Soulful Author Journey
Write your book then learn how to publish & promote it, with professional guidance and feedback every step of the way.
The Soulful Author Journey is more than just a writing program.
It's a community, it's consistent group coaching, it's your step-by-step plan, it's your your motivation & accountability...
It's your journey to authorship.
You have an idea, message, or story to share and you're ready to make an impact, but you need
✔ clarity in how to write your book,
✔ accountability to actually complete your book,
✔ guidance from seasoned authors who have been there,
✔ feedback from professional editors and book coaches,
✔ resources that will save you countless hours of research, and
✔ confidence in every step of the journey.
Q: Why is the program a year long?
A: After helping hundreds of writers become authors, we believe a year is the sweet spot. It's not so long that you fall off track, and not so short that you take shortcuts or major mistakes due to rushing.
We recommend you spend 4 months on writing your story, 6 months on the publishing process (editing alone can take 3 months), and the final 2 months getting in the groove of promoting your book and leaning on your new support system.
No matter where you find yourself, the Soulful Author Journey will meet you exactly where you're at and be your guide to help you overcome your fears, worries, struggles, imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, and doubts so you are armored with everything you need to finally write this book that you know you're meant to write.
The beauty of this program's design is that it will empower you to turn your life experiences into fuel and inspiration for writing your book, so that it feels natural and easy to share your story.
Imagine... this could be the year you finally write a book.
All you have to do is commit yourself to this goal, and prepare to step out as an author on the other side.
"I loved that the Soulful Author Journey created inspiration, guidance, a framework and support in writing my book. It also opened the door to a lovely community of fellow writers that was a special added bonus. Lauren is authentic, kind and a professional human helping others make their dream of writing a book become a reality."
-Holly Swenson, Soulful Author Journey participant & author of Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow
The Soulful Author Journey
Here's how it works:
Coursework
All members are on a rolling basis. When you join, you will take a quiz to see where in the course you should land and start from. Our go-at-your-own-pace online Soulful Author Journey course was carefully developed by industry experts and seasoned authors who've been there to walk you through the three elements of the author journey: book writing, publishing, and promotion. We are always updating our curriculum with new information and tactics to keep up with the ever-changing publishing industry.
You will follow videos and exercises, along with your workbook, designed to take the researching and heavy lifting out of writing, publishing, and promoting your book. Plus, you'll get detailed resources, tutorials, and templates to make it easier for you to tailor your plan for your unique journey.
Coaching
Then you'll start joining the weekly group coaching sessions. There will be two sessions with Lauren, our book coaches, in house editor, and your fellow Soulful Authors each week, but we recommend joining the session that aligns with where you are in your author journey. The first group coaching session will be writing-focused, workshopping your book, and the second coaching session will be focused on publishing.
You will create an individual timeline you will work from, so you will lead your own plan of action. This will help you stay on task with how many words you need to write in order to complete your manuscript by the end of the four month period. Then, you'll move into the publishing phase.
The live sessions are one hour long, and held on Tuesday, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. All sessions will also be recorded.
Community
You will also have access to our Soulful Authors Only community to keep up in-between sessions, communicate with your accountability partner, and access the live coaching sessions and recordings throughout the course of the year.
Members are also granted Soul Writer Society access for the duration of their membership in the Soulful Author Journey (over $400 value!). In the Society, you can join daily live writing sessions and leverage daily writing prompts that will help you focus on your work in progress.
After your initial Soulful Author Journey year is up, you can remain a member of the program for a monthly membership fee of $97/mo!
"I specifically loved our weekly calls because they were a safe place where we could share our struggles and ask for help in whatever area we needed. I love that Lauren would address anything and everything that was on our minds."
-Debbie Weiss, Soulful Author Journey participant & author of On Second Thought... Maybe I Can
Here's WHY it works:
Lauren is dedicated to helping soulful authors share their stories with the world. A seasoned book coach, she's helped hundreds of authors identify their core message, what we call your soul's message. From there, she helps writers craft their meaningful stories around their soul's message, creating what we call storytelling for impact.
That's a big part of what The Soulful Author Journey is about. But we take it one step further. We also show you how to publish and promote your book with your message in mind, using the very tools, resources, and industry knowledge we use with our publishing clients. But YOU get to own it, and YOU get to create your legacy. When you take control of your story and share it in a way that is authentic to you, you connect with your reader on a deeper level.
You see, this is about who you are and what you stand for - brought to life in a way that changes other people's lives. If you commit to writing and sharing your story, you will be able to hold your story - your book - in your hands, confident that it is a true reflection of your heart, soul, and the impact you want to make in this world.
That's why it works. It's yours.
We just guide you to write the most powerful and intimate rendition of your story in a book you can share, bring it to life, and reach your reader.
Here's how to join:
Tier 1: Soulful Author
One year of access to the Soulful Author Journey community, 100 group coaching sessions, and online, step-by-step course. Free access to the Soul Writer Society for one year (more than $400 value), free access to our 30-Day Writing Challenge ($147 value), free access to our Monthly Author Playbook ($99 value) and your own Time Management Journal.
$3,000 or 6 payments of $600
Tier 2: Soulful Authorpreneur
Everything included in Tier 1, PLUS six 1:1 coaching sessions with your own book coach so you can get personalized guidance and feedback from a publishing industry expert.
$5,000 or 3 payments of $2,000
BONUS: As a member, you get Soulful-Authors ONLY access to our Concierge Service
At any time, you can add our Concierge Package to your Soulful Author Journey membership to receive professional book editing, a professionally designed book cover, & interior book formatting. We will project manage your cover and interior designers on your behalf and you can work with our in-house editor, Allison. When you choose this service, we take the heavier projects off your plate so your self-publishing journey can be more enjoyable (plus, you can continue to work with a team you already know and love).
