10 Lessons I Learned in My First Year as a Best-Selling Nonfiction Author (And Why Next Year This Could Be You)

It’s hard to believe we’re here already. At this time two years ago, I had a big dream, a wall of Post-it notes, and an unstoppable passion to publish my work. Today, one year later, I not only can hold that Bring Your Big Energy dream in my hands, I can also hear my voice guiding others to transform alongside them in the audiobook.

I have 51,000 words turned into a book that became a #1 Best-seller in Transformation and Personal Success, #2 in Coaching and Mentoring, and spent weeks on the Amazon New Release list.

I don’t share this to brag. I share it because I am incredibly proud of it, but most importantly, to give you hope. Every single letter I put on the page became words, sentences, paragraphs, and eventually chapters.

One step at a time, and with each interview and story along the way, the book came alive into a living breathing being—and yours can too. 

I believe each of us has a powerful story inside, waiting for the courage and voice to share it. And bonus upon bonus: Books scale your impact beyond what’s possible through your one-on-one work. They become the legacy that will outlive us and assure our stories and lessons continue to help others.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to write a book, share your story, or bring your gift to the world, here are 10 lessons I’ve learned from my first year as a nonfiction author.

1. You Already Have a Book in You

   Your book isn’t a distant dream, a forever “what if.” Your content is all around you already through the stories you tell, the talks and workshops you lead, the client victories you celebrate, or even those late night or early morning journal entries can become chapters. The first step is giving yourself permission to shape it into something bigger.

2. Write the Sh*tty First Draft

   Perfection is the enemy of progress. The first draft doesn’t need to be good, nor does it have to be War and Peace, it just needs to exist. Once it’s on the page, you can refine, edit, and polish. Taking one step in front of the other is key without getting caught up on the order even. Write what comes to you, title it, save it, then move on to the next inspired thought. You can organize it, piece it together and “kill your darlings” later

3. It Takes a Village

   Books don’t happen in isolation. Editors, designers, mentors, author groups and cheerleaders keep you going. Build your village early and lean on them often. Your village should be made up of those you know, those you meet, and where you grow it. Show up not just interesting, in all the author spaces, but interested because you never know what you will learn!

4. Don’t Say “No” for Other People

   Want someone to endorse your book, invite you to speak, or feature you on their podcast? Ask. Don’t reject yourself by assuming they’ll say no. Some of my biggest opportunities came from simply being brave enough to reach out. People love to help good people, but without asking, you will never know.

5. Dare to Be Different

   Not everyone will understand why you’re writing or what you’re saying. That’s okay. Books that change lives often take risks, challenge the status quo, or tell the story no one else will.

6. Yes, It’s Been Done Before. But Not by You!

   There are thousands of leadership, business, and personal growth books out there. But none of them have your voice, your stories, or your lens on the world. That’s what makes your book matter. If the topic is out there and getting traction, it is the perfect reason you need to be a part of the conversation.

7. Create Opportunities. Do Not Wait for Them

   Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Build your own tour. Pitch podcasts. Build your own. Reach out to organizations to speak, do readings, lead workshops. The most momentum comes from creating platforms and stages that you want, instead of waiting for permission.

8. Research Is Key

   Talk to people. Lots of them. Listen intently to their stories, honor their lived experiences and take the responsibility of sharing it all very seriously. Read all the books, listen to all the podcasts, get out and watch keynote speakers who inspire you. Research sharpens your message, strengthens your credibility, and helps you see where your voice adds the most value.

9. Books Have Arms and Legs

   A book is never just a book. It’s a springboard to scaling your amazing gift. Mine has led to speaking engagements, workshops, trainings, contracts and new coaching clients. Think of your book as the foundation for everything else you can build. A calling card of bravery, knowledge and tools to help others.

10. Creativity Comes When You Fuel Yourself

    Ideas don’t appear out of thin air. They show up when you’re rested, inspired, and engaged with the world. Travel, read, experience art, exercise and get those endorphins pumping, fuel your mind so it can create. Switching gears and lanes and finding ideas that transcend is a beautiful insight to add to your writing.

Bonus: Just Don’t Stop. 

Just keep taking the next step you can.Through my surprising second round of cancer, surgeries, and chemotherapy, that all happened while writing my book, I kept going. From start to finish, one step at a time. Writing a book isn’t about perfection or ease. It’s about persistence and believing that you have something so big in your why that you can and will help change and shape the world around you.

Now it is Your Turn

Looking back, this first year as a best-selling nonfiction author has been equal parts hard work, learning, failing, vulnerability, and yet so much joy. But it’s also proof: if I can do it, you can too.

So guess what? This is YOUR year. I can feel it. Next year, you’ll be writing a post like this, reflecting on the lessons from your own book. Because you already have a book in you and the world is waiting to read it.

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