What should you look for in a writing coach?

The answer is...it depends.

Maybe you want to write a nonfiction book to promote your business or practice, and plan on self-publishing it. Maybe you have a manuscript for a memoir that you'd like to send to a literary agent in hopes of landing a traditional book deal with a big publisher.

​

The writing process differs for everyone. Challenges range from overcoming writer's block to knowing what to cut in an overly-long manuscript. But the purpose of a writing coach is not just to help you become a better writer. A coach helps ensure that you reach your writing goals: they keep you accountable and on schedule. 

​

Some people hire writing coaches to build a deeper creative community: the writing life can be frustrating and lonely. For some writers, having a trusted "sounding board" may feel safer than participating in a critique group.

​

Even writers who have managed to complete a successful book can find themselves stuck on their next project, bogged down in procrastination. (Ah, the curse of success!) The best coaches know how to push through these blocks. They enable a writer to move forward.

Some coaches produce writing workshops or run writing boot camps. Others offer one-on-one consultation exclusively. But workshops and boot camps can be a big investment, too. Be careful when selecting one: check out testimonials, get recommendations from previous attendees--one-on-one writing coaching may ultimately give you better ROI.

​

Is chemistry important when choosing a writing coach?

​

Yes! Beyond their professional expertise, getting a good fit with a coach can come down to chemistry. Good coaches are not just good editors, they're good communicators. If you're sensitive about your writing, a cut-to-the-chase, just-the-facts writing coach may be intimidating or downright discouraging. 

​

Some writing coaches are better cheerleaders than others. The right amount of encouragement will keep your morale up and your hands on the keyboard. Good coaches are like terrific writing prompts in human form.

Don't be shy about interviewing several coaches to see who feels like someone you can work with for an extended period. If you're writing a book, your relationship will go on for weeks, months, maybe even longer. Make sure your coach is someone you want to spend time with. 

​

Does a writing coach make writing easier?

​

Wellllll...sometimes. Even when you have an effective writing coach, their assistance does not mean you get a pass on the hard work of writing. In fact, working with a coach will usually mean that you work harder! The difference is that all the hard work will be productive: moving you toward your goal, whether that's a science fiction bestseller or a more effective digital marketing program for your business. A coach is not conducting a one-on-one creative writing class, though they will help you improve your writing--it will feel more like working out with a personal trainer. 

​

Can a writing coach help me publish my book?

​

Many coaches are specialists who focus on the craft of writing. But all competent coaches will ensure that your manuscript is properly formatted for self-publishing, or correctly constructed to query agents or publishers. Some coaches will help you craft a query as well. Querying is half the battle of a getting agent representation, and a literary agent is just about essential for any sort of conventional book deal. A good agent will be rocket fuel for your writing career. 

​

If you're hoping for a big-ticket publishing deal, coaches with years of experience in the traditional publishing industry can be an advantage, especially if they've worked as an editor at one of the big New York publishers. A book coach with a blue-chip publishing background may have an excellent professional network, and can sometimes make an introduction to a literary agent or even an acquiring editor at a publishing house. And yes, this comes with a hefty price tag.

​

If you're writing non-fiction, a writing coach can help you build your book proposal. (Unlike fiction, non-fiction books that are conventionally published are not usually completed prior to querying agents or publishers.) 

​

If you plan to publish independently, choose a coach who understands that business model. There's a philosophical gulf between many "conventional publishing" and "indy publishing" writing coaches. You want a coach who will take your self-publishing project seriously.

​

Just because it's possible to "DIY" your entire book doesn't necessarily mean you should. Amazon is awash in clumsy amateur efforts, cringeworthy vanity projects, and snoozy memoirs. Can you figure out how to format an ebook or a print book, or produce a cover design on canva? Sure, but you still want professional eyes on your project. A coach with book-production or design chops can be a tremendous asset here. 

​

Finding a coach who has editorial acumen, production expertise and book marketing know-how is unusual--but not impossible. 

​

How do writing coaches work?

​

Most writing coaches work remotely, using virtual meeting tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and others--or just good old fashioned phone and email. Make sure that you're comfortable with whatever collaboration tools they use. If you prefer in-person meetings, you'll want to search for a local writing coach. 

​

Typically your project will kick off with intensive planning process, a strategy session, or manuscript assessment, then move into a regular tempo of interactions. Most coaches set up a schedule of meetings, and the frequency varies depending on the length of your project and the deadlines you've set. Committing to regular communication helps keep you on task. This is why even great coaches hire their own coaches!

​

How do I choose a writing coach?

​

A writing coach may specialize in fiction or non-fiction or even a sub-genre, such as business books or prescriptive non-fiction. Some are generalists who can do it all. 

​

Look for testimonials and references from satisfied clients for projects similar to yours. Your colleague's terrific memoir coach may not be able to help you write your Great American Novel.

​

Share your plans for the book. Is your heart set on a big publisher, or are you self-publishing a book to market your practice or business? Do you need help with writing only, or do you require support in the actual production of an independently-published book? Do you just need some publishing tips, or serious support in building your author platform and social media presence? 

​

Be up front about your budget and how much time you'll commit to the project. If a coach feels you're unrealistic about cost or schedule, they may pass on your project. You may learn, after speaking with a few coaches, that you need to reset your expectations.  

​

Many coaches offer a complimentary consultation. (Some credit back the cost of a consultation if you hire them.) If you already have a manuscript, you may want to hire a potential coach to evaluate it. This is a good way to "kick the tires", as many offer high-level manuscript evaluation at an affordable price. You won't get tons of detailed feedback, but a general assessment of the viability of your book.

​

Finally, you want a sense that the potential coach is evaluating you, too. If they're overly eager to take you on without knowing enough about your project, or seeing a sample of your writing, that can be a red flag. So are high pressure sales tactics. 

​

Ultimately, choosing the right writing coach is finding the ideal combination of technical expertise, good communication skills, and value for your money.

​

​

​