$5,000 or 3 payments of $2,000
"Lauren and her passion for Burning Soul Collective came my way right when I needed it most. Having abandoned my writing for the bulk of sixteen years, when I decided to get back to it, I had no idea what I was doing. I knew my heart was calling me to do it and then, BOOM, life sends me the fuel I needed to add to my fire.
Lauren and the team at Burning Soul Collective have reminded me that I am far more capable than I think I am. We all are! You just need that drive and someone amazing like Lauren cheering you on and guiding you along your journey."
- Jennifer Hobbs, #1 Best Selling Author of Calmed.
"Lauren and her team are helpful, knowledgeable and passionate about supporting writers to reach their goals and succeed. Lauren teaches the tools and skills to support your writing journey in a natural, accessible and truly inspiring way! Through the course, I made the necessary changes and recommitted to the book that I’ve been ‘thinking about’ and ‘dabbling with’ writing for a decade now – I feel confident that I’ll finish my book (and possibly many more) with the inspiration, support, accountability and structure that Lauren and her team at Burning Soul Collective offer.
I was so impressed by Lauren’s passion, which shines through her eyes and everything she says."
- Liz Witherspoon
“The course was just the thing I was looking for to get me out of a creative slump. The sense of community made such a difference for me and engaged me in writing in many new and diverse ways. Writing is an isolated activity, and the group made me feel like part of a family. I needed that, and so did my stories.”
-Leah Spradlin
“Lauren Eckhardt and Burning Soul Press made the journey of writing my memoir possible. She is a wonderful coach and encourager. The hundreds of hours we’ve spent crying and laughing together over the past year will always be some of my favorite memories.”
-Gina Defa, Best-Selling Author of "The Parakeet Drawing"
If you've made it this far, but something is holding you back...
"I know I have a story to tell, but I don't know where to start."
We'll be by your side, walking you through every step, from how to determine your core message, to building your stories around it, and all you need to do to get it published and share it with the world!
"I'm waiting for inspiration to strike."
Inspiration... or motivation? The first place to start is your WHY - that's why it's one of the first steps of our process. If sharing your message is that important to you - you will be inspired (or motivated!) by everything around you to get it done. And while we can help you find it, it's still yours to find.
"I'm intimidated by a blank page."
Aren't we all?! That first sentence can be a beast to get past - take it from every author that has come before you. Luckily, with Lauren's specially designed writing prompts, you will uncover the exactly what you want to say, and you won't be staring at that blank page for long!
"I don't know if I'm a good enough writer."
You aren't. You're an incredible writer. If you can communicate, you can write. Lauren will walk you through her tips to tell a good story. Don't forget, you're not alone anymore! You have a coach and a community of fellow writers working alongside you.
"Once I write it, then what?"
Then the FUN begins! Parts three and four of the Soulful Author Journey course are all about turning your manuscript into a published book, and then reaching the readers you know need to hear your message. Once you write it, you get to share it - and that's where the real impact begins.
"I'm nervous to share my story - what if no one likes it?"
If your story resonates with you, then it resonates with others. While our stories are unique to us, themes of encouragement, empowerment, strength, overcoming, and more, resonate with everyone.
Your Soulful Author Journey Guides
Lauren Eckhardt
Lauren is an award-winning and bestselling author, ghostwriter, and book coach. She is also the founder and CEO of Burning Soul Collective and is an advocate for determined and passionate writers who listen to their soul’s calling and the number one cheerleader for our authors. Lauren founded Burning Soul Collective in 2020, after 12 years in the human resources field, to work with aspiring and career authors in pursuit of sharing a powerful and deeply impactful story or message.
She is passionate about ensuring people feel truly seen, heard, and understood and accepted as their most authentic self.
Lauren has coached hundreds of writers to step into their author dream and publish books they are proud of.
Allison Buehner
Allison is our in-house editor for Burning Soul Collective authors, and she's been with the company since December 2020. She is passionate about the structure and strategy of language within the complexities of storytelling and takes pride in her nickname “the walking thesaurus”.
She loves making sure an author's message is shared with the reader in the most meaningful way, and always digs in to question "what else" to ensure your readers cherish your book for all time.
You could get a critique partner... but they're only as good as their experience, and it can be difficult to find the right one for you and your book's message if they aren't already in your network. You could attend national writers' conferences, but they typically provide generic writing advice and publishing tips that can't be tailored to your unique author journey and purpose. Most personal writing workshops only last one weekend, which makes it really easy to lose momentum. (How often do you return to your notes after a workshop?) MFA programs cost up to $80k per year and take up two years of your time, when you really won't need that long to complete your book. Freelance editors are great resources, but can only help you through the editing process, and fail to link you between writing and publishing, which leaves so much weight still on your shoulders.
None of these avenues provides the synergy of dedicated authors and industry professionals with lived experiences focused on you and your message throughout your author journey.
We aren't here to "check the box", we're to give you the path that will allow you prioritize your author dream and create a book you are proud to leave as your legacy. That's what the Soulful Author Journey is all about.
After working with hundreds of writers, helping them to share their stories from concept to manuscript, from publishing to launching, from branding to promotion - it's clear and simple as this:
If your book idea never leaves your mind/heart/notebook/computer, it never has the chance to impact anyone.
Take control of your life's legacy today.
Are you ready to join our other clients on the rewarding journey of being a published author?
If you're truly ready to share your story with the world, all that's next is the commitment to make it happen.
We'll help you get a head start: When you purchase The Soulful Author Journey, you get free access to our Time Management Journal so you can start prioritizing your dream right away.
