Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Collette. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amy, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Actually, new clients came up with the idea for my business! I was still working a corporate job when I wrote my first book, The Gratitude Connection. As a writer and editor, I guess it was a natural next step for someone to approach me to edit their self-help book. I discovered I loved editing, but what I loved more was coaching the author to find their voice, to dig deeper, to unveil the transformation at the core of their message. That was exhilarating, and resulted in a much more powerful book for the author.

After doing a few of these projects on the side, I realized that some were a lot more work than others. Often, manuscripts needed to be reorganized and even rewritten. I felt so bad giving people the news that their book wasn’t finished, but it needed much more work to make it transformational for their readers. It dawned on me that these newbie authors needed some guidance before they wrote their manuscripts. Most of them needed clarity and organization, something that would have saved them hours, months, or even years of writing books that needed to be rewritten. I knew I was the person who could help them. After a seemingly random path of career moves, looking back, I could connect the dots that made me well-suited to coach new authors. My writing and editing was an obvious fit, but when you add in my experience as a published author, project manager, team facilitator, and certified life coach, all the puzzle pieces came together. Add in the fact that writing my book made me a true believer in the power of transformation, and it was obvious I had another career change coming. I was on fire to help other authors discover the fulfillment that I had found as an author. There’s nothing like getting a note from a reader that you don’t know that says, “Your book changed my life.”

After creating my Unleash Your Inner Author course, I started teaching classes and helping people publish their books. Now nine years later, the course has been updated many times, and my experience as a coach includes dozens of authors, some who have written multiple books with me. I get to be one of those people who have “the best job ever.” Helping people make their dreams of helping other people come true is a calling I didn’t foresee, but that I’m so grateful for.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Unleash Your Inner Author, we believe in the power of your story to transform lives. Our authors are compelled to share their messages of transformation. We believe their stories are not just important, they’re urgent.

Before founding Unleash Your Inner Author in 2015, I was a professional writer and editor and then became a published author, which helped me to understand the process from a personal as well as professional standpoint. Coaching first-time authors to attain the dream of holding their published books in their hands is a joy for me.

One of our important business principles is that the process of becoming an author is a vulnerable awakening. Many other publishers overlook that. Having a deep sense of what support authors need enables us to empower new authors. We are invested in our clients having a positive and uplifting experience throughout the process. Writing a book is not just a means to an end, but a transformational process in itself.

We offer support from the idea stage all the way through to holding the published book in their hands. We do this by helping each author create the book that they desire to write. First, we work with them to clarify their mission, understand their ideal readers, and define their own goals. The next step is to create a roadmap, a detailed outline.

Only then comes the writing. Gaining deep clarity first builds confidence in their message and gives them a framework for the transformation that happens as they blossom into authors.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I am a believer in authors seeking support for their book-writing journey, and new entrepreneurs need this same kind of support. Did I seek that out as a newbie business person? Not for over a year of frustration, which turned into panic. I realized that I would not still be in business in another year if things didn’t turn around. That’s when I sought out and found a great business and sales coach. I still credit his guidance as the reason I’m going strong now. Over the years I have worked with various coaches and programs to reach new levels of knowledge to better serve my clients and keep them coming back and making referrals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Like the thought leaders I serve, my mission is to help others find the transformation they seek. I’m driven by the people who desire to make a positive impact because we share that vision. My author clients say, “If my book can help one person, it’s all worth it.” That’s the kind of passionate person I love to work with!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unleashyourinnerauthor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleashyourinnerauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/positivelypoweredauthors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycollette/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnXhJicO1m3hdGydngJ-WbA