4 Values of Working With A Writing Coach

The idea of working with a writing coach can feel a bit weird at first thought. While we may have little hesitancy going to a professional for certain things like the cold or a flu or broken bone, we oftentimes feel guilty, ashamed, or even “lame” for hiring someone to help us complete the seemingly simple task of writing.

For me, as a writer, published author, and book writing coach, I sometimes I tell myself I should know how to write. I should have no trouble writing a book and getting it prepared for publication. 

But the fact is that we, as writers, are more often than not too close to our work to see it for what it is. To see where we should subtract or add, to see how we can improve our work. And that’s where a writing coach comes in.

The truth is, even the most successful writers (you can probably think of a few NYT’s bestsellers you like) have a support team of editors, writing coaches, publicists, marketers, and the like. 

Which is why I think it’s important to discuss the value of working with a writing coach. Working with a writing coach is not only beneficial to our work. It also teaches us things about us, our writing, and our perspective that we may have never taken the time to observe. 

Oftentimes it can be helpful to have someone in your family or friend circle give you feedback on your manuscript. However, this is often applicable to only “surface” issues. These individuals can usually assist with things like confusing dialog or missing content.

But they are often not equipped to aid us in knowing how to tweak or manipulate our work to make it the strongest and most impactful it can be. Writing a book can be hard. Reaching out for professional help, support, and guidance can be hard. But writing a book without all that juicy, helpful stuff is even harder.

So, how does working with a writing coach actually help you?

Working with a coach helps you channel your emotional energy in a way that drives your passion. Without it, you will soon run out of creative energy and have little to no desire to be excited about your book and message.

Working with a coach can help you in ways you might not have previously seen, simply because you’ve never had a skilled mind guide and support you.

Being as close to your work as you are, it’s sometimes hard to see where adding dialog or scenes might propel the story. It can be challenging to see how you can smooth over rough spots, or ensure we have consistent tones. 

A good writing coach will not only tell you where your approach is “off” or how the flow just doesn’t work. They will also provide guidance on how to present fresh ideas in a way that are more easily understood by your readers.

Below are some other ways in which a writing coach can help you:

• A good writing coach will help you reshape sentences, paragraphs, scenes, dialogs, and the like so the presentation is polished without the concept being diminished. In a nutshell: a good writing coach will help you say what you want to say with the most impact.
• Working with a writing coach can help confirm the validity of your message, build your confidence, and allow you to truly believe in your work.
• Working with a writing coach means you don’t have to guess or wonder about whether or not your book is “good enough,” or if you will ever have the confidence to finish it. They will believe in you and help you believe that you can.
• Working with a writing coach minimizes the sometimes-draining aspect of finishing your book by breaking it down into sizeable steps that are less overwhelming and frustrating. 

The whole point of writing a book is to get your message out there and sell it. It should be an empowering and invigorating experience. Not one that drains you of your creativity.

If you’re interested in talking more about the support you need in your writing journey, I would love to hear from you!