We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Emdin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I come from a family of entrepreneurs and am close to several business-minded individuals but never saw myself as someone who would want to work for myself. I didn’t think I had the bravery, the tenacity, or the desire to risk starting a business. I found security in a routine paycheck and a set schedule. I was perfectly content with clocking in as a physical therapy clinician and clocking out—until I wasn’t.

And I had 2020 to thank for bringing me to the tipping point.

I was a new mother to an infant and faced new uncertainties almost every month at the height of a global pandemic. The job I was certain I would return to after maternity leave was no longer an option for me and quite frankly, my priorities shifted. I knew that it was time for a change, but I also knew that whatever I chose next would have to give me the flexibility I needed to remain present for my son during his formative years.

Thankfully, my husband gave me a good example of how to pivot in a career and how to start a business that was impactful and fulfilling. I watched him step into the dental coaching space and saw how, even though it was hard work, it lit him up inside. So I thought about the things that brought me joy and began to focus on my lifelong hobby of writing.

I was introduced to the notion of book coaching as a career after taking a few writing courses with an amazing organization. That was the light bulb moment for me and I had the thought: “What if I spent my days writing books and coaching other women on how to write theirs?”

I knew that choosing this route was full of risks and that taking a step away from a solid career could backfire but I knew that I had to try. I didn’t want to look back on my life and regret not running a business because I was afraid. Deciding to create my business, Brave Soul Book Coach, was one of the greatest risks I’ve taken but man…I’m so glad that I took a chance on myself.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Before starting Brave Soul Book Coach, I was a beta reader for other authors for several years. I read early drafts of their unfinished manuscripts and offered extensive and detailed feedback on how to improve their stories. I kept receiving feedback that my suggestions were helpful and that gave me the confidence to turn my hobby into a business. I gained even more knowledge in book writing and publishing through a certification course. I currently only work with authors who are writing fictional books (novels).

I’m also a writer and storyteller so the struggles I’ve experienced writing novels have influenced the services I offer as a book coach. I know what it’s like to struggle with self-doubt over my writing. I understand the challenges of not knowing what your story needs and lacking the bravery and tools needed to improve your writing or pitch strategy. As a result, I offer brainstorming sessions to conceptualize story ideas, foundational assessments throughout the book-writing process, manuscript evaluations for authors who are in the thick of revisions, and monthly coaching for writers who need ongoing accountability. I want all of my clients to achieve their book-writing goals and to publish their novels in a way that works best for them.

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

The publishing industry is not nearly as diverse as it should be, and as a champion of women and women-centered stories, I feel as though it’s my duty to amplify our marginalized voices. I want the women I work with to know, without a doubt, that they can take up space in this industry. Our stories have worth and deserve to be in the hands of our respective readers. I want my clients to walk away from our time together as braver versions of themselves and as courageous writers, too. I strive to see them own their creative power and write the stories that are in their hearts. More importantly, I want to see those stories out in the world and thriving in the marketplace.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I used to believe that the entrepreneurial spirit was innate and just wasn’t for me. I thought that because I was introverted, and felt things so deeply, I didn’t possess the mental toughness needed to run a business. I was so wrong.

Now I know that my sensitivity is a superpower. I am able to relate to my clients and the stories they hold so dear simply by being me. My passion for helping their books take shape has made me more resilient and more focused. I had to let go of the image of what I thought a successful businessperson was and tap into my unique strengths. I had to realize that I was enough. I’m still learning ways to better serve my clients and to make an impact in the book industry but I rest assured knowing that God brought me to this space for a reason. I’m really grateful that I’m able to walk in my life’s purpose day in and day out!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bravesoulbookcoach

Image Credits
Toks Emdin