

People and Resources Mentioned

To join this cohort of Coach Write90 go to https://coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

The murder at Kendrick Manor by Jody Derby https://amzn.to/429cXxa

People who Pivot by Helen ONeill https://amzn.to/429RcNI

Authors Guild statement about model AI clause https://authorsguild.org/news/use-of-ai-in-publishing-and-new-model-contract-clause/

Prowriting Aid https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=15255

Shopify https://www.shopify.com/

Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/

Brandon Sanderson https://www.brandonsanderson.com/

Kevin Kelly a Thousand True Fans https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/

Connect with Holger

Website: www.holgernilspohl.com

Newsletter (with goodies attached!) www.holgernilspohl.com/email

Social media: everywhere under holgernilspohl

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_write

This week's episode is a solo show on the question we always ask guests on the show. How do you get your book into the hands of readers?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why getting your metadata right is the unglamorous but essential foundation of book discoverability, including categories, keywords and your blurb
• How to use social media and your existing community to build momentum, whether your book is freshly launched or already out in the world
• The power of promotion stacking and the book promotion sites that can give your launch sales a real boost
• How paid advertising on Amazon and Facebook works, and why Amazon is the best place to start if you're new to it
• Why podcasts, in-person events and PR are still some of the most effective ways to raise your profile as an author and get your book noticed

Resources and people mentioned

Join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Publisher Rocket: https://publisherrocket.com/

Draft to Digital: https://draft2digital.com/

Barnes and Nobel: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

David Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.com/best-promo-sites-books/

People Who Pivot by Helen ONeill: https://amzn.to/42qrkwT

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Helen speaks to Iain McCormick, founder of the Executive Coaching Centre, coach supervisor, and trainer, and author of five books, the most recent being Frustration Inoculation: Eight Practical Steps from Struggle to Strength.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What frustration inoculation actually means, how it differs from conventional stress management, and why a proactive approach of anticipating and preparing for difficult situations is something any coach can bring to their clients.
• What it's really like to publish across every route — traditional multinational, small press, academic, hybrid, and independent — and the honest trade-offs of each, from prestige and reach to creative freedom and royalty percentages.
• Why Iain's most lucrative book per month is a self-published PDF, and how independent publishing opens up possibilities.
• Iain's writing philosophy: never sit down in front of a blank page, always compose in your mind first, and follow the energy of what genuinely excites you — because that spirit comes through on every page.

Connect with Iain

Website: https://iainmccormick.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iainmccormick

Book: Frustration Inoculation: Eight Practical Steps from Struggle to Strength by Iain McCormick

Connect with Helen

Free masterclass 1st May at midday: From coaching practitioner, to published author: https://coachwrite.co.uk/chapter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/

Coach Write Reflections (free weekly newsletter): https://coachwrite.co.uk/reflections

People Who Pivot: https://amzn.to/4dfSqh0

People and Resources Mentioned

ProWritingAid https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=15255

Schema Coaching by Iain McCormick https://amzn.to/3QwUnw0

Donald Meichenbaum / Stress Inoculation Therapy https://www.donaldmeichenbaum.com/

Jeffrey Young / Schema Therapy

Coaching Plain and Simple by Peter Szabo https://amzn.to/41YhgLq

Cortex Journal https://www.scimagojr.com/journalsearch.php?q=14945&tip=sid

On the Road by Jack Kerouac https://amzn.to/4t4BtLJ

Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com/

Wispr (dictation tool) https://wisprflow.ai/

Coral Hart (AI author) https://coralhart.com/

The Bookseller https://www.thebookseller.com/

Cambridge University Press https://www.cambridge.org/

Society of Authors human authored certification https://humanauthored.co.uk/

Hachette https://www.hachette.co.uk/

Helen speaks to Sue Finch, EMCC accredited coach, poet, and host of the podcast Singing as the Darkness Lifts, and author of two poetry collections: Magnifying Glass and Welcome to the Museum of a Life.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How a 30-year career in education led Sue to pursue an MA in Creative Writing and why building a structured commitment around her studies was the key to making time for her writing.
• The rejection that sent Sue back to the drawing board, and how a single poem called Museum of a Life unlocked an entirely new way of thinking about what a poetry collection could be.
• What the curation process for a poetry collection actually looks like, from organising poems into themed galleries, to working with an editor in a Zoom room reading poems aloud, to the moment a handmade blue apple became a book cover.
• How Sue weaves poetry into her coaching practice, and why she believes that hearing your own thoughts out loud is at the heart of both disciplines.
• Sue's advice for coaches and aspiring poets who want to start writing: splurge first, find your tribe, and choose wise people to help you edit. (Brilliant!)

