Writing Wednesday
Wednesday is the day I share what I have learned on my writing journey and on to publication, marketing and publishing again. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them. If you have any tips, please share them with us…
What is a writing coach and do you need one?
A writing coach is a professional writer that you hire to guide you through either the writing, publishing or marketing of a book or to guide you through the entire project. A writing coach can also assist with blogging, essay writing, speech writing and content writing.
They can help you decide if your idea will work as a book.
Your writing coach is not an editor. He or she may help with editing but will most likely suggest or refer you to a professional literary editor. A writing coach is also not a ghostwriter. It is possible your writing coach may also work as an editor and a ghost writer.
The writing coach can be helpful if you want to write a book but have no idea where to start. He or she will help you create an outline, organize your ideas, come up with a schedule and inspire you to stick with that schedule. The coach is available to answer questions about all things writing including writing style, character development and manuscript format.
Your coach can help you craft the best query letter, synopsis and book proposal. They will be there to support you through the query process.
A coach can assist you with research, make sure your story flows, your characters are believable, that there is sufficient conflict etc…
The writing coach has knowledge of the publishing industry and how it works. He or she can help you choose the path to publishing that works best for you and your book and can guide you through the process.
Once written you book will need to be marketed. A coach can help you come up with a marketing plan.
A good writing coach is there for you when you are stuck, need inspiration or motivation and most importantly when you need an ear.
Most writing coaches will offer their services for an hour, several hours or for the entire project. They will usually work within your schedule.
Almost all writing coaches offer a free consultation. Take advantage of that consultation. You can usually tell during a half hour conversation if the person is someone you feel you can work with.
Costs range from $25-$300 an hour. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean the best. Least expensive doesn’t mean the worst. It can be a matter of personality and style.
While it is yet another expense, having a writing coach can pay off big in the end. They can save you money on editing, save you time by helping you make the right choices and they can get you to your goal of being a published author so much quicker.
Have you ever used a writing coach?
Happy writing,
Doreen
I love being a writing coach and seeing my writers succeed. If you are interested in a consultation with me, please send an email. {put writer services in the subject line} I would love to work with you!
doreenb8@verizon.net
14 thoughts on “What is a writing coach and do you need one?”
I have never used one. Where would one find a writing coach?
There are many to choose from including me, googling or asking other writers for references.
I have never used one but I may consider it in the future.
I am looking forward to reading your book!
It’s true that you will be more successful when you have an objective eye on your work. I haven’t used one yet, but then, haven’t written a book yet either. I keep thinking about it, though.
Write that book!
I’ve never used a writing coach but I have purchased a book by two editors/coaches and some free time with the coaches came along with it. I have yet to take advantage of that freebie but do plan to. You’re post fully supports all the good I’ve heard about using a coach. Thank you!
You should definitely take advantage of that free time. That may be all you need!
Writing was a huge part of my career and I freelanced a very long time, too. If i didn’t have an editor, I had a writing coach for my personal work. For real. We all could use one for personal writing and any books we might be doing.
I am so grateful for the help I’ve had!
Another interesting read Doreen – there are so many facets to becoming a writer and it’s really good to see how indepth it all is. Throwing something together and sending it off to a publisher really is a pipedream!
Thank you!
Eight months ago, I was searching for a writing coach online and came across Doreen McGettigan and hired her to coach me through my journey of my first novel. What a treasure you are Doreen. Thank you.
Thank you Susan! I am really looking forward to attending your first book signing and having you sign a book for me!