Interview with book writing coach Georgia Varjas
Are you dreaming of your name on the cover of a book? Do you have tons of ideas, and do you really believe you could help more people with your own book? Then perhaps it is time to get started. Today I am talking to book writing coach Georgia Varjas, who helps clients to become published authors. Because, let’s face it, we may have all the great topic ideas, but writing a book takes confidence, courage and creativity, and most of all, a hot deadline to get stuff finished if we ever want to get somewhere. Let’s find out more.
You are a true creative and artist at heart. Where does your passion as a book writing coach come from?
I have had a varied and rich professional experience in many areas of showbiz, as a musician, spoken word artist, speaker, published author and much more. Words have always played a role in whatever I did. As a professional saxophonist, I worked in theatres, accompanying solo acts, creating moods and emotions – stories even, to enhance the performance. I performed poems, stories and short dialogues to music. I basically write to express myself – and others, especially women, through plays, poems, scripts, blogs, articles, short stories and now, 4 published books.
My passion is about sharing the pleasure of giving, entertaining and enlightening my audience and to bring out the creative in them. As a book writing coach I want people to show and share with the world their own exceptional life experiences and knowledge.
As a creative business coach, a lot of my clients come for marketing support, and want to elevate their brand. How does a book fit in with that goal?
Writing a book is a cathartic experience both personally and professionally. You need a certain amount of what I call the 3 Cs – confidence, courage and creativity to write, publish and market your book. And when you do – opportunities of the most extraordinary kind are the result – because you just have so much more of the 3 Cs. Having a book can really elevate your business.
Not everyone is a writer, though. How do you help people actually write a decent book, if they have never done that before, or don’t consider themselves good writers?
Well, there is a certain amount of truth in what you say – however, many people are full of limiting beliefs about their abilities. Having professional guidance and support, like a writing coach or mentor, who can bring out the real story, a story that has legs – is one of the most successful methods to write a book.
What are the biggest trends in the publishing industry; if I want to write a bestseller, what topics do well right now?
Self-publishing is the best way to go. Not only is it affordable but it gives you total control of your book and the business it brings. Traditional publishing is now down to the big 5 (Penguin/Random House. Hachette Book Group. Harper Collins. Simon and Schuster. Macmillan.) And the chances of being accepted by them is remote.
The top 5 topics in the non- fiction range are:
- Autobiography
- Memoir
- Personal development/self help
- History
- How to – travel – cook – etc
And then there is the publishing issue. How do you get your book published and on the shelves? And do you need a big budget for this?
As I mentioned above, the world of publishing has changed immensely in the last 5-6 years. The traditional companies have shrunk down to 5 and the independent publishing houses have doubled. So how to publish your first book? Self-publishing has become the number one way to publish a book for 1st time or 2nd or 3rd time authors too.
Remember back in 2012 when they said print books will die out? This has not been the case at all. According to ProQuest Bowker Report October 15, 2019 – more than 1.7 million books were self-published, a 40% rise from the previous year. Self-publishing has become affordable and easy to do. Like anything in your business you need to invest but the ROI (return of investment ) is not always monetary as we know in other areas of our business.
What are some of your top tips for people on how to publish your first book?
Great question, Nina! The hardest thing for most people when starting out is finding the real core of their topic. Recognising what exactly it is they want to write about. And very often, after a session or 2 with me – they find it goes much deeper, or off at an angle they never thought about. Secondly, it is all about breaking it down into smaller units. Your top topics – say 8 to 12 of them, become your chapters. Most non-fiction books are around 35,000 to 55,000 words. I have over 200 blogs on my website, so people can find many more practical tips to write a book.
And then it is about finding a killer title. It may just be the one that inspires and motivates you to get writing and then again it may change by the end of the book. Having a hot title is a real boost for the budding author.
You have written quite a few books yourself. Are you working on a new book right now?
Yes, I have written and published 4 books, contributed to 6 anthologies and many articles and blogs too. I do have another book brewing in my mind and heart but at the moment, my passion and enthusiasm is to see more people express themselves, build their profile and business by writing a book.
Please tell us about how people can get in touch with you if they are interested in writing their own book.
There are a selection of programs on offer at the moment. Group or 1-2-1 online. A new group program starting in October 2022 called – Write For Autumn, the ideal way to start writing in a supportive and collaborative group environment. It runs for 4 weeks and has limited places, so I can give plenty of attention and guidance to each budding author. I am also running an In Person event in London on Thursday 22nd September for anyone in the city that week. All the details are on my website.
Are you excited to start writing your own book? Get in touch with Georgia to see how she can help you. www.georgiavarjas.com