Connect with Sue:

Website: https://suefinch.co.uk/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/suefinchcoachpoet

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@poetsuefinch

Blue Sky: @suefinch.bsky.social

X: @soopoftheday

Podcast: https://suefinch.co.uk/singing-as-the-darkness-lifts-podcast/

Book: Welcome to the Museum of a Life: https://amzn.eu/d/03gMpUqT

Connect with Helen:

Free newsletter: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/reflections 

Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90 

People Who Pivot: https://amzn.to/4dfSqh0 

People and Resources mentioned:

Anna Saunders Cheltenham Poetry Festival https://cheltenhampoetryfestival.co.uk/meet-the-team/

Arvon:  https://www.arvon.org/ 

Queer writers for a brave new world https://www.queerlit.co.uk/products/queer-writing-for-a-brave-new-world 

Black Eyes Publishing https://www.blackeyespublishinguk.co.uk/ 

Jason Conway cover designer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeconway/

Josephine Lay – editor at Black Eyes Publishing

In Good Company – Jo Hawkins and Zoe Hawkins https://www.igcompany.com/ 

The Table by Edip Cansever https://www.sharonsinger.ca/poem-of-the-week/table-by-edip-cansever 

52 Write a Poem a Week. Start Now. Keep Going by Jo Bell https://amzn.to/4bEqanb 

Gloucester Poetry Society https://www.thegloucestershirepoetrysociety.co.uk/ 

The Air Year by Caroline Bird https://amzn.eu/d/027OCLkj

Simplifying Coaching by Claire Pedrick https://amzn.to/48cHJIy

The Human Behind the Coach by Claire Pedrick https://amzn.to/4uWmVPj 

The Coaches Inn Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/3LLZFrIkNrtUDLdukZe8iX

Dream More by Dolly Parton https://amzn.to/4vf2sFV

Nebula Awards https://nebulas.sfwa.org/about-the-nebulas/how-to-participate-rules/

Helen speaks to Claire Turner, EFT practitioner, founder of Abundance Alchemy, and author of Tap Into Your Happy and Tapping Scripts for Entrepreneurs.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Claire went from stressed corporate employee to EFT practitioner and why tapping was the turning point that changed everything
• What EFT (or tapping) actually is, how it works physiologically, and why it’s so effective at removing the internal blocks that stop coaches and entrepreneurs from taking action
• How Claire simplified the writing and publishing process to get her words into the world quickly and affordably
• How she uses her books strategically as lead magnets and as part of a “shock and awe” welcome package for new clients
• Why overcomplicating your publishing journey is often a protection mechanism in disguise — and the simple question to ask yourself to cut through it

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Join the next cohort of Coach Write 90 starting 20th May 2026: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Connect with Claire

Website: https://claireturnereft.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireturnereftuk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@claireturner-eft886

Email: info@claire-turner.com

Books:

How to Tap Into Your Happy: https://amzn.to/3P2FDEJ

Tapping Scripts for Entrepreneurs: https://amzn.to/3P2FDEJ

People and resources mentioned

Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Prowriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=15255

Brad Yates: https://www.youtube.com/@tapwithbrad

Louise Hay: https://www.louisehay.com/

Fivvr: https://www.fiverr.com/

KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/

Molecules of Emotion by Candace B. Pert, Ph.D. https://amzn.to/4blN2WV

Terry Pratchett: https://amzn.to/3P3B9O8

In this episode, Helen speaks to Katharine St John-Brooks, leadership coach and author of Internal Coaching: The Inside Story, released as a second edition in November 2025.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why a second edition is never just a few tweaks, and how Katharine and co-author Julia Duncan turned a 10-year-old book into something that feels completely new
• The co-authoring ground rules that made the collaboration work: who holds the final say, how to preserve a consistent voice, and why mutual accountability is one of the most powerful writing tools available
• What the traditional publishing proposal process really involves, and why coaches with research or academic work behind them still have significant work to do to reach publication
• Why evaluating organisations internal coaching programme isn't optional, and why ROI is such an important metric.
• The value of having a dedicated writing space, wherever that might be (although trendy parts of London are recommended!)

