Reasons Why You Need a Writing Coach
Best enlisted at the beginning of the writing process, a writing coach can be a publisher, an editor, or a writer themselves. But the key is to find someone who knows the industry, and who intricately knows the writing process inside and out.
New writers may be hesitant to hire a writing coach. But a writing coach is more than just a sounding board when writer’s block attacks. A well-reviewed and esteemed coach can provide all of the following benefits and more…
As a recent article in The Writer explains, hiring a writing coach is similar to hiring a guide.
A writing coach:
As such, you won’t get caught off guard by additional challenges or hurdles that may be waiting as your writing career advances.
One of the most well-documented reasons why writers get writers’ block is simply because they have been bogged down in their own work, and their own words, for so long. Chances are that at some point in your writing work, you’ve gotten stuck on how your book should begin or end, or how it should flow from start to finish.
A writer’s coach won’t fill in your blanks, verbatim. But they will help you identify the questions – and answers – that will help you move forward. Plus, they will provide a valuable outsider’s perspective on where your book succeeds, and where you need some careful revisions. Maybe you have a plot twist that doesn’t make sense to an outsider who is weighing all the developments that came before. Outside feedback is essential for completing that polished book, and a writing coach’s expertise is invaluable when it comes to constructive criticism.
One of the simplest benefits of a writing coach is that having a guide keeps you motivated. Many writers form a mentor / mentee relationship with their coach, and this encourages them to keep going forward. With a writing coach, your chances of procrastination diminish, as you’ll have a newfound inspiration, motivation, and cheerleader while you are writing your book. And when it comes to time management, a writing coach can even provide guidance on scheduling, so that you always find time to write.
Once your book is finished, what is your next step?
Are you going to self-publish, work with a partner publisher, or work directly with a publishing house or literary agent?
How will you market your book, and how can you use book reviewers, social media, and news outlets to your advantage?
A writing coach will help you consider all of these questions and more, and will help you find the answers that are right for you, specifically.
A writing coach can help you polish your book proposal, find a literary agent, and become a bit more familiar with the writing and publishing world.
In today’s writing community, there are countless ways to share your book with a global audience. A great writing coach will help you examine and explore ALL of your options when it’s time to publish your book, and officially launch your writing career.
The key is to find a writing coach who is familiar with every aspect of the writing process…
As more and more writers discover that a writing coach’s assistance is essential, more writing coaches are becoming available as potential partners. But it’s important not to opt for the easiest or cheapest option, and to find a writing coach who knows their stuff.
Before you enlist the help of a writing coach, ask them about their qualifications!
Ideally, you want to work with someone who has been published before, (preferably multiple times), who knows the publishing industry, who has had experience in consultation work, and who has guided other writers in the past. Ask for testimonials or examples of writers they have helped before, and confirm their credentials! Your relationship with your writing coach should be built on trust, but it’s reasonable to ensure that your prospective writing coach has the skills required to propel your writing career.
Are you ready to reap the benefits of a writing coach? Then let’s get started!
I’ve helped countless writers just like you fulfill their ambitions and dreams to share their story. Contact me here. We’ll explore your challenges, and determine if an experienced writing coach is the right move for you!
Do you prefer in-person training and collaboration to learn how to author and publish a book? Schedule your visit to meet us in Florida in January 2020 for Book Bound By The Sea. You’ll learn everything you need to become a published author, plus make a new network of authors for ongoing support!
Join the January Book Bound By The Sea Workshop here. I look forward to seeing you there!