We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shelly Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents did right by teaching me about God. I was not raised by my father, but before he passed, he told me, “If you don’t remember anything else, remember to stay close to the Lord.”
Growing up, we were in church every time the doors were open. We attended Sunday School, church services, choir rehearsal, and YPWW. It was church, church, church. As a child, I didn’t understand why we always had to attend. I felt we should be able to miss service at some point.
When I became an adult, I didn’t attend church often. I went on my own terms. If my sister invited me, I’d ask if there was going to be preaching. If there was preaching, I didn’t want to go, but if it was a choir anniversary or musical, I was all for it. Sometimes, though, there was preaching at those events, and I’d find my sister and give her a mean mug.
One night, I attended a revival with a dear friend of mine who has since passed away. The preacher said, “If you know you won’t make it to the next night, please come to the altar.” I looked at my friend, and she said, “You need to go up there. I’ll go with you.” So I went, and that night I received the Holy Ghost.
My faith is what keeps me going every day. Without that mustard seed of faith, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would have given up a long time ago. I wouldn’t be the person I am now. I am a WOG (Woman of God). I raised and taught my adult children about Jesus. My business is faith-based. I know the Lord for myself, and I know that with Him, all things are possible.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Shelly Lee, and I’m a Christian author, author coach, and mentor to aspiring writers. My journey into this field began with my own story. When I wrote my book, God Spoke and I Listened, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of sharing my testimony through writing. That book not only solidified my faith but also opened the doors for me to help others step into their calling as authors.
How I Got Started
Writing has always been a passion of mine, but I never imagined I’d be guiding others in their author journeys. After publishing my own books, people began approaching me for advice on how to turn their ideas into finished manuscripts. I realized there were so many aspiring writers out there who felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure of where to start. With prayer and guidance, I decided to use my experience to serve others, creating step-by-step systems to make the process simple, achievable, and stress-free. That’s how I became an author coach, and I haven’t looked back since!
What I Offer
I help aspiring authors take their stories from dreams to reality through services and resources tailored to meet their needs, including:
Courses like Write Your Book in 90 Days or Less with No Stress, where I walk clients through my 5 P Method: Pray, Plan, Pen, Proof, Publish.
One-on-One Coaching sessions where I create personalized action plans to guide writers through their specific challenges.
Checklists, planners, and workbooks, like my Writing and Self-Publishing Checklist for Aspiring Authors, designed to help writers stay organized and on track.
Anthologies that bring writers together to share their stories with the world.
Digital products, such as I Dare You to Share Your First Story, which provides the foundation for getting started as a writer.
The Problems I Solve
Many aspiring authors struggle with:
Overwhelm – Not knowing where to start or how to organize their ideas.
Fear – Worrying that their story isn’t good enough or that no one will care.
Procrastination – Letting excuses or doubt keep them from moving forward.
Lack of knowledge – Not understanding the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
I provide clarity, encouragement, and a clear plan to guide them through each step of the journey. My goal is to empower my clients to finally say, “No more excuses,” and share their stories with confidence.
What Sets Me Apart
My coaching isn’t just about writing a book—it’s about the transformation that happens in the process. As a Christian author, I integrate faith into my work, encouraging my clients to pray, believe, and trust in God as they pursue their writing dreams. Writing a book is a spiritual and emotional journey, and I’m here to support them every step of the way.
Additionally, I understand my clients because I’ve been in their shoes. I know what it’s like to battle self-doubt, face life’s distractions, and wonder if your voice matters. My personal experiences, combined with the systems I’ve developed, make the writing process feel achievable and rewarding.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the many authors I’ve had the privilege of guiding. Watching my clients hold their finished books in their hands for the first time is one of the greatest joys of my life. Helping them realize that their words can inspire and impact others is a reward like no other.
I’m also proud of the books I’ve written, including God Spoke and I Listened, The Sheldra Series: An Unknown Love, Let Me Encourage You to Pray, Believe, and Wait. Each book reflects a piece of my heart and my faith journey, and they remind me that our stories have power.
What I Want You to Know
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, I’m here to tell you it’s possible. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to let fear or overwhelm stop you. Whether you need step-by-step guidance, encouragement, or practical tools, I’m committed to helping you bring your story to life.
I believe every story matters—yours included. Let’s work together to share your message with the world. Your book could be the very thing someone else is waiting to read.
Happy blessed writing, and remember: Without God, it cannot be done!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey of faith, consistency, and connection. When I first started, I didn’t have a huge following or a clear idea of how to use social media effectively for my author coaching business. But I knew I had a message to share, and I trusted that God would guide me to the right people who needed to hear it.
How I Built My Audience
Sharing My Story: I began by being authentic and vulnerable, sharing my journey as a writer and coach. Whether it was celebrating the release of my books like God Spoke and I Listened or talking about the struggles I faced while writing, I let people see the real me. This transparency resonated with my audience and helped me connect with others who were on similar paths.
