Do You Need a Writing Coach?
Need a writing coach?
There are countless types of writers, from the Pulitzer Prize winning novelist to the small child who pens poetry about his puppy. Some people write for a living. Some people write for art. Others just do it for fun. There are serious writers, and then there are hobbyists.
Hobby writers enjoy writing and generally write for personal reasons. They keep journals and may write short stories, poems, or essays. They might be blogging. Maybe someday, they’d like to become a serious writer and think about getting their work published, but for the most part, they write for the sheer enjoyment of writing, or perhaps for personal development.
Are You a Hobbyist or a Serious Writer?
If you’re serious about your writing, you have goals. You want to become a published author, a freelance writer, or you’d like to land a job on the writing staff of a publication or production team. You have projects you want to complete, and you’re consistently trying to improve your writing.
You pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You work to make each piece you write better than the last piece you wrote. Writing is your life’s work so you take pride in your craftsmanship, and you make every effort to generate work that is coherent and captivating.
But just because you’re serious about your writing doesn’t mean that you’re reaching all of your writing goals or that your work is consistently improving. You’re human. Sometimes you get distracted. One novel idea overtakes another and before you know it you have three or four half-written, unfinished novels piled up and you’re getting ready to toss yet another one on top of the heap.
Or maybe you’re tirelessly sending your work out for publication. You have sent it to literary magazines, agents, and editors. But no luck. You know that every writer should expect plenty of rejection letters before getting a big break, but you’re starting to suspect that your break won’t come at all unless you make some kind of breakthrough in your writing.
Enter the Writing Coach
Every person who has achieved success has done so by enlisting the help of others. Some of us were lucky enough to study writing at university. We enlisted the help of experienced and educated instructors and peers who were traveling a similar path toward becoming established writers. Our classwork and assignments kept us on task and helped us develop good writing habits.
Others are self-taught, but they too enlisted the help of others. They studied works by successful authors and absorbed books and other resources on the craft of writing.
We all need a little help crossing the finish line. If you can’t attend classes and workshops because they don’t fit with your schedule or budget, or if you have exhausted your self-help-for-writers resources, then hiring a writing coach may be a smart option.
What a Writing Coach Does
A writing coach does not stand on the sidelines, holding a stopwatch while counting your laps. A writing coach gets in there and runs laps with you.
Your coach should be able to relate to your struggles, but also should be able to offer solutions to help you overcome your challenges. A good writing coach will hold you accountable and firmly, but gently, encourage you to stick to your goals and make sure you complete your projects.
Finally, a writing coach is more than a productivity expert. A writing coach knows good writing, and will work with you to make sure your writing is the best it can be.
Do You Need a Writing Coach?
Before you hire a writing coach, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have writing goals that I am consistently NOT achieving?
- Do I regularly drop the ball on my writing projects?
- Do I need to work on improving my grammar, spelling, or punctuation?
- Do I need to develop a stronger voice, more realistic characters, or better plots?
- Could I benefit by enlisting the help of a writing coach who will provide thoughtful, honest feedback?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a writing coach just might knock the wind back into your sails.
Luckily, I know a someone who might be able to help you.
Your Writing Coach
You don’t have to read Writing Forward for very long before you realize how passionate I am about helping other writers. Sure, I do my own writing and I work as a full time, freelance copywriter, but I actually get the biggest thrill when I know an article I’ve written genuinely helped someone with their writing.
I love to write and I’m good at it. Plus, I love to help people, especially writers. Being a writing coach only makes sense. As your writing coach, I will help you:
- Set writing goals and then achieve them.
- See your writing projects through to completion.
- Overcome challenges that interfere with your writing progress.
- Improve the mechanics of your writing (grammar, spelling, and punctuation).
- Become a better writer through insightful critiques on your written material.
If you’re a serious writer and interested in becoming an accomplished writer by getting published, or if you just want to improve your craft, check out my writing coach program and let’s talk about your writing goals.
And if you’re not ready to hire a writing coach, then just stick around for more creative writing tips and ideas here on Writing Forward.
Writing Coach FAQ
Since I started offering services as a writing coach, some very good questions have arisen.
These questions and answers are valuable to anyone who’s interested in hiring a writing coach (whether it’s me or someone else) as well as for people who are looking for a writing mentor or instructor.
Before you hire someone to work with you on a long-term basis, you should ask these and any other questions you might have. This will help to ensure that you are getting what you want and need out of your coach or mentor.
What type of writers do you work with?
I work with all types of writers – fiction writers, poets, memoirists, and even copywriters or bloggers. I have experience in all of these genres. It’s important that you work with a mentor who can share your vision, so if your writing style or genre is one that I am not comfortable or have no experience with, I will let you know so you can find someone more suitable.
What exactly do you do as a writing coach?
My job is twofold. First, I am here to support you. Second, I will help you become a better writer. I will help you stay focused on your writing goals and hold you accountable to them. I will also offer advice and feedback on your writing along with suggestions and recommendations for improvements.
Is phone coaching available?
Currently, coaching is done via email. However, if you ‘d like phone coaching, we can do that. The writing coach program is still new, and will likely evolve over time, so ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Why would I pay someone to coach me in writing?
Well, if you’ve been dreaming about finishing that novel for the past few years, maybe it’s time to enlist some help and get it done. Turn that dream into a reality. Or, if you are frustrated and overwhelmed with rejection letters, maybe you need to work on your writing a little. Either way, I’m here to help.
If I hire you as my writing coach, what do I get?
First, I will send you a questionnaire about your writing habits and goals. Then, I will ask you to start setting goals on a weekly basis. Each week you will send an update explaining which targets you hit, which ones you missed, and why. You’ll also send written material – an excerpt from your novel, a short story, or a poem and you will receive a full, written critique on it. Every week, you’ll get ideas and recommendations to help you improve your writing and reach your goals. These might be productivity tips, writing resources that you can explore, or writing exercises that you can work through.
How do I know if I need a writing coach?
If you are struggling with your writing, then a writing coach might be the right answer for you. It’s not your only option, however. You might benefit from a few, simple writing resources. Or, you may prefer to take a writing class. This program is specifically for people who want to set and reach goals and who want to produce better writing.
How much does it cost?
Currently there is just one package available, and it’s $250 per month. In time, I’ll be adding other packages with different options. I’m open to ideas, so if you need help with writing but this program doesn’t work for you, then let’s talk and figure something out.
How long does the program last?
That’s up to you. You will enter the program on a month-to-month basis, and stick with it until you feel you’ve reached your target. You might stay with the program for as long as it takes to get a manuscript completed, or until you feel your writing has improved enough for you to go out on your own.
I’d like to learn more. What should I do?
First, check out the writing coach page to get a thorough understanding of how the whole thing works. If you’re interested in coaching, then contact me and let’s talk about how we can work together to improve your writing.
Do you have any questions to add? Any ideas or suggestions to improve the writing coach services? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
