Nonfiction book doula for coaches
I’m MJ Halberstadt (he/him/whatever), a collaborative writer based in Portland, Oregon. The center of my niche target is pretty darn specific: I help life / business coaches to craft nonfiction self-help books with big voices. Hey, I’m a youngest child with a background in theatre; unforgettable characters are kinda my thing.
Hear from Meghan Keane about “third date vulnerability” and other approaches to crafting right-sized personal anecdotes that resonate.
Up next at Find the Words…
Hear how Jessie Kwak crafted accessible yet flexible activities that are perfect for her ideal audience: creative types.
You might know what sets you apart from every other coach…
…but the journey of personal expression can get exhausting and confusing if you’re trying to keep pace on the content-creation-hamster-wheel while you’re still developing your voice. Don’t start with a complex social media strategy full of fast, shallow, and hollow.
Start with something deep, real, and worth focusing on; write a book about one thing.
Laurie McGinley
“After we identified burnout as a helpful central theme, it became the center of gravity for the book, and helped me become much more focused. It allowed me to be creative instead of like, oh, but the structure, oh, but the little red squiggly line in Google Docs means I'm bad at spelling. I could let go of all of that.”
Summer 2026 hours + availability
As of June 18 (and until at least August 31), I’m instituting “summer hours” so I can protect my energy, keep sunning my buns at Rooster Rock, and be a good boy who does a good job settling into two new unrelated side jobs (barback at Peacock PDX, billing specialist at Family Ties Counseling Center).
Don’t worry, I’m not going far! I’ve got a great pair of workshops on the way and I’m still actively seeking new coaching clients.
Here are a few ways we can hang out this summer:
New workshop format
Introducing Self-help Self-help: writing lessons and pep talks from relatable authors.
Click the images to register for free!
Come say hi in SE Portland!
One of my new gigs is at Peacock PDX (the bar where Crush used to be) on SE 14th x SE Morrison. We’ve got delicious greasy yummies and over a dozen cocktails + mocktails, plus a slushie machine. There are events and shows on most nights — follow @peacock.pdx on Instagram to hear about those.
If you visit during one of my shifts, come say hi and consider asking for a writing prompt. I keep a deck of cards with me back in the kitchen, and love to give guests something to chew on ;) I post my schedule on @mj.writes.stuff Instagram stories.
Currently offering name-your-price coaching
Clients for book coaching, including writing coaching and concept development.
6+ session packages.
Interested future authors should please schedule a vibe check conversation. If we agree that we’re a match, you can name your price. Truly.
I am actively seekinglife/career coaches + therapists who plan to write self-help books, but I’m open to hearing from other people working on adjacent genres.
Temporarily unavailable for dev editing + ghostwriting
However, I am accepting meetings for projects starting September 2026.
Ready to connect?
Every project worth doing has unique needs
The best place to begin is a quick dialogue. During our vibe check call, tell me about your goals and challenges, and I’ll suggest a few ways forward.