Offering Value: I focused on providing helpful content for aspiring authors. Whether it was tips on overcoming writer’s block, advice on how to self-publish, or encouragement to keep going, I made sure every post was something that could inspire, educate, or motivate.
Engaging Consistently: I made it a priority to respond to comments, answer questions, and connect with people who engaged with my posts. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting—it’s about building relationships.
Creating Freebies: I developed valuable resources like Your Book Idea Checklist and Writing and Self-Publishing Checklist for Aspiring Authors as freebies to attract followers. These tools not only helped me grow my email list but also positioned me as someone who genuinely wants to help others succeed.
Faith-Based Content: As a Christian author and coach, I made sure my faith shined through in everything I shared. From posting prayers for writers to sharing scriptures about perseverance, I connected with people who valued the same spiritual foundation.
Live Videos and Authentic Moments: I started doing live videos, such as my Saturday series, Write On Saturdays. These quick, valuable insights allowed me to engage directly with my audience, answer their questions, and build trust.
Collaboration and Support: I connected with other authors and coaches, promoting their work while sharing mine. Supporting others helped me expand my reach and create genuine relationships within my niche.
Advice for Those Starting Out
Start Small and Stay Consistent: You don’t need a big audience to start. Show up consistently, even if only a few people are watching. Over time, your faithfulness will pay off.
Be Authentic: People are drawn to real stories. Share your journey—the good, the bad, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Your authenticity will set you apart.
Provide Value: Think about your audience’s pain points and create content that speaks to their needs. Whether it’s tips, encouragement, or resources, always aim to serve.
Engage, Don’t Just Post: Social media is about building community. Respond to comments, interact with other posts, and genuinely connect with your followers.
Create Freebies: Offer something valuable in exchange for email sign-ups. A simple checklist, guide, or workbook can help you grow your audience and email list while showcasing your expertise.
Show Your Faith: If your brand is faith-based, don’t shy away from sharing it. People appreciate knowing what you stand for and seeing how your faith inspires your work.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: Not every post or strategy will work, and that’s okay. Learn from your mistakes, pray for direction, and keep moving forward.
Final Thought
Building an audience takes time, patience, and a lot of prayer. But if you stay true to who you are, focus on serving others, and trust God to bring the right people into your space, you’ll be amazed at what can happen. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t give up—you have something valuable to share, and the world needs your voice.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships and focusing on providing value. I’ve discovered that when I show up authentically, meet people where they are, and offer practical tools to help them, the right clients naturally gravitate toward me. Here’s what’s worked best:
1. Freebies that Solve Problems
Offering free resources like my Writing and Self-Publishing Checklist for Aspiring Authors and Your Book Idea Checklist has been a game-changer. These tools are practical, easy to use, and address a common challenge for aspiring authors—getting started. By giving something of value upfront, I’ve built trust with my audience and shown them that I’m here to help.
2. Word of Mouth and Referrals
Happy clients are my biggest advocates. When someone completes my Write Your Book in 90 Days or Less with No Stress course or one-on-one coaching session, they often recommend me to their friends or share their success on social media. Referrals have been one of the most powerful ways I’ve grown my clientele.
3. Faith-Based Messaging
As a Christian author and coach, I integrate faith into everything I do. I share scriptures, prayers, and encouragement specifically for writers. This has helped me connect with a niche audience of faith-based authors who value spiritual guidance alongside practical advice.
4. Live Engagement
Hosting live videos, such as my Write On Saturdays series, has been incredibly effective. These sessions allow me to share quick tips, answer questions, and engage with aspiring authors in real time. This personal connection builds trust and gives potential clients a taste of what it’s like to work with me.
5. Social Media and Content Marketing
I’ve grown my visibility by posting consistently on social media, sharing tips, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes looks at my own writing process. I focus on creating content that speaks directly to the struggles my audience faces, such as overcoming self-doubt or staying motivated.
6. Email Marketing
Once someone downloads one of my freebies, I stay connected with them through my newsletter, Write and Shine. I use my emails to share helpful advice, promote my services, and offer encouragement. Staying in touch keeps me top of mind when they’re ready to take the next step.
7. Clear and Simple Offers
I’ve learned that simplicity is key. Whether it’s my $7 digital product, I Dare You to Share Your First Story, or my $97 one-on-one coaching sessions, I offer clear, affordable, and straightforward services that address specific needs. These bite-sized offers often lead to bigger opportunities.
Final Thought
The heart of my strategy is serving first and selling second. By focusing on building relationships, offering real value, and staying consistent, I’ve been able to grow my clientele in a way that feels authentic and aligned with my purpose. My advice to others is to listen to your audience, meet their needs, and always deliver more than expected—because when you truly care, clients will keep coming back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.penpaperpublish.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen.paper.publish
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pen.Paper.Publish
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pen.paper.publish
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@pen.paper.publish
@pen.paper.publish
https://linktr.ee/shellylee
