You’re already going to be spending enough money when self-publishing your book. So does hiring a writing coach really sound like a good idea?
Depending on your goals, it could! But of course, as with anything like this, it really depends on what you’re looking for, your goals as an author, and if the book coach setup is something that’ll actually help you based on where you are now.
Thankfully, we’ve compiled just about every major question you could have to help you determine if a writing coach is right for you.
Here are the questions about a writing coach we’ll cover:
What does a writing coach do?
A writing coach is a mentor who helps writers develop their craft, overcome obstacles, and achieve specific writing goals. Most are specialized in one area or another, including by genre.
They provide tailored feedback, accountability, and actionable advice on everything from story structure and pacing to character development and grammar. You can even hire one who can give you business advice as it relates to things like book taxes, course creation, email marketing, and more.
Unlike editors, though, their focus isn’t just on fixing mistakes but on empowering you to improve as a writer and stay accountable to finish writing the book.
How do I know I need a writing coach?
This is really a self-assessment. It can be hard to tell if a writing coach will fit your personality and writing habits.
That said, here are a few questions to help you determine if one is right for you:
- You’re stuck in the middle of a project and can’t figure out how to move forward.
- You’ve received feedback but don’t know how to implement it.
- You want personalized guidance to develop your unique voice.
- You struggle with time management or staying motivated.
- You’re so new to the industry and want to bypass common mistakes.
- You want to focus more on the book and less on the logistics.
Do I need a writing coach to finish my book?
Not necessarily, but a coach can be invaluable if you’re feeling overwhelmed or have stalled in your progress. They can provide structure, help you set achievable milestones, and keep you motivated to see your book through to completion.
Many people need external accountability to complete work. It doesn’t mean you’re any less talented or disciplined. It just means people function differently. Those who find things like fitness classes or going to the gym with a friend tend to benefit from book coaches too.
But you do not need a coach to finish your book. You may still want one for all the steps that need to happen afterward, though.
How is a writing coach different from an editor?
While both help improve your writing, they serve different purposes:
- Writing Coach: Focuses on your development as a writer, offering guidance on process, craft, and big-picture goals.
- Editor: Concentrates on polishing your manuscript, addressing grammar, style, and structural issues.
Think of a coach as your creative guide and an editor as your manuscript’s polisher.
How does a writing coach help improve writing?
Book coaches improve your writing by:
- Providing encouragement and constructive feedback.
- They act as both a teacher and cheerleader, helping you develop skills that will benefit all your future projects.
- Identifying and addressing weaknesses in your craft.
- Offering strategies to overcome writer’s block.
- Teaching techniques for stronger storytelling, dialogue, or exposition.
- Point out areas of weakness or fixation that isn’t helping.
What should I look for in a writing coach?
Not all writing coaches are equal. Some offer very different methods than others, including their areas of focus and advice they can or can’t give. For example, some will read and review your writing while others hardly look at it, choosing instead to focus on habits and completion.
When choosing a book coach, consider:
- Experience: Do they have relevant expertise in your genre or writing goals?
- Approach: Does their coaching style align with your learning preferences?
- Credentials: Have they worked with other writers successfully?
- Personality: Do they communicate in a way that inspires and motivates you?
- Reviews: Are past clients satisfied with their coaching?
Take time to interview potential coaches and ensure they’re a good fit. You may even ask for specific reviews from authors in a similar niche as you too.
How much does a writing coach cost?
The cost of a writing coach varies widely depending on their experience, services, location, and what else they include in their services.
Sometimes, you’ll have freelance individual coaches, and other times you’ll work with a company like selfpublishing.com where you’ll be assigned a coach, and that has many more features in addition to coaching.
That said, some typical rates may be:
- Hourly: $50–$200+
- Packages: $500–$10,000 for multi-session programs and other services beyond coaching
Here you can see an example of a company that has coaching as just one of the many aspects of their programs:
Higher rates often reflect extensive experience or specialization. Decide on your budget and goals before committing.
Can a book coach help get me published?
A writing coach can’t guarantee publication, but they can significantly improve your chances. They’ll help refine your manuscript, guide you through the querying process, and offer insider tips on navigating the publishing world. Some coaches even specialize in helping writers self-publish successfully.
How do I find a good writing coach?
Google is a great tool to find a writing coach, but you will have to do some digging in order to find one that fits your needs. Don’t take this process lightly! If you’re going to spend the money, do your research.
To find a good writing coach:
- Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to writer friends or online communities like Reddit, featured below.
- Research Online: Platforms like Reedsy, Writer’s Digest, and social media often feature reputable coaches.
- Check Reviews: Look for testimonials from previous clients.
- Schedule a Consultation: Many coaches offer free or low-cost introductory sessions.
What are the benefits of hiring a book coach?
As you’ve probably gathered already, there area a lot of perks to having a coach on your side.
Hiring a coach offers:
- Clarity: They help untangle confusing ideas and provide focus.
- Growth: They teach you skills that elevate your writing.
- Confidence: Knowing you have expert guidance can reduce self-doubt.
- Accountability: Regular check-ins keep you on track.
- Inside knowledge: You don’t know what you don’t know, but someone who’s been there before will be able to help you prevent common pitfalls.
- Networking: Most coaches you hire will have connections to make the process easier, like cover designers, editors, and even marketing help.
Are writing coaches worth it for beginners?
Absolutely! Beginners often benefit the most since they’re still developing foundational skills. Instead of spending years trying to figure out what works for you, for example, a coach can help you speed up that process. They can also guide you away from common pitfalls and set you on a path to success early in your writing journey.
What types of writers benefit the most from a writing coach?
As mentioned earlier, it really depends on what you need as an individual person. That said, these are common reasons people go looking for one in the first place:
- Aspiring authors: Those working on their first book.
- Blocked writers: Writers struggling to finish or start projects.
- Career writers: Professionals seeking to refine their craft or branch into new genres.
- Self-publishers: Writers navigating the publishing process independently.
Is a writing coach worth it for the price?
The answer to this one changes for everyone. Some people don’t find investments in their goals worth it, despite spending hundreds or thousands a year on trivial things.
But for many writers, yes. While a coach is an investment, the personalized support and expert guidance can save time, reduce frustration, and result in a stronger manuscript. If you’re serious about improving your writing or achieving specific goals, a coach can be a game-changer.
Money is always a tricky topic to approach. But you spend money on many others things in life less important than your dream of becoming an author. So if this is important to you, then yes, it’s worth it.
Ultimately, whether or not you work with a book coach is completely up to you. Many authors get on just fine without one, and many others swear by a coach!
