If you are an aspiring author, you know that writing a book can seem like a daunting task. It can feel overwhelming to figure out how to express your message, or even get in touch with what your genuine message is. Once you’ve gotten started, it can be a solitary process. You don’t know where to turn for help since there are so many opinions about writing. It’s difficult to remain motivated and focused, and even harder to know if you’re on the right track. 

If you are serious about writing a book, you may have fallen into the trap of self-doubt, questioning your own expertise or author-ity to write a book. Imposter syndrome** is common among budding authors. Oxford Languages dictionary defines imposter syndrome as “The persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.”

The Benefit of a Book Writing Coach

This is where a book writing coach can come in handy. A writing coach is someone who can guide you through writing your book, provide feedback on your work, and help you achieve your goals.

Working with a book writing coach can be beneficial for many reasons. Let’s look at a few of the benefits:

1. Expertise: A coach can provide an objective perspective on your work. She can provide valuable insights not only on your writing. but on marketing and publishing.
2. Purpose: A good coach will help you identify your WHY in writing your book and how to use that for motivation during those times when you lose steam.
3. Individual attention: Your coach will point out ways to strengthen your writing. They can help you discover and capitalize on your strengths to make you a stronger writer.
4. Support: Writing can be an isolating process, a coach can provide support and encouragement when your motivation wanes.
5. Structure: A coach can help you develop a cohesive structure and detailed outline that works best for your message and writing style.
6. Right Audience: Another invaluable benefit of a book writing coach is helping you identify WHO you are writing for and why that matters. This is so important while writing your book and when you market your book. Knowing your audience will also make some of your publishing decisions easier.

Another benefit of working with a writing coach is that they can help you navigate the publishing process. A good coach understands the different publishing options available to you and provides guidance on how to market your book as well. Most new authors don’t realize that marketing isn’t something you do only after you finish writing your book. Marketing can begin before you write your first sentence.

So now that you are seeing how a book coach can help, how do you find one who is a good fit for you and your project?

How to Find the Right Coach For You

Finding the right coach for you is worth planning for. Naturally, you’ll want to look for someone with experience plus a fit with your personality and project. What should you be looking for?

• Fiction or Nonfiction – The first thing to ask is whether they work with fiction or nonfiction. That makes a big difference, since most book coaches do one or the other and not both.
• Experience & Credentials – Look for a coach who has worked with writers in your genre and who has a track record of success. Check their credentials, and how long have they been in business? Look for someone who has published their own work.
• References – What authors have they helped? Do they list the books their authors have written? Make a point of exploring the kind of writing those authors have done. If you don’t readily see books they’ve helped to publish, ask for references and read testimonials, this can help you get a sense of what it’s like to work with them and whether they are a good fit for you.
• Consider their Approach – Different coaches have different approaches to helping writers. Some focus on the big picture, while others focus on the details. Ask questions about how they work with clients. Do they teach a curriculum? Is their idea of coaching an online DIY program? If so, keep looking. You will want feedback and the ability to ask questions during the process.
• Availability & Personalized Attention – Consider some of these questions when shopping for a coach:
  • How often does the coach take on students?
  • What is included in their offer?
  • How often will you get feedback and the opportunity to ask questions?
  • Do they offer a manuscript evaluation?
  • Most importantly, can you relate with this person? Be sure to have some sort of in-person exchange to discuss your project and get all of your questions answered.

Writing a Book CAN Be Fun

Writing a book is a challenging task that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. Working with a book writing coach can help you overcome the challenges and obstacles that come with the writing process. Best of all, a coach can help you make it FUN. Becoming an author is a transformation. You are becoming someone new. Walking this path with a seasoned Book Coach can bring out the very best in you. Writing a book can be one of the best and most important journeys of a lifetime.

Conclusion

By working with a coach, you can get personalized guidance and support to help you improve your writing skills, stay motivated, and achieve your writing goals. A coach can also help you avoid common mistakes, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop an outline and writing plan that works for you.

While working with a book writing coach is not a guarantee of success, it can significantly increase your chances of achieving your writing goals. A coach can provide you with the tools, resources, and feedback you need to create a book that is engaging, compelling, and well-written.

Overall, if you are serious about writing a book and want to improve your writing skills, working with a book writing coach is an excellent investment. It can help you achieve your writing goals and provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed.