Can I Just Ask a Quick Question?

Some thoughts on this common refrain

Photo by Debby Urken on Unsplash

Someone emailed me this week and said, “Can I just ask a quick question? Am I charging enough for my book coaching services?” They then went on to say what they were charging per hour.

I blinked and read it again. And again.

I couldn’t believe the audacity of the request.

This is not a quick question — not by any standard. It’s a question I have built a large part of my book coach training around, because it’s a complex, complicated, strategic, cultural, personal, and emotional question.

To answer effectively, I would have to know this person’s background and experience.

I would have to know who their ideal client is and what that writer’s pain point is.

I would have to know the outcome and the transformation this coach offers their clients.

I would have to know their income goals and their business model.

I would have to look at their website and their messaging.

I would have to spend a whole lot of time, effort, and energy, and bring to bear the many years of my experience I have running a business and helping other people to run their businesses. I would have to draw on the lessons I have learned by paying other experts money to teach me.

And news flash: this is what I get paid for.

So no you can’t just ask it.

But here’s what’s wild: so many people do. This is not the first time I have been asked this. I hear it a lot.

Can I just ask a quick question about where I should start my memoir?

Can I just ask a quick question about whether I should self publish or go traditional?

Can I just ask a quick question about how to get book coaching clients?

I can’t figure out if these people are incredibly naive about the way the world works or incredibly audacious and savvy. Maybe sometimes this kind of request actually works and so they keep asking?

If someone says, “Can I just ask….” consider this a red flag and be prepared to say, “I would be happy to help you with that; here’s a link to the service I provide my clients to do this work.”

And here’s a hot tip for the person who asked about pricing: if you have to ask whether or not you are charging enough, the answer is no.

There’s still time to join the October cohort of Author Accelerator’s Book Coach Certification Program. DM me and we can book a time to talk next week. If we book that call TODAY, you will still be eligible for our Early Enrollment bonuses.