📝 What It's Like to Work with a Book Coach

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One of the questions I am often asked is, "What does a book coach do?" And that question is sometimes followed by, "Gosh, do I need one?"

I'll start with the second question: No, you don't need a book coach. Writing and publishing your book is totally doable without. But working with a book coach can certainly help. Here's how:

A book coach is exactly what it sounds like: a professional who works one-on-one with a writer to keep their project on track, provide editorial guidance, and, when the time comes, help them navigate publishing's murky waters. Book coaches are sounding boards. They're with you as you work to bring your vision to the page.

Engaging me as a coach looks like this: We work on two-week deadlines. You turn in your pages on a Monday, and I read and return your work to you with inline comments and an editorial letter. We meet on Zoom to discuss your work and your next steps, and then you have another week-and-a-half or so to turn in your next pages, whether that's a rewrite of what you submitted or new work.

Let me tell you, there is magic in deadlines! And there is magic in not working in a vacuum—in having someone encouraging you, offering outside perspective on the story you're creating.

As a writer myself, I know that we can sometimes get stuck within our own vision, unable to see how someone outside our own heads (that is, everyone else) might understand (or, worse, misunderstand) our story. That's where a coach who has read widely can really help. Your coach should know the fundamentals of great storytelling so they can help you make the mindful edits that will set the story alight in your future readers' minds.

Important: You may have noticed that anyone can call themselves a coach. This is true no matter the field. There is no big degree or coaching board that grants people the title, as with PhDs or CPAs or MDs. This doesn't mean all coaches are frauds, but it does mean you have to do your homework when choosing to work with one.

Here are some ideas on how you can make sure your writing coach is both above board and a good fit for you:

Ask them about their background
Read their newsletters or blogs
Ask for references
Follow them on their social media accounts to see if you like their vibe
Find out if they have any certifications
Hire them for a small project before launching in on a longterm contract.

If you want to know more, reply to this email and we'll set up a free, 30-minute conversation. You can also find out more on my website. Working with writers is the most rewarding work I've done, and I'd be honored to talk with you about your project to see if we're a good fit!