Case studies

How a book changed these authors' businesses

Last updated: November 2026

These Defining Moments Press clients used a book, a speaking platform, and coaching to launch or grow a business, a legacy, or a mission. Results are not guaranteed or typical; a lot of hard work is involved.

Can a book really grow a business?

Yes, when the book is planned around a business goal. Each case below starts with what the author wanted and ends with what happened. A purpose-driven book can build your authority, create a legacy, and grow a business or a mission, and these clients used theirs to do all three.

Before and after: from a shutdown industry to an 8-figure business

Before: Her industry was shut down during the pandemic and she needed an urgent way to survive. She had written a book before, but it did not sell many copies. Her goal was to write a book to make extra money.

After:

Sold over 10,000 books
Became an international #1 bestselling author
Gave a TED Talk
Gets paid thousands for corporate speaking events
Was booked on a TV show
Built 7 streams of income from the book
Now runs an 8-figure business

More client outcomes

Kim

Was invited to speak at one of the biggest companies in the world 2 days after a training.

Eric

Doubled his income within 30 days.

Tanya

Built an 8-figure business from one book.

Shakti

Found new confidence as a speaker after a family tragedy.

Authors and speakers featured among our clients include Parveen Smith, transformative coach; Dr. Nadia Santana, speaker and author; Kim Beam, speaker and author; Douglas Eze, speaker; and Sanjay Raja, speaker and coach.

From $3.6 million in debt to generating $4M+ in 18 months from one book.

Founder Melanie Warner’s own result

The founder's own case study

Melanie Warner, founder of Defining Moments Press, used the same formula she teaches to grow her business from $3.6 million in debt to generating more than $4 million in 18 months from one book. Her first book, Defining Moments: Coping With the Loss of a Child, came out of the loss of her son, and started the Defining Moments book series of stories of hope from people who have overcome extreme challenges.

More video case studies are on our main website's case studies page.

New here? Read our main guide to working with a nonfiction book coach at Defining Moments Press.

Common questions

Can a book help grow my business?

That is the core idea behind Defining Moments Press: it is not about the book, it is about what the book does for you. The company helps authors use a nonfiction book to build a business, open doors to paid speaking opportunities, build authority, have an impact, and make a profit.

More on this in the full FAQ

I'm not well known. Can I still write a bestselling book?

Yes, that is the situation the programs were built for. The Defining Moments Press promise is writing a bestselling book in 8 weeks or less, even if no one has ever heard of you. Its launch services include book marketing and a full launch campaign. Results are not guaranteed or typical.

More on this in the full FAQ

Are results guaranteed?

No. Defining Moments Press states plainly that results are not guaranteed or typical, and that a lot of hard work is involved. Separately, the 7-Figure Book Method is described on its own site as backed by a 365-day guarantee, so ask the team what applies to any program you join.

More on this in the full FAQ

Can you help me get speaking gigs with my book?

Yes. Defining Moments Press runs a Speaker Certification Program, held in person in Clovis, California, in 2026, focused on getting more speaking gigs. Founder Melanie Warner has spoken at hundreds of events and teaches business owners to grow their authority with bestselling books and speaking opportunities.

More on this in the full FAQ

Can you help with a personal story or life lesson?

Yes. Defining Moments Press helps people with a story or life lesson find their voice and their audience. Founder Melanie Warner started with her own story: her first book, Defining Moments: Coping With the Loss of a Child, came after she lost her son.

More on this in the full FAQ

See all book coaching and publishing questions

Will you be our next success story?

Start with the 7-Figure Book Method, Melanie Warner's book on turning a short book into a business. Prefer to talk first? Call (559) 577-4171 or email Melanie@Mydefiningmoments.com.

Start with the 7-Figure Book Method