What is a Book Coach and When Should a Writer Invest in One?
As a certified book coach, I get this question a lot, and for a good reason: book coaching is a relatively new profession.
There are gaps in the publishing industry, and they grow wider with time.
As the publishing market grows more competitive and crowded, agents and editors have less time to nurture writers. Agents are less inclined to take on a project that has potential but needs work. They want a novel they can sell; the faster, the better. It’s how they make their living. In today’s publishing landscape, it is more important than ever for a writer to present the best possible version of their manuscript for consideration.
Writers who choose to self-publish don’t have the power of a built-in editing team behind them, and they have to produce work that is excellent in order to compete for their market share.
New writers who aspire to write a novel often struggle to find their footing, wondering where to begin. Do they go back to school for a writing degree? Take a creative writing class or perhaps invest in one of those online writing courses that promises to teach them how to write a best seller in less than a year—no experience needed? Cringe at the last one.
A book coach can help fill those gaps.
What a book coach is and does:
Someone who knows story, loves books, and loves helping writers.
They can step in at any point along the writing journey: planning, drafting, revision, or pitching.
Trained to provide informed editorial feedback and clear steps on what to do next to strengthen the manuscript or story idea.
Support and guide you through the emotional rollercoaster of writing a novel.
Understands the publishing industry and can help guide you on how best to reach your publishing goals.
Work with writers in the spirit of compassion and personal growth.
100% invested in your story and your development as a writer.
Provide accountability and structure, coach, teach, cheerlead, and keep you away from matches and dumpster fires.
When should a writer hire a book coach?
You’re ready to invest in your growth as a writer and make the story the best it can be.
You’ve written several drafts, but the story isn’t working yet, and you can’t see how to fix it.
You are a new writer trying to figure out all the things and feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
You’ve been writing your first draft for a long time and can’t seem to move forward.
You haven’t finished a manuscript despite having a writing degree and having been writing for a long time.
You’ve written several novels, but you’re not getting traction from agents.
Your self-published books are not getting the reviews you want, or they’re not getting reviewed, period.
You have the desire to write a novel, but imposter syndrome and lack of knowledge hold you back.
There's never a bad time to receive guidance from a knowledgeable and compassionate book coach who is the right fit for you and your story.
Trust and integrity form the foundation of any coaching relationship.
Both sides need to gel, and not all book coaches are created equal. So please do your due diligence and ensure the book coach or editor you are considering has the professional references and credentials needed to help you achieve your writing goals. I didn’t feel qualified to do this work until I completed my Author Accelerator book coach certification. If you like, you can read more about my journey to becoming a certified book coach here.
