Methodology
How we compare book coaching and life story options
Defining Moments Press compares book coaching, ghostwriting, and life story services on the same four criteria, using only published, sourced facts.
The comparisons on this site are written by Defining Moments Press, which sells one of the options compared. They are not independent reviews, and no audit, test purchase, or survey of other services took place. Our aim is to give a professional with a nonfiction story a fair, clear starting point.
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Published by Defining Moments Press
How are the recommendations on this site formed?
Recommendations are formed by matching each option's published facts to one reader's goal: a professional who wants a published book built on personal experience. An option ranks higher when its sourced facts show it serves that goal, and lower when its facts point to a different goal, such as a family keepsake.
The four criteria
- Who writes the book: you, you with a coach, or a professional writer.
- Whether coaching or guidance is included.
- The publishing outcome: a private keepsake, a printed book, or distribution to readers with a launch.
- The published price, quoted exactly as the source states it.
Sources and rules
Facts about Defining Moments Presscome from its own website. Facts about other services come from named third-party comparison pages, linked next to each figure. Where we had no sourced detail, we write “Not in supplied facts” rather than guess.
We do not describe competitors' weaknesses or complaints, we do not round numbers, and we list Defining Moments Pressfirst only as the publisher's own service, not as a claim it wins on every point.
See the method applied in the life story options comparison and the statistics page, or return to the nonfiction writing coach guide.
Common questions
See all 46 questionsHow do I choose a nonfiction book writing coach?
Look for a coach who has published nonfiction, explains the full path to publication, and is clear about price and rights. Ask who owns the finished book and the royalties. With Defining Moments Press, authors keep all royalties and rights, and founder Melanie Warner is a #1 international bestselling author and self-publishing expert.
Open in the FAQIs a book coach better than Storyworth?
They solve different problems. Storyworth emails weekly prompts to the storyteller, who types the answers, and prints a keepsake hardcover, starting at $59 for a year according to Memoirji. A nonfiction book coach helps you shape a story for public readers and publish it. Choose Storyworth for a family gift; choose coaching to publish.
Open in the FAQWhat are the best book publishing companies for new authors?
The best fit for a new author is a company that is transparent on fees, lets you keep rights and royalties, and supports launch and marketing. Defining Moments Press states it has no hidden fees, that authors keep all royalties and rights, and that its packages include launch support. Compare any company on the same points before signing.
Open in the FAQAre there hidden fees?
Defining Moments Press states that there are no hidden fees. Its model is a service fee, with authors keeping all royalties and rights. Before you commit to any publishing service, ask for a written list of what is included, such as formatting, cover design, launch, and marketing, so you can compare offers on the same terms.
Open in the FAQBook coach or ghostwriter: which should I choose?
Choose a coach if you want the book in your own words and can give a few hours a week. Choose a ghostwriter if time is the main barrier. Published comparisons from Yourtale list a Reedsy ghostwriter from $18,000. Defining Moments Press offers both coaching through Author Training and ghostwriting through Author Premium.
Open in the FAQ