Why you might need a Writing Coach…

I have a secret. It took me three years to finish my first draft. Not because I required the time or skill, but because I lacked the confidence. A daunting need for perfectionism held me back. There were many days that I thought my first draft needed to be as close to the finished product as possible. But that isn’t true at all. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your novel won’t be perfect in your first draft. And that’s okay. Writing a book can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and overwhelming. Many aspiring authors find themselves struggling to navigate the complexities of the writing process, unsure of how to develop their ideas, structure their story, or even stay motivated. This is where a book coach can make a world of difference.

It wasn’t until I hired Char from the Plottery, that my understanding of the writing process changed from something that blacked my path to something that propelled me forward. 

What is a writing coach? (Other titles for this position are a Book Coach or an Author Coach)

A writing coach is a professional who provides guidance, support, and expertise to individuals looking to improve their writing skills. They assist with various aspects of the writing process, such as brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, refining writing techniques, and polishing the final product. A writing coach may offer constructive feedback, suggest revisions, and help writers overcome challenges or blocks. Their goal is to help writers develop their unique voice, improve their writing abilities, and achieve their writing goals.

Here are some benefits to hiring a Writing Coach:

Clarifying Your Vision and Goals

One of the key roles of a writing coach is to help you clarify your vision and goals for your book. They work closely with you to understand your objectives, whether it’s to educate, entertain, inspire, or share a personal story. By delving deep into your ideas and aspirations, a book coach can assist you in crafting a clear and concise book concept, ensuring that your message resonates with your target audience.

Structuring and Outlining

Developing a well-organized and compelling structure is essential for any book. A writing coach can guide you through the process of creating an effective outline that ensures your ideas flow seamlessly, engages readers, and maintains their interest throughout the entire book. With their expertise, they can help you identify the most impactful way to present your content and provide constructive feedback to enhance the overall structure of your manuscript.

Accountability and Motivation

Writing a book is a long and often solitary process, which can make it challenging to stay motivated and on track. A writing coach serves as your accountability partner, offering encouragement and support to keep you focused on your writing goals. They provide regular check-ins, help you establish deadlines, and hold you accountable for meeting them. This level of guidance and motivation can be invaluable in overcoming writer’s block and ensuring steady progress. This was especially necessary for me because of my dyslexia. I often get distracted or lose motivation when I feel like my story isn’t flowing well. Having encouragement was an essential part of my success. I’ve also heard many people with ADHD find writing coaches to be extremely helpful when keeping them on the right track. 

Expertise and Feedback

Writing coaches are experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the publishing industry. They possess a keen eye for detail and can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. Their objective feedback helps you identify areas for improvement, refine your writing style, and polish your manuscript to a professional standard. This guidance can significantly enhance the quality of your work and increase your chances of success in the competitive world of publishing.

Overcoming Writer’s Block and Boosting Creativity

Writer’s block is a common struggle that can hinder your progress and dampen your creativity. A book coach can help you overcome this obstacle by providing strategies and techniques to reignite your inspiration. They can offer fresh perspectives, brainstorming exercises, and tailored writing prompts to stimulate your creativity. With their guidance, you’ll find new ways to break through mental blocks and stay motivated throughout your writing journey.

How do I find a writing coach?

A quick google will give you hundreds of writer coaching websites, but if you are looking for someone who takes a personalized approach, and who will believe in your potential from beginning to end then I suggest Char from the Plottery.

Char truly transformed my writing process. She pushed me to dig deeper, challenged me to think outside the box, and helped me shape my ideas into a coherent and engaging story. Her practical advice on character development, pacing, and dialogue enriched my manuscript and took it to the next level. She has helped me more than I can express with my novel and I’m forever thankful. For the first time in the writing process, I didn’t feel alone.

Here’s the link to Char’s Coaching Program. 

P.S. Char offers more than just coaching. Make sure you take a look at her Writer’s Tool Box. They are 3 extensive E-books for writers, covering the topics of character craft, plotting, and world-building. Each are just around 50 pages long, packed full of easy writing theory and step-by-step process on all aspects of planning your project.

Give Char a follow Instagram for some super helpful writing tips as well.

Conclusion:

Embarking on the journey of writing a book can be a daunting task, but with the support of a writing coach, it becomes a much more manageable and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer, a book coach offers invaluable expertise, guidance, and accountability to help you bring your vision to life. They can enhance your writing skills, streamline the process, and increase your chances of achieving your publishing goals. So, if you’re serious about writing a book and want to maximize your potential, consider investing in a writing coach. Their guidance can make all the difference in transforming your writing dreams into a reality.