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If there's one constant in writing a novel, it's that there's no constant.
Seriously, one day you're a machine, cranking out 5,000 words like you're on literary fire, the next bestselling author in the making. The next? The blinking cursor sits silently on the page, mocking you. Or, maybe your plot has taken a nosedive into "now what?" territory.
Frustrating? For sure. Totally normal? Absolutely. Just ask any author.
But, if you find that you're always stuck or feeling like your creativity has gone the way of the dodo bird, it might be time to call in the pros. And by that, I mean a writing coach. Think of it as calling in backup—someone who's got the map when you're tired of taking wrong turns.
What Is a Writing Coach?
Think of a writing coach as your GPS for storytelling—when you take a wrong turn, they help you reroute and keep you headed toward "The End."
Some of the things you can count on them to do:
- Create a writing plan
- Identify problem areas/writing
- Motivate you to stay on track
- Hold you accountable
- Check in on your progress
- Adjust your plan as necessary
They go more in-depth, too. They might step in and help you with brainstorming if you're stuck and provide critiques on works in progress. Qualified writing coaches also tend to jump in and help with teaching different elements, such as fleshing out your background, creating a compelling narrative, and working out plot holes.
Most of all, the writing coach's job is to make sure you set and reach attainable goals. Whether this means getting your first book ready to query or self-publishing book #20, they are there to make sure you take the steps necessary to get to the end.
And then, if you're lucky, you'll get to do it all over again.
Signs You Might Need a Writing Coach
Not everyone will need a writing coach, some authors never do. But that doesn't mean there's something wrong with you if you do need one. Everyone's writing process is different and we all hit different roadblocks along the way.
If you notice these signs, though, it could be an indication you could benefit from the help:
- You're struggling to finish a manuscript
- You're overwhelmed by the writing and/or publishing process
- You're looking to improve your writing skills
- You're lacking motivation but really want to hit your goals
- You've got the worst case of writer's block in the history of writer's block
It doesn't matter if you're facing one or more of these issues, or a completely different one (aliens abducted you and you're short on time? We've heard stranger things!). A skilled writing coach can help you navigate these challenges and more. They're there to help you through to the other side.
There's no shame in calling for help, whether it's a friend or a pro, but you'll likely get better mileage with the latter.
Benefits of Working with a Writing Coach
Hiring a writing coach has several benefits. They're an extremely valuable resource to call on when you're stuck, but the ones worth their weight in gold are also excellent at helping you improve your craft. And isn't that what we all want?
Not only can they help you with the aforementioned challenges, they can also help improve the quality of your book by identifying weaknesses and employing their literary know-how, offering a perspective you might not have thought of.
However, it's important to maintain that a writing coach's job is not to edit, though many editors do double as writing coaches and vice versa. Yet, they are two distinctive jobs, and the cost will vary accordingly.
Where to Find a Writing Coach
Finding a writing coach isn't difficult, but you do need to know where to look. For example, a simple Google search will yield a few results right off the bat of both individuals and companies offering the service.
However, you should go where the writers are. Check out the Editorial Freelancers Association, Reedsy, or other job boards.
Writing communities are a wealth of information. Maybe you won't find a coach advertising their services there (many of these groups frown upon blatant self-promotion), but you can ask other writers if they used the service, where they found their coaches, and who they'd recommend.
Don't accept just anyone though, do your due diligence and look into their background.
How to Vet Writing Coaches (and Red Flags to Watch for)
Red flags aren't just for dating!
You have to look into the professionals you hire, too. There's no certification to become a writing coach, but there are certain elements you should look for.
Experience in Your Niche
Word to the wise: don't invest in a coach that doesn't know your genre. Most writing coaches, like editors, specialize. Some work with non-fiction, some prefer to work only in romance or other fiction niches.
Your writing coach should have some degree of experience in the field in which you're seeking help. Are you writing a memoir? A coach specializing in fiction likely won't be too much help here.
Experience in Helping Others
This one is a biggie. We all start somewhere. I didn't start out writing novels, nor did I start out editing them with a big publishing house. Not everyone will have those credentials, and that's okay. Look deeper into their reputation. Their past work. Ask if they have references you can verify and a portfolio you can view.
Their Coaching Style
When it comes to coaching, we all benefit from help in different ways. Me, for example, I'm a very visual person. I get a better feel for something and learn more efficiently when I can physically watch someone do a task. My life is also somewhat crazy, so a more structured schedule doesn't always work for me.
