A growing number of successful fiction writers are venturing into nonfiction territory, seeking guidance from specialized coaches to transform their industry expertise into how-to books that establish them as thought leaders in the publishing world.
Lisa Daily, a USA Today bestselling author and one of the top book coaches for nonfiction and self-help authors, has carved out a unique niche helping six- and seven-figure romance authors write business and craft books. Her client roster includes notable names like Skye Warren, whose "Bestselling Author Next Door" earned $142,000 on Kickstarter, and Ines Johnson, whose "Page Turner Pacing" generated $52,000 in just two weeks on the crowdfunding platform.
The trend reflects a broader shift in the publishing industry where established authors are leveraging their success to teach others. For many fiction writers, creating nonfiction works serves dual purposes: sharing hard-won knowledge while building additional revenue streams and cementing their status as industry experts.
Daily, who has authored more than 15 books herself and previously served as Director of Publicity for a traditional publisher, noticed the demand emerging organically through her popular YouTube channel, Bestselling Author Writing Coach. Viewers began requesting personalized guidance to navigate the transition from fiction to instructional writing.
The challenges fiction authors face when switching genres are significant. Theodora Taylor, a USA Today bestselling author who worked with Daily on "7 Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasy to SELL Your Books to ANYONE," described her initial struggle: "I was lost, I tell you, lost! I had a popular Universal Fantasy workshop that I wanted to turn into an equally popular book. But I found myself way out of my comfort zone with non-fiction, and I struggled to the point that I felt like giving up."
Taylor's experience is common among fiction writers attempting nonfiction. The structural differences, organizational requirements, and teaching approach needed for how-to books differ dramatically from storytelling techniques used in novels.
To address varying needs and budgets, book coach Daily offers both one-on-one coaching and self-paced courses. Her book "How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days" and her Bestseller Academy course provide alternatives for authors who prefer independent work or cannot afford personalized coaching.
The financial results speak to the viability of this publishing strategy. Beyond the impressive Kickstarter campaigns, authors report that nonfiction books significantly enhance their credibility and open new business opportunities. Renee Rose, author of "Write to Riches," and Heather Hildenbrand, who wrote "Manifest Your HEA," both found the process transformative for their careers.
The phenomenon extends beyond individual success stories. As more fiction authors establish themselves as educators and mentors through nonfiction works, they're creating a supportive ecosystem where experienced writers help newcomers navigate the increasingly complex publishing landscape.
For coaches and entrepreneurs outside the publishing industry, the model demonstrates how books can anchor and expand professional practices. Daily notes that writing a book positions authors as experts and thought leaders in their fields, regardless of their primary business focus.
The intersection of fiction success and nonfiction expertise represents an evolution in how authors build sustainable careers. Rather than relying solely on novel sales, many are diversifying through teaching, coaching, and sharing their knowledge in formats that serve aspiring writers while generating additional income streams.
As the publishing industry continues to evolve, the demand for specialized guidance in crossing genre boundaries shows no signs of slowing. For established authors looking to share their expertise, working with experienced coaches who understand both fiction and nonfiction markets has become an increasingly valuable investment in their professional development.
