What Is a Writing Coach? (And How Can One Help You?)
It’s no secret that writing can be hard. The good news is that you’re not alone!
A writing coach is a great resource to help you improve your writing skills, often by making you dig deep into your work through a positive approach. In this article, we will discuss what a writing coach is and how one can help you. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right one for you.
When I first began my screenwriting journey, I didn’t know anyone in the film world, other than a few struggling actors and newer filmmakers. So I relied on reading whatever I could about the art of screenwriting, and watching as many good films as I could in order to learn the do’s and don’ts.
I know firsthand what it’s like to not have an experienced sounding board for ideas or a knowledgeable source for constructive criticism on my written work. Having a writing coach in those early years would have made things much easier for me, but it also made me appreciate great feedback and advice from an expert all the more when I did eventually get it.
It’s one of the reasons that I’ve dedicated myself to helping others on their creative journeys, and sharing what I’ve learned over my journey. With over 100 writing and film awards to my name, I’d like to think I have something of value to offer when it comes to good storytelling.
If you’re struggling with story ideas and plot points or just getting started on your writing journey, a great book writing coach can be a big help! Coaches can help writers of all types, whether they are working on short stories, novels, short films, or screenplays.
What is a Writing Coach?
A writing coach provides people with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve their writing goals.
A writing coach can help people at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to editing and revising. A script or book writing coach can also provide accountability, helping people to stay on track and meet deadlines.
In addition, a writing coach can offer practical advice, guidance, and feedback on writing projects. A good book-writing coach is like a cheerleader, sounding board, mentor, and teacher all rolled into one.
If you’re feeling stuck or lost in your writing, a writing coach can help you get back on track and move forward!
How Does the Coaching Process Work?
The writer’s coaching process is simple yet effective.
First, the coach works with aspiring writers to identify their goals. Is the writer looking to get feedback on story ideas? Are they stuck with specific plot points or overall book ideas? Or do they need feedback on parts of a completed manuscript? Once the writing goals are established, the coach guides you on how to achieve these goals best.
Finally, the coach offers support and encouragement throughout the writer’s journey. This process has helped countless writers reach their potential and achieve their dreams.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been writing for years as a bestselling author, the writer’s coaching process can help you take your writing to the next level.
Coaching vs. Editing
Writing coaching and editing are two different things.
Coaching is more about the process and helping the writer find their voice, whereas editing is more about reviewing the finished product and correcting errors. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.
Writing coaching can take many different forms. It can be as simple as sitting down with the writer and talking through their ideas, or more in-depth, such as working with the writer to further develop their characters, plot, or dialogue. The goal of coaching is to help the author to improve their skills and become more confident in their writing, whether as a rough draft or a polished manuscript.
On the other hand, editing is all about taking a finished piece of writing and making corrections to it. This can include fixing grammatical errors, tightening up action lines and dialogue, or cutting unnecessary scenes.
Editing is important for ensuring that the final product is polished and error-free. However, it’s also worth noting that no writing is ever truly “finished.” Even after editing, there will always be room for improvement.
The key is to keep learning and growing as a writer so that you can produce your best work.
Do You Need a Writing Coach?
As a creative, it can be difficult to know when you need a writing coach. After all, writers are supposed to be independent and self-sufficient, right? Wrong!
Writing should not be a solitary journey. Even the most successful writers have coaches or mentors who help them refine their craft, along with editors, beta readers, literary agents, managers, publicists, other writers, and other persons within the writing community who fill a supportive function. So how do you know when it’s time to seek out a writing coach?
Here are four signs that indicate you could benefit from working with a writing coach:
- You’re feeling stuck in your writing.
If you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to move forward with your writing, a coach can help. A good coach will provide structure and guidance, helping you to overcome whatever is holding you back.
- You’re not enjoying your writing anymore.
If writing has become a chore, it’s time to seek help. A writing coach can help you find joy in writing again by providing new ideas, inspiration, and solid instruction.
- Your work is consistently being rejected.
If your work is consistently rejected, it may be time to get professional feedback. A writing coach can help you identify areas that need improvement and give you the tools to make your work shine.
- You’re ready to take your writing to the next level.
If you feel like you’ve plateaued in your writing, working with a coach can help you to reach new heights. A good coach will challenge you and push you outside your comfort zone, helping you grow as a writer.
How to Find a Writing Coach
If you’re serious about improving your writing, you may want to consider working with a writing coach. But how do you find the right person for the job, especially in a seemingly saturated literary world? And what should you look for in a writing coach?
First, consider your goals. What kind of help do you need? Do you want someone who can give you honest feedback on your work? Do you need constructive criticism that can help you grow? Do you need help brainstorming or developing ideas? You can start your search once you know what you’re looking for!
There are several ways to find a potential script or book-writing coach. You can ask friends, other writers, or colleagues in your writing community for recommendations. You can also search online or look for ads in writers’ magazines.
