How to Work With a Writing Coach

Posted by in Publishing, Writing

When is the best time to work with a writing coach, and what can you expect?

You’re working on a writing project – whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, one book, a series of books, an article, etc. – and you wonder, would working with a writing coach be of value to me? You may not have considered this, or, you may have, and felt scared, intimidated, not sure if your writing is good enough yet, or if you will really get value for your money.

Here are a few times when a writing coach will be most useful, and you will get the most value from your money and time.

–In the early stages. When you aren’t sure exactly what you have, and you need regular, consistent support to believe in yourself and your writing, and develop habits that make showing up easy. Eventually this will lead to enough writing to become a book.

–When you need direction and guidance on how to proceed. You need someone to review your material who is not as close to it as you are, and who can help you see what it is and what it could be.

–When you are stuck. Having someone who is skilled at working with people who have blocks, who can supply a needed burst of inspiration, or make a suggestion that can help you move ahead can help bring your project to fruition.

–When you are very close to the end, but you keep finding excuses not to finish. You may actually be afraid to finish because you aren’t sure what will be on the other side. You may enjoy the process of writing, and not look forward to the blank time waiting for new inspiration. You may fear taking it to the next step, and looking to publication. A coach can assure you about the process, and guide you both to what’s next creatively, and what to expect when seeking publication.

What is the difference between a coach and an editor?

Consistent, regular time. A coach will help you to make small commitments that you can stick to, and support you with whatever arises. (As a client of mine says, I gently “push” in the right direction, to keep her on course.)

A good coach is… Good with beginning. Good with blocks. Good with finishing

When you don’t have issues with the process of writing, but want help with the writing itself, that’s when to hire an editor, not a coach. You don’t need to check in weekly or every other week, you want someone else to read through your manuscript and focus on improving the structure, or carefully line editing.

Many writers, no matter what level of experience, find using a coach (like hiring a physical trainer to get in shape) invaluable in successfully completing their projects.