Connect with Helen:

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Join the no commitment wait list for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Books: https://amzn.to/3MPS2Lq

Connect with Katharine:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-st-john-brooks-1a07b/

Book: https://amzn.to/4tZtbpb

People and Resources mentioned:

https://vivalacoaching.com/ai-in-coaching-glossary/

Global Code of Ethics https://globalcodeofethics.org/

Carol Hart https://coralhart.com/coral-method/

coachwrite.co.uk/blog

Insead training https://www.insead.edu/

Miles Downey https://mylesdowney.com/

CIPD https://www.cipd.org/uk/

Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring (OCM) https://www.theocm.co.uk/educate/coaching-supervision/supervision-coaching-and-mentoring-certificate

EMCC https://emccuk.org/

David Lane Personal Development Foundation https://www.pdf.network/

Julia Duncan https://the-dp.co.uk/our-team/julia-duncan/

Royal Overseas club https://rosl.org.uk/

Paul Herdman

A Room of One’s Own Virginia Woolf https://amzn.to/400mcyw

Cheshire Novel Prize https://cheshirenovelprize.com/

In this episode, Helen is joined by Ross Nicholls — coach, mentor, ICF approved coach educator, and the author and editor of Poetry for Coaching: Transformation Through Verse — to explore the surprisingly powerful role that poetry can play in the coaching room.

Helen and Ross discuss:

• How poetry works as a coaching tool — from evoking awareness and reframing perspectives, to helping clients find clarity, affirmation, and a sense of not being alone
• The nine ways coaches can use poetry with clients, plus a tenth use: reflective practice for the coach themselves
• Three poems read live from the collection, chosen for coaches and clients navigating overwhelm
• The reality of producing an anthology — the stakeholder management, the emotional demands of editing creative work, and the power of a clear vision to keep a collaboration on track
• Working with a partnership publisher and what that support made possible

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Connect with Ross:

Website: https://www.poetryforcoaching.org

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/990933051982492

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-nichols-pcc-mba-535b4018/

Book: Poetry for Coaching https://amzn.to/4ai2AMk

People and resources mentioned

The Dip by Seth Godin https://amzn.to/4ae8E8w   

Rumi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumi

Leisure by W.H, Davies https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leisure_(poem)

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman https://amzn.to/3OnWrpa

Swatt Books https://swatt-books.co.uk/about/about-sam-pearce

*some of the links above are affiliate links

In this episode, Helen O'Neill speaks with Dr Benita Mayhead, Executive Coach, Coach Supervisor, and Director of Coaching Practice at EMCC UK, and author of ‘Duty of Care in Coaching: A Comprehensive Approach to Navigating the Complexities of Contemporary Practice.’

Benita shares her experience of following a wobbly path to academia that resulted in her completing a doctorate in coaching and mentoring at Oxford Brookes University. She reveals the challenges and insights from transforming her doctoral research into an accessible, practitioner-focused book that serves both professionals in the field and academic programs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The unexpected path from thesis to published book and why it's not as straightforward as it seems
• How to unlearn an academic writing style and find your voice
• The usefulness and discomfort of feedback
• Choosing a book cover that represents the message within the book
• Why it's never the right time to write a book; and why you should do it anyway

Connect with Helen:

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Join the waitlist for Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Connect with Benita:

Website: https://benitamayhead.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benita-mayhead-840ab95/ 

Book: https://amzn.to/4qT7Pb9

In this episode, Helen ONeill sits down with Wendy Keir, coach, mentor, and founder of Empower AI, to explore the fascinating intersection of book writing and artificial intelligence.

Wendy shares her journey of writing her book #BeMoreWolf: A Survivor's Story, Breaking the Trauma Cycle over eight months, and we debate whether that’s a long time or not!

