Coach Write

Ten Tips for Writing an Unputdownable Non-Fiction Book

In this minisode, Helen shares her top 10 tips for making your non-fiction book un-putdownable.
Connect with Helen
Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen
Join the January 2026 cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
Resources: People Who Pivot: https://amzn.to/4pdLXFO
EMCCUK Events: https://emccuk.org/groups-and-events/events/ 

Helen Hopper - The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships: The Secret Life of Boards

In this milestone tenth episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen ONeill sits down with Helen Hopper, co-founder of leadership consulting firm H Cubed and co-author of ‘The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships: The Secret Life of Boards.’
Helen Hopper tells the fascinating story of how a chance conversation around a campfire in Rajasthan led to a four-year journey of researching, writing, and publishing her first book with co-author Joy Harcup. From interviewing 50 board members to navigating the traditional publishing process with Routledge, Helen shares her insights into what it really takes to bring a book to life.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How to find and work successfully with a co-author, including simple but effective collaboration techniques
What to expect when working with a traditional academic publisher
The ‘ART’ framework developed for the book
Why sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful
How writing a book can deepen your coaching practice and reconnect you with foundational theory
 
People and resources mentioned:
Coach Write 90 https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
People Who Pivot by Helen ONeill: https://amzn.to/4oONVvW
EMCC UK https://www.emccuk.org
Coach Write Blog https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/blog
The Power to Choose by Robbie Swale https://amzn.to/4991Rwc 
Leaders quest https://www.leadersquest.org/ 
Helen’s co-author: Joy Harcup
Routledge https://www.routledge.com/ 
The Work Revolution by Jonathan Males https://amzn.to/4pCpGm2 
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami https://amzn.to/3MXei5u 
World of books https://www.worldofbooks.com/ 
 
Connect with Helen Hopper
Website: https://www.hcubed.co.uk/
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hopper-h3/
Book: The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships:The Secret Life of Boards https://amzn.to/4acIFyB
 
Connect with Helen ONeill
Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 
Join the January 2026 cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
 
*some of the links above are affiliate links
 
 

Carolyn Cowperthwaite - The Grief Book

In this moving episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen speaks with executive coach Carolyn Cowperthwaite about co-authoring ‘The Grief Book’ - a guide for those experiencing loss.
 
Carolyn shares her journey to becoming an executive coach, and how a kitchen conversation with her neighbour led to a two-year writing collaboration that resulted in a book designed specifically for those ‘middle of the night moments of grief.’
We cover:
The emotional journey of writing about grief while processing personal losses
Co-authoring strategies and the importance of trust and care between writing partners
Why they chose simplicity over academic complexity for their readers
The decision not to market a grief book and letting it find its audience organically
How community and collaboration can transform the solitary act of writing
 
People and resources mentioned:
Join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
Joanna Lott https://joannalottcoaching.com/
The Coaching Crowd Summit https://youtu.be/SZIXOLFren4?si=5SP7PUJDr5FbBQmT
EMCC UK https://www.emccuk.org/
Emily Powell https://www.emilypowellstudio.com/
Emily Powell Instagram: @emilypowellstudio
 
Connect with Carolyn
Website: https://cccoachingltd.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-cowperthwaite-61747b141/
Instagram @cccoaching_ukltd
Facebook @carolyn.cowperthwaite
Book: The Grief Book https://amzn.to/4pvsNeQ

Viv Chitty - Coaching for Optimal Energy: A Guide for Executive Coaches

In this episode of Coach Write, Helen speaks with Viv Chitty, executive coach, coach supervisor, and author of ‘Coaching for Optimal Energy: A Guide for Executive Coaches.’ Viv shares her journey of transforming her MA research on energy management into a published book, offering valuable insights for coaches considering a similar path.
We cover:
How to turn academic research into a book
The difference between traditional and independent publishing
The importance of finding the right team to help publish your book
How to market your book
The debate about AI in coaching
 
Connect with Viv:
Website: https://vivchittyassociates.co.uk/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viv-chitty-b938b912/
Book: Coaching for Optimal Energy: https://amzn.to/47GAARc 
 
Connect with Helen
Website: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk
Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 
Instagram: @helenoneillcoaching
Register for the free Coach Write workshop on 3rd or 4th December https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/workshop
 
