They say there’s a book in all of us, and with the internet making self-publishing so much more accessible in recent years, it’s easier than ever to write and publish your debut without ever leaving your living room. So why is it that we’re not all accomplished authors? Well, the truth is that writing a book is hard when you’re doing the whole thing alone. Planning, sticking to a schedule, and ultimately creating your masterpiece can seem a daunting task, and that’s where Sophie Bradshaw steps in. Sophie recently introduced us to her business, and for all you budding authors out there, this is a Startup Story you won’t want to miss.

Hi Sophie! What’s your business called, and what is it all about?

My business is called Publishing Workshop and I am a writing coach and editor. I help entrepreneurs, business owners, coaches and consultants who want to write a book for their business but don’t know how to start. I use one-to-one planning workshops, coaching and group courses to help my authors write a powerful book that increases their credibility, positions them as an expert and brings them more clients, all in as little as 4 months.

Tell us about your background before you began Publishing Workshop. What motivated you to change direction?

I worked at a senior level in the trade non-fiction publishing industry for 15 years. Time and again, I had to turn away manuscripts because they either weren’t commercial enough or they required too much structural work. Even though these books wouldn’t work in a trade marketplace, I knew that for their authors they could be life-changing. What if these authors could get help from an expert right from the beginning? I knew that, with my experience, talent for writing and ability to structure books, I could offer a lot to these potential authors. So I did it!

What has been your proudest moment in business so far?

Developing my unique, 4-month method of writing a business book. No one else offers this, and it makes me stand out to clients who want to do this as quickly as possible.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned since starting your business?

That no business plan survives first contact with the customer! My business has changed and evolved in almost every area since I started, and I am constantly learning what my authors need. I have also learned that, for me, it is important that my customer comes first in everything.

How do you stay organised? Any tips or tools?

I have a folder for each of my clients and I organise my time so that I write in my diary exactly what I am working on that day. Thankfully, I am a very fast worker, so can fit most last-minute requests into my day. I also use a great co-working office so I don’t get distracted working from home!

Would you say you have a healthy work life balance?

I have three children and am a single mum, so I have to make a work life balance! It means I sometimes have to work evenings when they have gone to bed, but I’m ok with that. I honestly love helping people to create and improve their books, so it doesn’t really feel like work to me.

What do you have planned for Publishing Workshop and what are the next steps toward your goal?

Exciting things! I will be converting The Business Book Course, my 4-month accelerated group coaching programme, into an online course very soon. This will enable more people to write a book for their business as it’s considerably cheaper than working with me one-to-one. I am also launching my very own online magazine, GoWrite!, next month. It is a free bi-monthly magazine for anyone who is interested in business, books, writing and creating inspiring content.

You can find out more about Sophie’s business on her website: publishing-workshop.com, and follow her on social media to keep up with her journey. Twitter: @BradshawSoph, Instagram: @publishing_workshop, Facebook: Publishing Workshop.