We discuss:

• Navigating the emotional challenges of writing about personal trauma
• Her experience of being a writer with dyslexia
• Lessons learned from self publishing on Amazon
• How Wendy has transformed her book into an AI agent
• Ethics and being human in an AI agentic world

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Join the January 2026 cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Connect with Wendy

Website: https://wendykier.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykier/

Book: https://amzn.to/4bCKPrX

Resources mentioned

The Creative Penn Podcast https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2026/01/05/2026-trends-and-predictions-for-indie-authors-and-the-book-publishing-industry-with-joanna-penn/

In the first episode of 2026, Helen speaks with Kenny Archer business coach and founder of Archer Inspirations. Kenny shares the deeply personal story behind his book, The Story Behind the Coach.

We discuss:

• How to discover your authentic coaching identity.
• How writing can become a tool for healing
• The practical approaches that simplify self-publishing
• Writing from the heart

Resources mentioned:

Free weekly newsletter from Helen: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com/signup

Coach write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Coaching services: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com/services

Connect with Helen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: @helenoneillcoaching

Connect with Kenny:

Website: www.archerinspirations.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennyarcher-business-coach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirationsarcher

Book: The Story Behind the Coach: https://amzn.to/4pkhmX2

*some of the links above are affiliate links

In this minisode, Helen shares her top 10 tips for making your non-fiction book un-putdownable.

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen

Join the January 2026 cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Resources: People Who Pivot: https://amzn.to/4pdLXFO

EMCCUK Events: https://emccuk.org/groups-and-events/events/ 

In this milestone tenth episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen ONeill sits down with Helen Hopper, co-founder of leadership consulting firm H Cubed and co-author of ‘The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships: The Secret Life of Boards.’

Helen Hopper tells the fascinating story of how a chance conversation around a campfire in Rajasthan led to a four-year journey of researching, writing, and publishing her first book with co-author Joy Harcup. From interviewing 50 board members to navigating the traditional publishing process with Routledge, Helen shares her insights into what it really takes to bring a book to life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to find and work successfully with a co-author, including simple but effective collaboration techniques
• What to expect when working with a traditional academic publisher
• The ‘ART’ framework developed for the book
• Why sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful
• How writing a book can deepen your coaching practice and reconnect you with foundational theory

People and resources mentioned:

Coach Write 90 https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

People Who Pivot by Helen ONeill: https://amzn.to/4oONVvW

EMCC UK https://www.emccuk.org

Coach Write Blog https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/blog

The Power to Choose by Robbie Swale https://amzn.to/4991Rwc 

Leaders quest https://www.leadersquest.org/ 

Helen’s co-author: Joy Harcup

Routledge https://www.routledge.com/ 

The Work Revolution by Jonathan Males https://amzn.to/4pCpGm2 

The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami https://amzn.to/3MXei5u 

World of books https://www.worldofbooks.com/ 

Connect with Helen Hopper

Website: https://www.hcubed.co.uk/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hopper-h3/

Book: The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships:The Secret Life of Boards https://amzn.to/4acIFyB

Connect with Helen ONeill

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Join the January 2026 cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

*some of the links above are affiliate links

In this moving episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen speaks with executive coach Carolyn Cowperthwaite about co-authoring ‘The Grief Book’ - a guide for those experiencing loss.

Carolyn shares her journey to becoming an executive coach, and how a kitchen conversation with her neighbour led to a two-year writing collaboration that resulted in a book designed specifically for those ‘middle of the night moments of grief.’

We cover:

• The emotional journey of writing about grief while processing personal losses
• Co-authoring strategies and the importance of trust and care between writing partners
• Why they chose simplicity over academic complexity for their readers
• The decision not to market a grief book and letting it find its audience organically
• How community and collaboration can transform the solitary act of writing

People and resources mentioned:

Join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Joanna Lott https://joannalottcoaching.com/

The Coaching Crowd Summit https://youtu.be/SZIXOLFren4?si=5SP7PUJDr5FbBQmT

EMCC UK https://www.emccuk.org/

Emily Powell https://www.emilypowellstudio.com/

Emily Powell Instagram: @emilypowellstudio

Connect with Carolyn

Website: https://cccoachingltd.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-cowperthwaite-61747b141/

Instagram @cccoaching_ukltd

Facebook @carolyn.cowperthwaite

Book: The Grief Book https://amzn.to/4pvsNeQ

In this episode of Coach Write, Helen speaks with Viv Chitty, executive coach, coach supervisor, and author of ‘Coaching for Optimal Energy: A Guide for Executive Coaches.’ Viv shares her journey of transforming her MA research on energy management into a published book, offering valuable insights for coaches considering a similar path.

