Athletes need coaches. So do writers!
Over the course of my career, I’ve helped dozens and dozens of authors realize excellence in their writing projects. Witnessing the results, I can report, not immodestly, that they wouldn’t have gotten there without me as a coach, or someone like me.
If you’ve written a book or are in the process, you know it can be both challenging and rewarding. Some writers don’t know where to start or how to take their craft to the next level. So it’s helpful to have an advocate—a personal book writing coach—who can boost your confidence; offer personal, professional feedback; provide accountability, and share writing tips and tricks.
Your coach, your personal cheerleader and confidante knows what obstacles lie ahead, can identify the work that needs to be done, and determine next steps.
A writing coach will celebrate you as an author and build you up as you go through the writing roller coaster journey. They’ll guide you whether you’re up or down—or just plain stuck.
Here is why you need a writing coach—whatever you write.
Benefits of Working with a Writing Coach
1) Provides Support and Builds Confidence
A writing coach is like having a cheerleader in your corner, rooting for you every step of the way. When you’re feeling isolated and alone with your writing, they’ll be there to lift you up and remind you that you’re not alone.
As a writer, it’s easy to second-guess yourself and doubt your abilities. Even seasoned writers experience imposter syndrome sometimes. They doubt their writing abilities and their story ideas. They wonder what readers will think. A writing coach can help you build confidence by providing positive feedback and encouragement. You’ll be more likely to take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
A writing coach can also help you overcome writers block by providing you with strategies and techniques to get past it. Maybe you’re afraid to start or to commit to an idea and to the writing process. Perhaps they’ll even share some tips by famous authors.
2) Offers Personalize, Objective Feedback
Writers are often too close to their work and stay in their heads. Getting a different perspective is always valuable. Getting unbiased input isn’t always possible, however, when you’re asking your best friend or your mother to tell you what they think of your writing. A writing coach can provide a neutral perspective, pointing out strengths and weaknesses and suggesting ways to make your work stronger.
An empathetic coach will listen attentively when you express your concerns, and they will communicate in a way that takes different learning styles into account.
3) Helps Clarify Project Goals
If you want to finish your book, and you want it to be compelling, defining goals is essential. They are the foundation of a book. An experienced writing coach will encourage you to answer questions such as:
- Why are you writing your book?
- Why are you the best person to tell your story? What’s your experience?
- Why are you writing it now?
- Who’s your target audience?
- What do you want your book to do for them?
- What problem is your book solving for your reader?
- What’s your main message?
- What do you want to get out of the writing process?
Answering these questions helps not only with crafting content but also with creating your book marketing plan.
4) Helps Develop Writing Skills
All writers have strengths and weaknesses. A writing coach helps you develop what already works and gives you exercises, tips, and tricks to help you become a better writer. Writing coaches are experts in writing flow and detail development, offering advice on everything from coming up with ideas to structuring your story to grammar and style.
A writing coach can pull from a variety of sources and encourage you to explore new ones. Some of my recommendations include: The Owl at Purdue, Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips, and the Chicago Manual of Style.
5) Provides Accountability and Focus
Writing a book is a long process. It’s easy to procrastinate when you don’t have anyone holding you accountable. Putting off work creates stress and often results in less than stellar work. A writing coach can provide you with the accountability you need to stay on track. They can help you set deadlines and check in with you to make sure you’re making progress.
As a collaborative partner, your writing coach will help you create a writing routine that works for you. This may include word counts or writing goals within specific time frames. You may even get to enjoy writing bursts and brain dumping!
You can work with your coach to figure out the best way to discuss your progress, whether by phone, email, Zoom, or in person.
I am Gail Kerzner, your “savvy red pen.” Working with me as your writing coach will help build your confidence, stamina, and talent. Think of me as a personal fitness trainer helping you build your emotional and writing muscles. I promise, I’ll be in the trenches with you long-term to allay doubts about how to start the writing process and stay motivated when the going gets tough.
I am your team—willing and ready to make your dream project a reality.