Other books and resources mentioned:
Hard Fork podcast https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/31/podcasts/characterais-teen-chatbot-crackdown-elon-musk-groks-wikipedia-48-hours-without-ai.html
Joanna Lott https://joannalottcoaching.com/
Coaching Crowd Summit https://youtu.be/SZIXOLFren4?si=L0movGVC7b-IrVIL
Seth Godin The Dip https://amzn.to/3K48O83
Joh Whitmore the GROW model (Coaching for Performance) https://amzn.to/47GCPUy
Anne Schooler Meyler Campbell https://www.meylercampbell.com/our-people/anne-scoular/
The School of Coaching https://www.britishschoolofcoaching.com/
Miles Downey https://mylesdowney.com/
Tony Schwartz: On Form: Managing Energy, Not Time is the Key to High Performance, Health and Happiness https://amzn.to/3XubuPl
Adrian Myers https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/adrian-myers
Tatiana Batch-Grover https://instituteofcoaching.org/author/bachkirova-tatiana
Deb Marcy https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbymarcy/
Ingram Spark https://www.ingramspark.com/
Amazon KDP https://kdp.amazon.com/
Oxford Brooks Coaching and Mentoring Conference https://www.brookes.ac.uk/
British Psychological Society  https://www.bps.org.uk/
Coaching Perspectives  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/general/custom.asp?page=CoachingPerspectiveP
Coaching at Work https://www.coaching-at-work.com/
Coaching Supervision Academy https://www.coachingsupervisionacademy.com/
Association of Executive Coaches https://www.aoec.com/
 
*some of the links are affiliate links

Colin Tapscott - Everyday Alchemy: Transforming Trash into Treasure

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, host Helen O'Neill welcomes Colin Tapscott, EMCC accredited senior practitioner coach and author of "Everyday Alchemy: Transforming Trash into Treasure." Colin, who established Everyday Leader in 2017 after 17 years as a head teacher, shares his journey from coaching practice to published author.
We cover:
A behind the scenes look at a book launch
How to combine fictional characters with real-life stories to strengthen a books message
Insight into different publishing experiences
How ideas percolate to become our books
 
Connect with Colin
Website: https://everydayleader.co.uk
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-tapscott/
Facebook: fb.me/everydayleaderuk 
Book: https://amzn.to/47stZtD
 
Connect with Helen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 
Secure a place at the free Coach Write workshops on Wednesday 3rd Dec or Thursday 4th December https://coachwrite.co.uk/workshop
 
People and resources mentioned:Patrick Lencioni
Seth Godin
Reedsy https://www.Reedsy.com
EMCC UK https://www.emccuk.org/
Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/join?affid=10461
 

How to find time to write

In this special bonus minisode, we tackle the number one barrier preventing coaches from writing their books: time. Drawing from her experience as a change management professional and coach, Helen explores practical strategies for fitting writing into busy schedules without sacrificing your coaching practice or personal life.
Helen shares insights from previous podcast guests and their diverse approaches to finding writing time, from joining the 5am club to scheduling dedicated writing hours during the workday. She emphasises that you don't need to lock yourself away or decline social invitations—even 15 minutes of daily writing can lead to significant progress over time.
The episode covers:
Alternative writing routines
Creating boundaries around your writing time,
Leveraging accountability through community or public commitment,
Choosing dedicated writing spaces
And importantly, knowing when not to write.
 
 
Resources mentioned:
To reserve your place at the next free Coach Write workshop running Wednesday 3rd December at midday GMT or Thursday 4th December at 6pm GMT go to https://wwwcoachwrite.co.uk/workshop  
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott https://amzn.to/4o2nymJ
 
Connect with Helen
Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 
Register to join the waitlist for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
 
*Some of links above are affiliate links

Robbie Swale - The 12-Minute Method Series

In this episode, host Helen O'Neill speaks with Robbie Swale, executive coach, author of the 12-Minute Method book series, and host of The Coach's Journey podcast. Robbie shares his unconventional path to becoming a published author, starting with weekly 12-minute writing sessions on his train commute that eventually transformed into four published books and 80,000 words over three years.
We cover:
How creating a regular writing habit compounds over time
The entrepreneurial spirit that draws people towards independent publishing
Overcoming perfectionism
Building your publishing team
Why writing a book needs to be more purposeful than a purely financial goal as part of a coaching business
 
Connect with Robbie:
Website https://www.robbieswale.com
Website https://www.thecoachsjourney.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbieswale/
Coaches journey flywheel https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel
The 12 minute method series of books: https://geni.us/12minutemethodseries
 
Connect with Helen:
Join the free masterclass Your Future of Work 2025 on Wednesday 5th November at midday GMT. Register at: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com/fow25
Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 
Register to join the waitlist for the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
 
People and resources mentioned:
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/471uI3s
Marshall Ganz writing framework
https://dash.harvard.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/7312037d-c817-6bd4-e053-0100007fdf3b/content
Seth Godin https://seths.blog/
Paul Valery https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/paul-valery
David Gaughran https://davidgaughran.com/
Reedsy https://reedsy.com/
Jerico Writers https://jerichowriters.com/
Spiffing books https://spiffingbooks.com/
The Writers & Artist Yearbook https://amzn.to/3W0vwk0
Ann Lamott https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-Lamott
Brandon Sanderson https://www.brandonsanderson.com/
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert https://amzn.to/4oahS9L
Nicholas Erik https://nicholaserik.com/
Ingram Spark https://www.ingramspark.com/
 
*Some of the links above are affiliate links

Sarah Manley - Quiet Catalyst: The introverts guide to thriving in your career

In this episode, Helen speaks with Sarah Manley, ICF accredited career coach for introverts and author of ‘The Quiet Catalyst: The introvert's guide to thriving in your career.’
Sarah shares how she learned to embrace her quiet strengths during a successful corporate career and how she transitioned to becoming a published author and launching her coaching practice both within the same year. Sarah offers honest insights about the writing process, going from a stack of Post-it notes to finished manuscript, and we discuss how to avoid the quick-fix promises in both the coaching and the publishing industries.
 