Things to think about when you're looking for a coach include
- How they communicate -- do you want someone to check in daily, weekly, monthly, and how? Via email, phone, text?
- How they coach -- hands-on vs. hands-off, flexible scheduling vs structured scheduling
- Do they assign homework? This can be valuable in helping move your story forward, especially if it relates to your book's development
You can get a feel for their coaching style by asking questions during your discovery call. It's important that you have a connection with your coach, since you'll be working closely together.
They Want Payment Upfront
It's so easy to become a victim of a scam these days, that we have to be extra diligent when we hire professionals online, especially writing coaches. That said, you typically don't have to pay an entire lump sum upfront, especially if you haven't even had a discovery call yet.
Most writing coaches will offer a discovery (also called consultation) call before discussing finances. This is done to ensure both of you are a good match and they will be able to help you reach your goals. Then, they can set up a reasonable plan or package for you based on your needs. Most will offer payment plans, even if they sell you a bundle.
Scams
Unfortunately, the age of the internet comes along with a lot of different scams. If you've been part of a writing group on social media, you've undoubtedly seen posts where people offer their "expertise" for a tidy sum. Often, they speak in broken English or fail to offer any real insight to the services they offer, but assure you they will get you seen. Rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Real success comes from the hustle, knowing how to market, and nobody can push a button and make you
How to Get the Most out of Your Coaching
Set attainable goals. Here's an honest truth. A writing coach will not be able to help you mean unobtainable goals. So you need to be realistic in your expectations and goals. If you're not sure what this means, you can actually talk about it with your coach and determine what's doable.
Show up. One of the most pivotal things you can do to get the most out of your coaching is to show up. Put the effort in. Some days will be tougher than others, especially if you struggle with sticking to deadlines or get stuck at a pivotal point.
Take feedback as it's meant. Listen. Feedback is hard. Very hard. But you have to take it as it's meant. Even when your writing coach is telling you things you definitely don't want to hear. Unless it's coming with a snarky undertone, it's meant to help you grow.
Celebrate the wins. Even the little ones! You're making progress and that deserves a celebration. Eat a cupcake, take a well-deserved break, but remember, keep going!
Cost of Hiring a Writing Coach
At this point, you're probably wondering how much a writing coach is going to set you back. The truth is it varies. It varies depending on your coach's experience level and whether or not they work exclusively as one.
Some charge an hourly rate, others have a flat rate. You can reasonably expect to pay a few hundred dollars a month, if you're looking for a weekly check-in and more hands-on coaching. Some exclusive coaches can cost even more.
It's a good investment for some, if you need it, and as a bonus? It's a tax write-off if writing is your business.
Don't Have the Money for a Writing Coach?
Try these alternatives.
While it's an investment in your writing and career (if that's your intended path), not everyone has the money to invest in a coach. If that's the case, don't fret, you have other options!
Critique Groups
One thing I highly recommend is joining critique groups with other writers. You can find several on Facebook to start. The idea is to create a sense of community and for writers to help each other by reviewing each other's works and offering insight, favorable or not.
But, a word of caution: don't hand your manuscript over to just anyone. Make sure it's someone familiar with your genre. Otherwise, you may not get accurate feedback that could help grow your writing skills.
Accountability Partner
An accountability partner is someone who holds you—you guessed it!—accountable for your writing goals. They show up and ask questions like:
- Are you on track to meet your deadlines (self-imposed or otherwise)?
- How many words did you write today/this week?
- How much further do you have to go?
- Are you stuck on an area in your book?
This doesn't have to be a daily check-in; it can be weekly or even bi-weekly, but ideally, they should check in at least twice a month. Any longer than that, and it's easy for your deadlines to slip out of your grasp.
Online Writing Courses
While writing coaches can be a bit pricy, you can generally find online writing courses for less. Look for one that has a well-versed teacher who offers feedback. That feedback can be invaluable.
One of the best ways to get the most out of your writing course is to choose one that focuses on your genre. A class on horror, for example, isn't really going to be of much help for romance writers, unless Jason or Freddie is one of the love interests.
The downside to a writing course over a coach is that the instructor may not be able to give one on one feedback to each person who signs up. But, if it's your only option, it's definitely better than nothing. Just be sure to ask questions (and every course should give you that opportunity to interact).