We cover:

• How to turn academic research into a book
• The difference between traditional and independent publishing
• The importance of finding the right team to help publish your book
• How to market your book
• The debate about AI in coaching

Connect with Viv:

Website: https://vivchittyassociates.co.uk/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viv-chitty-b938b912/

Book: Coaching for Optimal Energy: https://amzn.to/47GAARc 

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk

Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Instagram: @helenoneillcoaching

Register for the free Coach Write workshop on 3rd or 4th December https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/workshop

Other books and resources mentioned:

Hard Fork podcast https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/31/podcasts/characterais-teen-chatbot-crackdown-elon-musk-groks-wikipedia-48-hours-without-ai.html

Joanna Lott https://joannalottcoaching.com/

Coaching Crowd Summit https://youtu.be/SZIXOLFren4?si=L0movGVC7b-IrVIL

Seth Godin The Dip https://amzn.to/3K48O83

Joh Whitmore the GROW model (Coaching for Performance) https://amzn.to/47GCPUy

Anne Schooler Meyler Campbell https://www.meylercampbell.com/our-people/anne-scoular/

The School of Coaching https://www.britishschoolofcoaching.com/

Miles Downey https://mylesdowney.com/

Tony Schwartz: On Form: Managing Energy, Not Time is the Key to High Performance, Health and Happiness https://amzn.to/3XubuPl

Adrian Myers https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/adrian-myers

Tatiana Batch-Grover https://instituteofcoaching.org/author/bachkirova-tatiana

Deb Marcy https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbymarcy/

Ingram Spark https://www.ingramspark.com/

Amazon KDP https://kdp.amazon.com/

Oxford Brooks Coaching and Mentoring Conference https://www.brookes.ac.uk/

British Psychological Society  https://www.bps.org.uk/

Coaching Perspectives  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/general/custom.asp?page=CoachingPerspectiveP

Coaching at Work https://www.coaching-at-work.com/

Coaching Supervision Academy https://www.coachingsupervisionacademy.com/

Association of Executive Coaches https://www.aoec.com/

*some of the links are affiliate links

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, host Helen O'Neill welcomes Colin Tapscott, EMCC accredited senior practitioner coach and author of "Everyday Alchemy: Transforming Trash into Treasure." Colin, who established Everyday Leader in 2017 after 17 years as a head teacher, shares his journey from coaching practice to published author.

We cover:

• A behind the scenes look at a book launch
• How to combine fictional characters with real-life stories to strengthen a books message
• Insight into different publishing experiences
• How ideas percolate to become our books

Connect with Colin

Website: https://everydayleader.co.uk

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-tapscott/

Facebook: fb.me/everydayleaderuk 

Book: https://amzn.to/47stZtD

Connect with Helen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Secure a place at the free Coach Write workshops on Wednesday 3rd Dec or Thursday 4th December https://coachwrite.co.uk/workshop

People and resources mentioned: Patrick Lencioni

Seth Godin

Reedsy https://www.Reedsy.com

EMCC UK https://www.emccuk.org/

Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/join?affid=10461

In this special bonus minisode, we tackle the number one barrier preventing coaches from writing their books: time. Drawing from her experience as a change management professional and coach, Helen explores practical strategies for fitting writing into busy schedules without sacrificing your coaching practice or personal life.

Helen shares insights from previous podcast guests and their diverse approaches to finding writing time, from joining the 5am club to scheduling dedicated writing hours during the workday. She emphasises that you don't need to lock yourself away or decline social invitations—even 15 minutes of daily writing can lead to significant progress over time.

The episode covers:

• Alternative writing routines
• Creating boundaries around your writing time,
• Leveraging accountability through community or public commitment,
• Choosing dedicated writing spaces
• And importantly, knowing when not to write.