We cover:
Making the leap from corporate life to coaching and authorship
Finding creative inspiration through retreats and rest
The power of quiet leadership and leveraging introverted strengths in the workplace
Working with a hybrid publisher and navigating the publishing process
The reality of post-publication marketing and building long-term book success
Building community as an author and coach
 
Connect with Sarah:
Book: The Quiet Catalyst: The introvert’s guide to thriving in your career https://amzn.to/47XfjmN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmanleytqc
Website: https://www.thequietcatalyst.com/
 
Connect with Helen:
Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen 
Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
Book: The Murder at Kendrick Mannor writing as Jody Derby: https://amzn.to/47YLgLz 
 
Books, people, and resources mentioned
Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain https://amzn.to/3Kp2KXy
Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot https://amzn.to/42NiGJx
Claire Winter: https://clairewinter.com/
Optimus Coaching Academy https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/
The Published Expert https://published-expert.com/
Rethink Press https://rethinkpress.com/
Peter Mosley https://www.petemosley.com/
The Business Book Awards https://www.businessbookawards.co.uk/
Alliance of Independent Authors https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/join?affid=10461
EMCC https://emccuk.org/join-us/
 
(some of the links above are affiliate links)

Dr Katie Best - The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, host Helen O'Neill speaks with Dr. Katie Best, founder of Katie Best Associates and author of ‘The 10 Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them,’ published by Pan Macmillan.
Katie shares how she went from yearning to write a book, to academic study, dabbling with fiction and then landing a traditional publishing deal with a major publisher. She provides invaluable insights into the traditional publishing process, including how she systematically approached finding an agent, and took a business approach to international rights negotiations.
We cover:
How to build time to write into your schedule
Finding and choosing an agent
What’s required to pitch traditional publishers
The reality of the publishing timeline
How referencing software can save time during editing
 
Connect with Katie:
Website: https://www.katiebest.com
Newsletter (Dear Katie - leadership agony aunt fortnightly newsletter): https://www.katiebest.com/dear-katie 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatiebest
Book: https://amzn.to/4mjrKNf
 
People and resources mentioned:
The Writers and Artists Yearbook: https://amzn.to/4pl7XQ8  
Curious Minds literary agency : https://curiousmindsagency.com
Helen Coyle: https://www.helencoyle.com
Endnote: https://endnote.co.uk/
Mendeley:  https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/mendeley-cite
 
Connect with Helen:
Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen  
Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www.coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
 
(some of the links above are affiliate links)
 

Paul Holbrook - What Are You Doing?

In this episode of the Coach Write Podcast, Helen speaks with Paul Holbrook, founder of Diary Detox and author of "What Are You Doing? The Uncomfortable Truth About How You Waste Your Time at Work."
Paul shares his journey from spending 20 years in change management in the City of London to creating his own coaching practice focused on helping leaders manage their time more effectively. After being told by his brand consultant that "there's a book in this," Paul began his writing journey, creating a book that serves both as a tool to help those he couldn't work with directly and as a powerful marketing asset for his business.
We cover:
The power of structure and how to leverage the skills you already have to make the writing process less overwhelming
Why successful self-publishing requires professional support and how to build a publishing team
The pros and cons of including your personal story in a business book
The surprising power of gifting your book as a business development tool
How accountability in the writing process can help keep you on track
Why perfection is the enemy of done
 
 
Connect with Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmichaelholbrook/ 
Paul's book: What are you doing? The uncomfortable truth about how you waste your time at work: https://amzn.to/41rfjY6
Website: https://www.paulholbrook.com/
Diary Detox: https://diarydetox.com/
 
People and resources mentioned
Rachel Savage from Brand New Story: https://brandnewstoryhq.com  
Claire Wood from Spurwing Creative: https://www.spurwingcreative.co.uk/
GarageBand (Apple only):  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785
The video Paul mentioned: https://youtu.be/VeHMtoOn6Lg?si=hJWergyheLQY0mO1
PDF converter https://calibre-ebook.com/
 
Connect with Helen
Website: https://www.helenoneillcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oneillhelen
Register to join the next cohort of Coach Write 90: https://www/coachwrite.co.uk/coachwrite90
2026 Planner: Plan your Portfolio available on Amazon https://amzn.to/46ibuXU 
 
(some of the links above are affiliate links)