A book coach (sometimes also called a writing coach) is someone who works with authors every step of the way — from initial idea to finished product. Like an editor, she provides feedback on the author’s work, but she’s also part project manager, part confidant, and part therapist. While an editor comes into the picture when the manuscript is as finished as the author can make it, the book coach is part of the team from day one (or as early as the author needs her).
Why Do Authors Need Book Coaches?
An author may want to hire a book coach for a variety of reasons — he has a vision but isn’t sure how to execute it, she’s great at character development but struggles with plotting, or he needs an additional level of accountability in order to make the kind of progress he wants to make. But it all comes down to this: writing is a long and lonely process (even for the most introverted of us), and it’s much easier to achieve our goals when we have someone on our team, not only helping us improve our technique and build our skills but also cheering us on.
What Can I Expect from a Book Coach?
While I keep my clients accountable, Barney keeps me accountable!
Every book coach will work a little differently (and that’s why, just like when you’re searching for editors, it’s important to find someone you click with), but you can expect some combination of all of these activities:
Outline Development: Whether you begin working with a book coach before you write a word or hire one halfway through your first draft, she’ll help you develop a strong outline or roadmap to guide your story.
Content Feedback: A good book coach will review your work with you as you write to help make sure you’re on the right track. While you’re working on the first draft (or two or three), she’ll focus on big picture: Are your characters coming to life with clear motivations? Is your plot working? Does your setting feel immersive? Are you keeping readers engaged? etc. As your book takes shape, she’ll also work with you to fine tune your writing style so your prose is as strong as your story.
Accountability: Often, the most helpful thing a book coach can do for an author is add structure to the writing process by giving you deadlines, checking in on your progress, and (frankly) charging you for her services. Book coaches frequently work on a monthly basis, asking authors to submit a certain number of pages per month and then booking a certain amount of time to discuss that work. When someone else is holding you accountable like this, you may find the external motivation helps you make progress you might have put off otherwise.
Publishing Insight: Today’s publishing world has endless options for authors, and they can be confusing. A book coach can help you identify the best goals for your work — and then work with you to create a process that will help you achieve those goals. She may give you advice for building your author platform, support you as you write query letters, or connect you with the experts you need (proofreaders, formatters, cover designers, PR experts, etc.) to self-publish and promote a high-quality book.
Cheerleading: When you hit a wall, when you question why you thought you wanted to be an author in the first place, when you wonder if your book is worth writing, your book coach is there for you. She (probably) isn’t a licensed therapist, but she is highly empathetic and she does have plenty of experience working with authors (and may even be an author, herself). And most importantly, she’s on your team. She wants your book to succeed as much as you do, so she’s invested in helping you find — and keep — your confidence as a writer.
Does book coaching sound like something you need in your writing life? Take a look at my basic coaching packages, and get in touch if you’d like to talk about how a book coach like me might be able to help you meet your writing goals.