Resources mentioned:

To reserve your place at the next free Coach Write workshop running Wednesday 3rd December at midday GMT or Thursday 4th December at 6pm GMT go to https://wwwcoachwrite.co.uk/workshop  

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott https://amzn.to/4o2nymJ

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Register to join the waitlist for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

*Some of links above are affiliate links

In this episode, host Helen O'Neill speaks with Robbie Swale, executive coach, author of the 12-Minute Method book series, and host of The Coach's Journey podcast. Robbie shares his unconventional path to becoming a published author, starting with weekly 12-minute writing sessions on his train commute that eventually transformed into four published books and 80,000 words over three years.

We cover:

• How creating a regular writing habit compounds over time
• The entrepreneurial spirit that draws people towards independent publishing
• Overcoming perfectionism
• Building your publishing team
• Why writing a book needs to be more purposeful than a purely financial goal as part of a coaching business

Connect with Robbie:

Website https://www.robbieswale.com

Website https://www.thecoachsjourney.com

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbieswale/

Coaches journey flywheel https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel

The 12 minute method series of books: https://geni.us/12minutemethodseries

Connect with Helen:

Join the free masterclass Your Future of Work 2025 on Wednesday 5th November at midday GMT. Register at: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com/fow25

Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Register to join the waitlist for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

People and resources mentioned:

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/471uI3s

Marshall Ganz writing framework

https://dash.harvard.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/7312037d-c817-6bd4-e053-0100007fdf3b/content

Seth Godin https://seths.blog/

Paul Valery https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/paul-valery

David Gaughran https://davidgaughran.com/

Reedsy https://reedsy.com/

Jerico Writers https://jerichowriters.com/

Spiffing books https://spiffingbooks.com/

The Writers & Artist Yearbook https://amzn.to/3W0vwk0

Ann Lamott https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-Lamott

Brandon Sanderson https://www.brandonsanderson.com/

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert https://amzn.to/4oahS9L

Nicholas Erik https://nicholaserik.com/

Ingram Spark https://www.ingramspark.com/

*Some of the links above are affiliate links

In this episode, Helen speaks with Sarah Manley, ICF accredited career coach for introverts and author of ‘The Quiet Catalyst: The introvert's guide to thriving in your career.’

Sarah shares how she learned to embrace her quiet strengths during a successful corporate career and how she transitioned to becoming a published author and launching her coaching practice both within the same year. Sarah offers honest insights about the writing process, going from a stack of Post-it notes to finished manuscript, and we discuss how to avoid the quick-fix promises in both the coaching and the publishing industries.

We cover:

• Making the leap from corporate life to coaching and authorship
• Finding creative inspiration through retreats and rest
• The power of quiet leadership and leveraging introverted strengths in the workplace
• Working with a hybrid publisher and navigating the publishing process
• The reality of post-publication marketing and building long-term book success
• Building community as an author and coach

Connect with Sarah:

Book: The Quiet Catalyst: The introvert’s guide to thriving in your career https://amzn.to/47XfjmN

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmanleytqc

Website: https://www.thequietcatalyst.com/

Connect with Helen:

Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 

Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

Book: The Murder at Kendrick Mannor writing as Jody Derby: https://amzn.to/47YLgLz 

Books, people, and resources mentioned

Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain https://amzn.to/3Kp2KXy

Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot https://amzn.to/42NiGJx

Claire Winter: https://clairewinter.com/

Optimus Coaching Academy https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/

The Published Expert https://published-expert.com/

Rethink Press https://rethinkpress.com/

Peter Mosley https://www.petemosley.com/

The Business Book Awards https://www.businessbookawards.co.uk/

Alliance of Independent Authors https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/join?affid=10461

EMCC https://emccuk.org/join-us/

(some of the links above are affiliate links)

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, host Helen O'Neill speaks with Dr. Katie Best, founder of Katie Best Associates and author of ‘The 10 Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them,’ published by Pan Macmillan.

Katie shares how she went from yearning to write a book, to academic study, dabbling with fiction and then landing a traditional publishing deal with a major publisher. She provides invaluable insights into the traditional publishing process, including how she systematically approached finding an agent, and took a business approach to international rights negotiations.

