Key Takeaways
Book coaches help writers and aspiring authors with encouragement, accountability, and feedback during the book writing process.
Book coaches' prices vary based on time and expertise, but the average is around $200-$500 a month.
You can find book coaches on reputable sites, such as Book Launchers or Author Accelerator.
Have you always wanted to write a book? Or are you writing one right now and feeling stuck? This article dives into what a book coach is, the benefits of working with one, and when you should work with one. Keep scrolling to learn more!
What is a Book Coach?
A book coach is a professional that can guide you through the book writing process. From brainstorming, outlining, and writing to editing, revising, and querying, a book coach can help guide you through the process that 81% of Americans want to accomplish, according to writer Joseph Epstein in his New York Times article.
Benefits of Working with a Book Coach
A study published by the Frontiers in Psychology Journal stated, "Coaching and training effectively enhance performance, but also emphasize the beneficial effects of coaching on clients' goal attainment."
If you have a book coach that can help you get through the ups and downs of the writing process, they can help you not only enhance your writing but also help you achieve your goals.
Encouragement
The book writing process is an emotional rollercoaster. From negative feelings of self-doubt to riding high on your successes, there are many ups and downs throughout this journey. Book coaches are your advisor for encouragement during those tough times. When you're upset, frustrated, or want to give up, they help encourage and guide you to push through. Book coaches also support and cheer you on during your wins.
Accountability
Have you ever set a goal and didn't accomplish it because you didn't have someone checking in? That's a common struggle for many people, in all goals, even outside of writing. Having a book coach can help keep you accountable by having weekly meetings to help you meet your deadlines and goals. Positivepsychology.com stated, "setting goals helps trigger new behaviors, helps guides your focus and helps you sustain that momentum in life."
Feedback
Freelance writer, Laura Spencer, explains how an editor can help a writer with feedback. She explains that editors "help a writer improve [their] writing style, make positive suggestions about changes that would improve the quality of the work, and provide tips and techniques to help the writer improve." While editing is not the book coach's main function or role, they offer support in guiding the writer with feedback.
Does the direction and narrative of the story make sense and flow?
Does this section or chapter relate to your hook?
Does it serve your target audience?
A book coach can guide you through the writing process to answer these questions.
Do I Need a Book Coach?
A book coach can be helpful at any stage of the book writing process, whether you are querying your novel or are just getting started with an idea for a story. Review the typical scenarios and see why a book coach might benefit you and when you should work with a book coach.
I have an idea for a story.
Let's say you get started and have a broad idea for a story. Are you unsure where you want to go next? How do you make time for writing? How should you outline it? A book coach can help you with your outline and get you on the path to success. They understand how nonfiction and fiction books flow.
I'm in the middle of writing my book.
You've written the beginning or end. Maybe a few scenes in the middle. But maybe you don't like that scene. Or think you need more but have no clue what will be best. Or possibly feel like you've stalled and aren't sure where to take your draft next. A book coach can ask clarifying questions to spark motivation during the middle of the book writing process.
I've finished my first draft.
Yay! That's very exciting. Now what? After you celebrate, working with a book coach at this stage can be good because now comes the editing and revising stage. Where you "kill your darlings," as Stephen King famously quoted. This can be a terrifying yet rewarding stage of the process, where a book coach can guide you.
I'm querying my book.
So you've gone through a few drafts, edits, and revisions, and now you're ready to show it to an agent to get this darn book out in the world. Well, how do you even do that? A book coach can help guide you. From queries to proposals, a book coach can point you to resources and help guide you in the next stage of this process.
Bottom Line
A book coach can help guide you through the book writing process. From ups and downs in the emotional journey, they can provide encouragement, accountability, and feedback to help you power through. They are an invaluable asset and
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a book coach charge?
A book coach charges anywhere from $40 to $250 per hour, depending on their experience, expertise, and knowledge. There are book coaches through programs, such as Book Launchers and Author Accelerator.
Is a book coach worth it?
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