When you’ve found a few writing coaches that seem like a good fit, take some time to read their bios and reviews from past clients, peruse their literary or film work for relevant experience in a similar genre, and check out their websites. Ask yourself if their style and approach align with your needs and preferences.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for a free consultation. This is a great way to get a sense of whether or not a particular coach is right for you. You’ll want to get a feel for their coaching style and learn more about the coaching calls and support they offer.
Can a Coach Help With Storytelling?
A great writing coach can help with various aspects of writing, such as developing ideas, organizing thoughts, and improving grammar and style. However, coaches can also be beneficial for helping with developing storytelling ideas.
A good coach will understand the elements of a good story and will be able to help you find the right idea for your particular voice and style. In addition, a coach can help you brainstorm ideas, figure out how to develop complex characters (both protagonists and antagonists), and map out the plot of your story.
A writing coach can even help you develop ideas for the theme you’d like to have in your story. One way they might do this is by asking you questions about your story idea and then helping you focus on the main idea or point you want to convey.
Once you have a theme, your coach can help ensure it is woven throughout your story. This might involve helping you brainstorm scenes or ideas that illustrate the theme or giving feedback on whether the theme is coming across clearly in your writing. A clear theme can add depth and meaning to your story, and a writing coach can be valuable in developing one.
In short, a writing coach can be valuable in developing strong storytelling ideas. So if you’re struggling to develop a great story idea, consider working with a writing coach. It could make all the difference to your story!
Writing Coaching for Screenwriters
A writing coach is a creative partner and guide for screenwriters as they develop their screenplay. The coach helps the writer clarify their story’s vision, generate new ideas, and effectively structure the material.
In addition, the coach provides feedback on script drafts, offering suggestions for improvement. Writing coaching aims to help the screenwriter create an artistically successful and commercially viable screenplay.
Screenwriting coaches can be an invaluable asset for any screenwriter or filmmaker who is serious about their writing.
How Much Does Writer’s Coaching Cost?
Every writer is different, and as a result, every coaching relationship is unique. The amount a writer will pay for coaching depends on their individual needs and goals.
Some writers may only need a few sessions to gain the confidence they need to complete their project, while others may require ongoing support to persist in their work.
The length of each session will also vary depending on the writer’s needs. Some coaches offer discounts for pre-paid packages, so asking about pricing options before committing to a coach is essential.
In general, though, writer’s coaching is an investment that can help writers reach their full potential. With the right coach, a writer can make significant progress in their rewrites, complete their project, polish their writing, and feel confident in their ability to reach their goals.
Work With Me as Your Writing Coach
From screenplays to short stories to films, I have extensive experience as an award-winning professional writer, a screenwriting instructor, and a story coach and script doctor. A potential coach should bring a proven track record in relevant teaching experience, editing experience, and real-life industry experience.
Whether through coaching calls, personalized, in-depth critiques of literary material, or one-on-one mentoring, I can provide guidance and honest feedback regarding your work.
My goal is never to change your work to fit my view but to help you better express your vision through solid story structure, great character development, crisp dialogue, and appropriate pacing.
Check out my coaching packages here. I offer free thirty-minute video consultations to discuss your story, writing, or character development questions before you buy your coaching package.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are an aspiring author or an award-winning bestselling author, a good writing coach can help you improve your writing skills by providing expert guidance, critical feedback, and fresh ideas. They can also offer advice on strengthening your writing style and overcoming common challenges.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is a writing coach worth it?
Yes! A good writing coach can help you overcome obstacles you encounter during the writing process. They’ll also be able to offer guidance and suggestions on how to make your work even better.
What makes a good writing coach?
A good writing coach is someone who acts as both an insightful mentor and a supportive ally. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you from the initial stages of writing, offering tailored advice that addresses the specific hurdles you face in your work. They’re your cheerleader, too—someone who offers the encouragement and support necessary to keep you motivated and on track with your writing objectives.
How much does book coaching cost?
Much like hiring a personal trainer at the gym, book coaching costs depend on many factors, including the coach’s experience, the scope of services provided, and the frequency of sessions. On average, book coaching services range from $50 to $250 per hour. Some coaches offer discounts for prepaying for certain hours, and some will tailor their packages to fit your budget. In addition, many coaches offer free initial consultations, so it’s worth shopping around to find the right fit.
How do I find a writer’s mentor?
The best way to find a writer’s mentor is to start by looking within your own community. Many writers have found mentors among their friends, family, and colleagues. If you know someone who is a published author or has experience in the publishing industry, ask them if they would be willing to mentor you.
Another option is to look for writers’ groups or workshops in your area. These can be great places to meet potential mentors and start your writing journey. Finally, don’t forget to ask your favorite authors for advice. Many of them are happy to share their wisdom with aspiring writers!
If you’re looking for help improving your writing, a coaching service may be the perfect solution for you!
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