We cover:

• How to build time to write into your schedule
• Finding and choosing an agent
• What’s required to pitch traditional publishers
• The reality of the publishing timeline
• How referencing software can save time during editing

Connect with Katie:

Website: https://www.katiebest.com

Newsletter (Dear Katie - leadership agony aunt fortnightly newsletter): https://www.katiebest.com/dear-katie 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatiebest

Book: https://amzn.to/4mjrKNf

People and resources mentioned:

The Writers and Artists Yearbook: https://amzn.to/4pl7XQ8  

Curious Minds literary agency : https://curiousmindsagency.com

Helen Coyle: https://www.helencoyle.com

Endnote: https://endnote.co.uk/

Mendeley:  https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/mendeley-cite

Connect with Helen:

Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen  

Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

(some of the links above are affiliate links)

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen speaks with Paul Holbrook, founder of Diary Detox and author of "What Are You Doing? The Uncomfortable Truth About How You Waste Your Time at Work."

Paul shares his journey from spending 20 years in change management in the City of London to creating his own coaching practice focused on helping leaders manage their time more effectively. After being told by his brand consultant that "there's a book in this," Paul began his writing journey, creating a book that serves both as a tool to help those he couldn't work with directly and as a powerful marketing asset for his business.

We cover:

• The power of structure and how to leverage the skills you already have to make the writing process less overwhelming
• Why successful self-publishing requires professional support and how to build a publishing team
• The pros and cons of including your personal story in a business book
• The surprising power of gifting your book as a business development tool
• How accountability in the writing process can help keep you on track
• Why perfection is the enemy of done

Connect with Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmichaelholbrook/ 

Paul's book: What are you doing? The uncomfortable truth about how you waste your time at work: https://amzn.to/41rfjY6

Website: https://www.paulholbrook.com/

Diary Detox: https://diarydetox.com/

People and resources mentioned

Rachel Savage from Brand New Story: https://brandnewstoryhq.com  

Claire Wood from Spurwing Creative: https://www.spurwingcreative.co.uk/

GarageBand (Apple only):  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785

The video Paul mentioned: https://youtu.be/VeHMtoOn6Lg?si=hJWergyheLQY0mO1

PDF converter https://calibre-ebook.com/

Connect with Helen

Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen

Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www/coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

2026 Planner: Plan your Portfolio available on Amazon https://amzn.to/46ibuXU 

(some of the links above are affiliate links)

In this inspiring conversation, Narinder Sheena shares her powerful journey from personal injury lawyer to full-time coach, revealing how her lived experience with chronic pain became the foundation for helping others heal. Discover how she transformed her daily pain tracking diary into a published book that's making a real difference in people's lives.

We cover:

• How to turn personal experience into compelling content that serves others

• The importance of finding your writing community and accountability partners

• Practical writing tips including the "vomit draft" approach and early morning writing routines

• How to navigate the publishing landscape, including lessons learned from a difficult first publishing experience

• Strategic ways to use AI as a writing partner without losing your authentic voice

• Creative marketing approaches, from conferences to local wellness centres

Connect with Narinder:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narinder-sheenachronicpaincoach  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/narinder.sheena.3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narindersheena/

Narinder’s book: From Pain to Power: https://amzn.to/3VQqu92

Website: https://www.mapcoach.co.uk/

People and resources mentioned:

Shaa Wasmund https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaawasmund/

Ruth Kudki https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/

Optimus Coaching Academy https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/

Reedsy https://reedsy.com/

Alliance of Independent Authors https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/join?affid=10461

Ingram Spark https://www.ingramspark.com/

Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/

Books mentioned/ recommended

Healing Back Pain: The Mind-body Connection, by John E Sarno https://amzn.to/47aLBdy

Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle https://amzn.to/3J4oVBH

The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann https://amzn.to/4lSZ4v4

All About Love by Bell hooks https://amzn.to/45ALczK

Connect with Helen:

https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen

Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www/coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90

(some of the links above are affiliate links)

Welcome to Coach Write, where we turn coaching expertise into published pages. 

I'm Helen ONeill, portfolio career specialist, accredited future of work coach, and author. I'm on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding publishing and inspire more coaches to get their words into the world. 

Join me as I sit down with the coaching industry's most inspiring authors as we discuss how they went from blank page to finished manuscript.

Connect with Helen

https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com/coachwrite 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen/