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Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

Work one-on-one with a writing coach and you'll get input that addresses your specific writing needs and questions—and direction for taking the next step. 

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Note: Appointments for new clients are limited. Review the coaching options below and contact me to see if I have openings and to ensure I can meet your coaching needs.

Writers Make Progress and Gain Confidence with a Writing Coach

At any stage in your writing career, you can hit a point where you need inspiration, input, ideas, guidance and accountability that just aren’t coming on their own. 

• You’re looking at the world of publishing wondering how to break in.
• You're already in the world of publishing and wonder what on earth you’ve gotten yourself into.
• You're overwhelmed and frustrated by platform, marketing, and social media.
• You want to start something new—freelance writing, litmag submissions, a novel or nonfiction book—and have no idea where to begin.
• You want to level-up your writing and crave honest input on your work from a professional who will spot your weaknesses and help you improve—all with a positive approach.
• You got the contract, but you’re stymied. Stuck. Mired down in the middle of your manuscript. Will you meet the deadline?

Wouldn't it be nice to talk through and generate ideas with a professional other than your friend, agent, or editor— someone you can bounce ideas off of, who understands how to work with a manuscript at the developmental level ? 

When you’re trying to organize your writing life and reach your writing goals, wouldn't you appreciate some guidance along the way?

You’re set on finishing a project and submitting your work, but you keep second-guessing yourself and getting sidetracked. How can you get back in motion with some degree of confidence?

You’d like to know if your writing has potential. Who can you ask for input other than an editor?

You could use accountability, but who’s going to hold you to it?

You want to i mprove as a writer and beef up your skills , but sometimes an editor's remarks feel harsh and distant. Could a coach offer advice while staying upbeat and positive?

You’re searching for answers about everything from finding an agent to writing a query, turning up a sea of ideas and recommendations, unsure what applies to your particular situation. Can someone point you to answers for you ?

Save time, gain confidence, and get the input you're looking for from a writing coach. 

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Give the writer in your life the gift of a coaching session!

Depending on their specific needs and goals, some writers hire me to help with a one-time project. Others contract with me for weeks at a time to tackle a bigger project. Still others sign up for a few months at a time, making a long-term investment in their writing lives.

With me on the other end of the line (Zoom), you’ll have access to my editorial skills and relatable personality as we work one-on-one to solve your writing life problems .

I review content carefully and live a life full of wonder and curiosity. I marvel at the big picture and the tiny details.

I’ll tap into all of that to offer specific feedback that can take your work to the next level.

One-on-One Coaching is customized to each client, offering such benefits as:

• long-range and short-term planning based on your specific goals
• productivity and time management systems that work for you
• coaching input to generate solutions to immediate needs
• practical advice for maximizing strengths and addressing challenges
• encouragement and honest input
• guidance for navigating the publishing industry
• social media strategies
• recommendations for ongoing professional development
• heightened curiosity and creativity to feed your work
• positive, upbeat guidance from someone who sees your potential
• suggestions for how to recapture the joy of writing

You don’t need to be alone anymore.  You don’t need to lose any more time signing up for programs that may or may not address your specific issues.  You can start finishing the projects you start and prioritizing your writing life, feeling confident as your writing skills and industry understanding grow.

You can have fun and work hard. Both.

You might not even need me for long.  After you finally the receive and integrate personalized input you’ve needed all this time, you’ll be able to head out with confidence on your own.

I believe you’ll achieve your writing goals—and have fun!—by being more curious, creative, and productive. Don’t you want to see what that looks like in your life?

Don't take my word for it! See what these writers think about working with a coach.

Torrie sorge.

Author, Speaker

The first thing I tell beginning writers, hire a writing coach. Specifically, hire Ann!

"The first thing I tell beginning writers, hire a writing coach . Specifically, hire Ann! Next to my family, Ann has been my biggest cheerleader, encourager, and supporter. She enthusiastically champions my work and reminds me of my 'why' when I forget. She not only says my words matter and they have a place in the world,  she whole-heartedly believes it. From providing practical writing coaching to teaching me about the publishing world to guiding me through the process of signing with my agent — Ann has been the single best investment in my writing journey."

Michelle Derusha

Author, Naturalist

Her encouragement and support were exactly what I needed to find my true north once again as a writer.

“Ann Kroeker brings a unique blend of intentional practicality and exuberant creativity to her coaching. She is a brilliant brainstormer, but she is also a master at helping a writer whittle down myriad ideas into manageable steps and a practical plan of action. Ann is also one of the most positive, encouraging people I know. I originally signed on to work with her on creating a marketing and promotion plan for an upcoming book release, but quickly discovered her encouragement and support were exactly what I needed to find my true north once again as a writer.”

The Ideal Approach – Your Personal Writing Coach

Investing in writers has become my passion.  

As your writing coach, I will work with you to identify and clear hurdles so you can move forward with confidence.

I'll supply you with knowledge and insights, and a customized plan for your goals. Depending on which plan you choose, I can help you identify and eliminate structural problems with your projects and grammatical glitches in your style.

I'll focus on  you.

So you can get where you want to go more efficiently.

I leverage decades of writing and editing experience in the publishing industry along with years of professional input I've received to address your particular issues and answer your particular questions.

No matter where you’re at in your writing journey,  I can come alongside you  as your personal writing coach,  working one-on-one  to  help you make progress.

Kristin Schell

Speaker, Author

Ann is everything she promises—coach, editor, friend.

"Two years ago I didn't know writing coaches existed. Now, I can't imagine my writing life without one . As a key member of my team, Ann is everything she promises—coach, editor, friend.”

Note: Appointments available primarily between noon and 5:00 p.m. Eastern

You have three one-on-one coaching options

One-Hour One-on-One

One-time, 1-hr coaching call: $125 (usd).

This option is one 1-hr one-on-one coaching call via Zoom.

Ideal for the writer ready to talk through a focused problem or concern like:

• Social media strategy
• Freelance career steps
• Platform advice
• Submission approach
• Industry direction

One call + content review:  coaching input on content up to 1,000 words added to the one-call price* 

• Total cost of upgrade $210 (USD); select option at checkout
• Includes the one-hour call and adds on the content review of up to 1,000 words
• Content sent at least two business days prior to call will be discussed during coaching call

Your project or need is not limited to this list. If yours isn't included, contact me to see if this package is the right fit.

Important: You must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions below before purchasing. Your purchase indicates your agreement.

* Though I offer coaching input with an editorial eye, this is not official developmental editing nor a copyedit and cannot replace that expertise. Instead, this will give you some solid input and recommendations related to your writing, whether you want to discuss concept, content, style, or grammar struggles.

Four-Hours  One-on-One

Package of four 1-hr coaching calls: $425 (usd).

Package includes:

• Four 1-hr one-on-one coaching calls via Zoom
• Option of scheduling calls weekly or biweekly
• Email support

Ideal for the writer ready to apply techniques and get feedback to adjust and improve:

• Proposal preparation input
• Input on book concept
• Basics of getting started
• How to move to next level

Four calls + content review:  Content review of up to 1,000 words in association with each call (up to 4,000 words total) added to the four-call price*

• Total cost of upgrade $765 (USD); select option at checkout
• Includes the four one-hour calls and adds on the content review of up to 1,000 words per call
• Content sent at least two business days prior to each call will be discussed during coaching calls

Premium Coaching

Ten-call coaching package: $1025 (usd).

• Ten 1-hr one-on-one coaching calls via Zoom
• Calls scheduled no less frequently than once/month
• Calls expire 11 months after initial purchase (let's get going on your goals!)
• Email support between calls

Ideal for the writer ready to dig into a project and get it done with regular guidance, for:

• Nonfiction book proposals
• Platform strategy with follow-through and  adjustment
• Social media strategy with follow-up and adjustment
• Leveling-up writing career
• Book development
• Essay and poetry development

Ten calls + content review:  Content review of up to 1,000 words in association with each call (up to 10,000 words total) added to the ten-call price*

• Total cost of upgrade: $1875 (USD); select option at checkout
• Includes all ten one-hour coaching calls and adds on the content review of up to 1,000 words per call
• Content sent at least two business days prior to call will be discussed during coaching calls

Review Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions.

Please carefully read the following terms and conditions (the “Terms”) relating to your purchase of one-on-one coaching (the “Services”) with Ann Kroeker, together with any of her affiliates, colleagues, or agents. By registering for the Services, you agree that you enjoy writing, that you hope to hone your craft under the tutelage of Kroeker, and you further agree to these terms and conditions. If you cannot assent to these terms and conditions, you should not purchase the Services.

General Terms and Conditions:

You understand that I have made every opportunity to adequately represent the Services and the potential outcomes–i.e., the Services are designed to coach writers and aspiring writers, and to help hone these individuals’ writing skills and provide direction and input to help them achieve their writing goals. However, you understand that individual results and success may vary depending upon a myriad of factors, including your skill, command of language, competency, knowledge, ability, dedication, goals, and other intangibles. I cannot make any guarantees, representations, or warranties regarding any results or outcomes from your participation in the Services. By enrolling in the Services, you agree that neither I, nor anyone associated with the Services, shall be held liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages, or any other economic loss arising directly or indirectly from the Services.

Any content review provided does not replace professional editing. 

Payment in full will be received by Ann Kroeker in cleared funds no later than three (3) business days before date of commencement of the Services. Any scheduled Services will be postponed until funds clear and payment is made in full. In the case of payments made in installments, Services will be scheduled after each installment is received in cleared funds.

You understand that, by signing up for the Services, you are claiming one of the limited number of spaces. Any and all payments made in connection with the Services secure your space to the exclusion of another, and said payments are, therefore, considered non-refundable.

Should the situation so warrant, as in cases of unforeseen travel or illness, I, in my sole discretion, may refund a portion of the Services fee if cancelled calls cannot be rescheduled and the coaching package cannot be completed.  

Scheduling of the Services will be done through a digital system and is booked based on the mutual availability of the parties. At times, illness or travel may require a call to be cancelled or rescheduled. Rescheduled calls will not incur additional fees.

Confidentiality:

You understand and agree that the tools, materials, and information presented in the Services are my confidential, copyrighted, and the proprietary information, and that you will not record, duplicate, distribute, teach or train from the materials without my express written permission. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this Intellectual Property is prohibited and may result in further legal action.

Relationship to the Parties:

I am an independent contractor and nothing in these Terms will be construed as establishing an employment or agency relationship between us.

Agreeing to Terms and Conditions:

If you have read and agree to the terms and conditions, use the PayPal button that corresponds to the option you would like, to pay and secure your spot. Your purchase indicates you agree.

Ann is an expert coach and a warm soul. And I think she might be a tiny bit magic.

"If I were Cinderella, Ann Kroeker would be my fairy godmother. As an aspiring author with a burning message, I was overwhelmed by the intimidating task of writing a book proposal. Ann waved her cheerful wand of words and wisdom and walked me through the process step by step, offering practical insight and encouragement all along the way. With Ann's guidance, I completed my proposal and presented it with confidence. I cannot recommend her highly enough! Ann is an expert coach and a warm soul. And I think she might be a tiny bit magic."

OTHER WAYS TO WORK WITH ME

You can work with me and learn from me right away in several ways:

• MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY:  Need to reach more readers? Check out   Your Platform Matters , my beloved membership program devoted to helping writers establish and expand their platform to reach and retain their ideal readers. Loads of training, support, community interaction, and one-click access to me from the moment you're inside.
• FREE CHALLENGE:  Go from a vague idea— or ten ideas! —to a clear concept for your nonfiction book. I'll show you how in the FREE 3-day challenge:   Craft Your Book's Big Idea .
• FREE COURSE:  Improve your writing with Make Your Sentence Sing: 7 Sentence Openers to Add Music to Your Prose (free video course!)
• FREE WEBINAR:  Wondering about the steps you need to take to write your nonfiction book? Learn about the very first step—crafting a book proposal—and the essential role it plays in the industry (and in you, as a writer) with this free, on-demand webinar, Craft Your Best Book Proposal .
• Group Coaching (rolling enrollment; one year of access to group input and coaching calls with Ann)
• Premium Proposal Coaching with Ann (1:1 support; includes review of your complete proposal).
• PODCAST:  Enjoy  free writing advice on my podcast, "Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach" —subscribe on your favorite podcast player!

  © 2006-2024 Ann Kroeker All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy

Whether you’re working on a book-length project or want to improve your writing skills, a private writing coach can transform your writing journey. The best writing coaches have an excitement for language, expertise in the writing world, and compassion for your work as a budding writer.

That said, there are plenty of book writing coaches that aren’t worth your time and money. Additionally, every writer has their own needs, and it’s important to address those needs as you try to find a writing coach.

What does a writing coach do? Let’s answer this question and look at 9 things to know so you can find the best private writing coach for your work.

What Does a Writing Coach Do?

A private writing coach works to improve both your writing and your writing journey, and the best writing coaches wear many different hats to make this possible.

A private writing coach is more than just an editor. The best writing coaches also nurture your literary career, giving you books to read, communities to join, and advice on the publishing world at large.

First and foremost, a writing coach works as an editor for your writing. They will give you different types of feedback, including global feedback and in-line feedback . “Global feedback” is commentary on the work as a whole: is it convincing, well-written, compelling, unique, and enjoyable? “In-line feedback,” by contrast, is feedback line-by-line, looking at the specifics of grammar, word choice, structure, and style.

At the same time, a private writing coach is more than just an editor. The best writing coaches also nurture your literary career, giving you books to read, communities to join, and advice on the publishing world at large.

Finally, your book writing coach is also your friend. Writing can be a solitary journey, unearthing powerful emotions and personal struggles. A great writing coach will be there for you through whatever writing challenges you face, guiding you through the toughest parts of becoming a writer .

9 Tips for Finding the Right Private Writing Coach

Now that we’ve answered the question “what does a writing coach do?”, here are 9 tips for finding the right coach that will transform your writing journey.

1. Know Where to Find a Writing Coach

Knowing where to find a writing coach is essential. You want to know that your coach is a well-respected member of their literary community and that they have the professional credentials to give you expert coaching.

Do some research on professional associations for your specific writing genre, and you may find coaching and mentorship opportunities.

So, where can you find a writing coach? For starters, you may be interested in coaching at Writers.com. Our instructors have the experience, degrees, and qualities that make for the best writing coaches, and they’re excited about offering their expertise to fuel your writing journey. If you’re interested in one-to-one coaching with us, or you want to learn more about an instructor and their writing coach rates, send us an email !

That said, there are plenty of other professional organizations and websites dedicated to connecting writers with coaches. Here are a handful of websites you can peruse to find a writing coach:

• writers.com
• Gotham Writers
• Author Accelerator
• New York Writing Room
• National Association of Memoir Writers

Additionally, do some research on professional associations for your specific writing genre, and you may find coaching and mentorship opportunities. You can also search for coaches using sites like Facebook, Craigslist, and Meetup, though always be cautious about the people you meet from those sites, and do careful research about the potential coaches you meet from there. Check if they have a personal website, and make sure they have the below qualifications.

2. Research the Writing Coach’s Credentials and Experience

Who is your potential writing coach? What degrees did they earn, what books have they published, and what prior teaching experience do they have? For your private writing coach to help you, it’s best that they have the credentials and experience to back up their teaching.

Having a terminal degree ensures that your coach knows how to properly teach creative writing.

Generally, it’s best if your coach has a terminal degree in English or Creative Writing. This means they have an M.A., M.F.A., Ph.D., or some other post-baccalaureate diploma.

Now, not all coaches need terminal degrees, and some of the best writing coaches have published bestselling books without ever studying English! That said, most Masters and Doctorate programs require their students to take courses on teaching English, so having a terminal degree ensures that your coach knows how to properly teach creative writing.

Additionally, your coach should definitely have a strong publication history. Naturally, a book writing coach will have published books themselves, but it also helps if they’ve published work in literary journals or magazines. You, too, might try to publish in those same journals!

3. Know Your Budget and the Writing Coach Rates

Writing coach rates are rarely lower than $50/hr.

A private writing coach can cost a lot of money, but that shouldn’t surprise you. If you take a look at any other industry, you’ll find that private advisors and personal coaches always charge high hourly rates—after all, they provide high-level expertise in a field they’ve been studying for years.

If you’re considering a book writing coach, be sure to budget accordingly. Writing coach rates vary, but most coaches won’t charge an hourly rate that’s below $50. If an author has a lot of publications and high-level credentials, their writing coach rates might scale as high as $200 an hour or more.

At Writers.com, our writing coach rates vary between $55 and $240, depending on the instructor and the type of work the student looks for.

With enough research, you are sure to find a coach that fits within your budget, just be aware how much you’re willing to spend, and how much work you want your coach to do for you each week.

4. Look For Examples of the Writing Coach’s Work

Before you agree to work with a private writing coach, spend some time researching their writing and getting to know their work. You want to know that this potential coach is the right match for your work, and reading their own writing will help you gauge if they’re a good fit.

To put it simply: if you vibe with their work, you’ll likely vibe with their coaching.

Some things to ask yourself as you read the work of a potential coach:

• Do they write in a similar genre as me?
• Do they write about similar topics as me?
• Does their writing demonstrate techniques like storytelling or literary devices ?
• Do I like their writing style?
• Does their work interest and inspire me? Does it compel me to read more?

You can learn a lot about an author simply by paying attention to the work they write, the words they use, and the overall style of their writing. To put it simply: if you vibe with their work, you’ll likely vibe with their coaching.

5. Work With a Writing Coach Experienced in Your Genre

You wouldn’t train for a soccer match with a football coach, and you shouldn’t write your memoir alongside a novel writing coach, either. It’s essential that you work with a coach who has extensive experience in the genre of your own work.

It’s essential that you work with a coach who has extensive experience in the genre of your own work.

You might see a private writing coach say that they work with authors of all genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and even copywriting or journalism. While they can likely help in any genre, they won’t be the best fit for you if they haven’t written extensively in your genre.

Every genre has its own conventions, rules, archetypes, and dos and don’ts. Just look at the wide diversity between literary fiction and genre fiction , and how there’s so much difference between two types of genre fiction as well.

If you write fantasy, a sci-fi coach might not be the best fit. If you need a nonfiction writing coach, you shouldn’t work with someone who hasn’t even published an essay. Make sure you know the publication history of your coach before you commit to working with them.

6. Know the Help You’re Looking For

Having a sense of direction and purpose will help guide your relationship with your coach.

To make the most of your relationship with a private writing coach, think about the goals you want to accomplish with them. Having a sense of direction and purpose will help guide your relationship with your coach.

What are some things you can seek help with? It depends on what form of literature you’re writing, but consider the following topics as starting points:

• Making your writing compelling and engaging.
• Honing your style as a poet or storyteller.
• Developing convincing characters, plots, or settings.
• Perfecting the structure of your story or poem.
• Expanding your vocabulary and word choice.
• Practicing different literary devices.
• Finding the right literary journals, book publishers, or agents.
• Refining your query letter or book pitch.

Of course, you might not know what exactly you need help with, you just know you want to write and get better at it. That’s okay too! The best writing coaches will be flexible to your needs, working with you to figure out the best trajectory for your work.

As a writer, you are your own best advocate for your writing. Any work you do considering the help you need as a writer will be time well spent.

7. Make Sure Your Schedules are Compatible

How often do you want to meet with your coach? Do you want a Zoom or phone call with them once a week or two? When are you available for meetings? These are questions you should think about and address with your coach before you get to work.

Have a clear sense of your schedule and your needs, and make sure those needs will be met when you first consult with a potential coach.

The best writing coaches will have flexible schedules, though of course, nobody’s calendar is easy to work with. What matters is that your coach makes the time to work with your calendar and is flexible with your scheduling needs.

For example, if you know you need a lot of accountability and encouragement, your private writing coach should be available to meet more frequently and help keep you inspired. Or, if you have a contest you want to submit your writing to and the deadline is fast approaching, you want to know your coach can give you generous feedback with enough time to edit your work.

Bottom line: have a clear sense of your schedule and your needs, and make sure those needs will be met when you first consult with a potential coach.

8. Don’t Just Seek Professional Help

The best writing coaches are more than just professional editors—they’re also your advisor, your guide through the literary world, and your friend.

In other words, don’t just seek a private writing coach who publishes good books. You also want your coach to inspire and motivate you, as well as teach you about the publishing industry and the writing world at large.

If you were to hire a personal trainer, you wouldn’t choose one based on who has the largest biceps or the most athletic awards. Those things are valuable, but you want someone who will motivate you to go to the gym, understand your body’s needs, and work with you to achieve your desired fitness.

A book writing coach is the same way. It doesn’t matter how big their literary biceps are or how many awards they’ve received, it matters that they care about your needs and are actively invested in your growth.

When you first start meeting with a potential coach, gauge how well the two of you will get along. You’re not just seeking professional help, you’re fostering a relationship, so foster one that works for you!

9. Remember: The Best Writing Coaches Meet You Halfway

Your writing coach will offer you books to read, advice to inspire, edits to make, and journals to publish in, but it’s your job to actually improve as a writer.

Lastly, remember that the best writing coaches will meet you in the middle. They’ll offer you books to read, advice to inspire, edits to make, and journals to publish in, but it’s your job to actually improve as a writer.

Your private writing coach will do a lot of work to help you grow as a writer. In addition to giving thoughtful and constructive feedback on your work, your coach might also find great journals to submit your work to, recommend helpful books and authors, and perhaps even connect you with other writers in your community.

That said, you can’t just receive this help and not do anything with it. Don’t just passively absorb the coach’s instruction or input: read the books they recommend, follow their advice, consider all of their edits, and submit to the journals they send you. Be prepared for all of these opportunities—a successful literary career requires a lot of work!

Qualities of the Best Writing Coaches

Every writer will have different needs that they want their private writing coach to meet. But regardless of experience, degrees, or writing genre, the best writing coaches share these same qualities:

• Accommodating: Our day-to-day lives are busy, and it’s rarely easy to develop a consistent writing habit with all our daily responsibilities. While you should try to be as committed to your writing as you can, sometimes you’ll need to reschedule meetings or push back on due dates. Your coach should be understanding of this, while also pushing you back on the right writing track.
• Communicative: A good private writing coach will be easy to talk to. You should feel comfortable talking about your work with them, and they should make it easy for you to ask questions and seek the help you need.
• Empathetic: Your coach should work to understand your needs, your writing, and your experiences. The best teachers understand exactly where their students are coming from.
• Encouraging: As you explore the possibilities of creative writing, new doorways will open. You might discover a new form you want to try or a writing technique you haven’t heard of before—your coach should encourage you to explore those doorways, as all creative work will help you grow as a writer.
• Invested: The best writing coaches are interested in your work and invested in your success. When you do well, the writing community at large should celebrate!

Find a Writing Coach at Writers.com!

Are you looking for a private writing coach to edit your work, teach you new skills, and help you get published? The instructors at Writers.com can help! Learn more about coaching with us here , and let’s set up your first session with your new writing coach.

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Want to write but not doing it?

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Included with Coaching+, Kickstart your Novel is also available as a once-off, standalone course. It's a six week intensive coached course to create and review your first three chapters. Make a strong start to your story with workbooks, videos and professional writing help with the option to continue with your same book coach when you find the right fit.

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Our experienced coaches are passionate writers and editors and have experience as indie and traditionally published authors, evaluating manuscripts for publishers, as rigorous fiction editors, writing organization founders, feature writers and journalists.

Get practical help on solving your writing challenges backed by diverse book industry experience.

• Author of seven novels published by HarperCollins London, as well as seven self-published titles
• Founder of ROSA (Romance writers Organisation of South Africa)
• First South African to be nominated for the prestigious RWA Rita® Award

• Mondi Award-winning writer and editor
• Experienced features writer
• Author of fictionalized memoir, The Trouble with My Aunt
• Special interest in creative memoir and life-writing

• Editor and multi-published author
• Editor of the Bloody Parchment anthologies
• Author of award-winning YA novel Sing Down the Stars
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• Poet, author, essayist, journalist and editor
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• Debut collection of short stories, The Thin Line
• Editor of three collections of prose and short stories
• Holds an MA in Creative Writing

Need more editing or extra feedback on your work?

HERE'S WHAT WRITERS LOVED ABOUT WORKING WITH A NOW NOVEL COACH:

Companionable.

I have been surprised and delighted by my experience with Now Novel. The platform tools have provided a highly effective way to map out the structure of my novel while my experienced, inspiring coach Hedi has provided feedback and strategies that have reminded me that writing is fun and that my stories are worth telling.

ACCOUNTABLE

I am so glad I signed up for the Now Novel Group Coaching program. The group offers accountability, support from other writers, informative webinars, and knowledgeable coaches. I would highly recommend Now Novel to any writer.

I've been reading the Now Novel blogs for several years, and I find them to be well-written and extremely helpful. More recently, as part of a Group Coaching Program, I've been attending their writing webinars and writing sprints. I love Romy! She is a wonderful writing coach. I decided to become a lifetime member because I value the wealth of knowledge they share.

I got exactly what I wanted from Now Novel's Coaching+ program, which was a mentorship with a traditionally published romance author. Romy Sommer was both critical and supportive. She made excellent suggestions to my outline, and also helped me realize -why- I'd made some of my choices, which has helped me execute them more intentionally. She was exactly the resource I needed, and I can't recommend her highly enough.

WATCH INTERVIEWS WITH OUR COACHES

Who is Now Novel? In this series, meet the writing coaches and team at the heart of Now Novel, a writing community where authors meet, connect, and finish writing, together.

Romance author Romy Sommer

Romy shares what makes helping other writers fulfilling, how she came to found ROSA (the Romance Writers Organisation of South Africa), top challenges for new writers and more.

Author and journalist Hedi Lampert

Hedi shares what makes helping other writers rewarding and fun, the unique challenges of writing stories based on true events, and tips for writers starting out.

Frequently asked questions

» We send you a brief questionnaire to understand your genre interests, writing background and experience, personal interests and hobbies and other relevant information. We also request a writing sample to further help us find a good fit. From here, we choose a coach who aligns best in terms of writing feedback style and their areas of writing and coaching experience.

» You'll be introduced to your coach to whom you'll submit assignments as soon as possible. The process usually takes from five to seven working days (Mon-Fri). But don't worry - we add time onto the end of your subscription to make up for any time lost while we work out your match.

» As with any one-on-one mentorship, we understand a good fit is not always guaranteed. If you find within the first thirty days of coaching that it isn’t working, get in touch with support to find try another coach. You are also protected by our 30-day refund guarantee.

» In a word, time. Writing coaches give detailed feedback, answer questions via email, and the volume of feedback each coached member receives is good value for the price (feedback on 4000 words alone has a $96 value alone at average editing rates).

In addition to feedback from a coach, premium perks include weekly feedback from a Now Novel editor, writing webinars, your story outlining tools, and running costs associated with maintaining an advertising-free community for writers. Now Novel is entirely member-supported - we do not host third-party adverts, affiliate content, or sell your data.

» At Now Novel you retain all copyright of any work shared, either with a writing coach or in our private critique community (read further details in our terms of service ). We take confidentiality seriously, and each coach agrees to coaching guidelines that include handling mentees’ work with confidentiality and respect.

if you have any concerns at any time please do not hesitate to contact support .

» If you need feedback on more than is allowed for in your subscription (4,000 words per month), then you can purchase extra editing with your coach or another editor at any stage. Please fill in an editing quote request (or talk to your coach).

An online novel writing course that's tailor-made to get you to actually write that book you've been thinking about.

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Get more information about coaching on our blog:

A fiction writing coach has one purpose: Helping you fulfil your writing goals. Collaborating with a novel writing coach creates accountability; motivation. Writing coaches check in, ask probing questions, offer informed writing advice. When you work with a writing coach online , you don't have to ask, 'Is there a writing coach near me ?' A professional author/editor who'll help you write your best book is there to help, wherever you are.

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How to Find the Writing Coach You Need

by Jeff Elkins | 2 comments

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Do you have a great idea for a book but you're not sure what to do with it? Have you ever started writing a book and never finished, or finished it but didn't know what to do next?

If yes, you might feel frustrated. You also might greatly benefit from hiring a writing coach.

But what is a writing—or book—coach? Do you need to hire someone to finish a book, or can you do it on your own for free?

Whether or not you're interested in self-publishing a book or pursuing the traditional publishing path, a writing coach will make you a better writer in every step of your writing journey.

Learn why a writing coach might benefit your first book, or hundredth, and how to find the writing coach you need.

I Knew I Wanted a Writing Coach for My Writing

In high school, I was part of an amazing football team. We won most of our games and routinely went to the State Championship. But it wasn't just the players that made the team great—it was also the coaches.

They knew how to help us see the field, run the plays that would thwart the opponent's defense, and bring out the best in each player. Their expert guidance carried us to our goal. 

Writing coaches can have just as great an impact on our writing.

They can take good writing and help you make it great, maybe even push you on to becoming a bestselling author!

But what kind of writing coaching actually helps writers?

An incredible coach doesn't just tell you what to do and how to do it. They help you as you learn, answering questions and showing you how to improve your performance.

Great writing coaches know how to push you out of your writer's block, and they help you overcome the emotional hurdles holding you back. These hurdles will come, and when they do, you might need a personal trainer to help you get out of your own way.

When I started writing, one of the first things I began looking for were coaches who could help me along the way.

Finding the right writing coaches can make all the difference in our work.

As I was working on my first book, I started emailing authors and publishers I thought would make great writing coaches. Their responses weren't always what I hoped they would be. I might have believed each one to be a strong potential coach for me, but they often weren't interested in teaching others how to accomplish what they'd done. 

Regardless, I learned a lot about the publishing industry by reaching out to them.

Through this painful trial and error, I learned a few things about the process of writing the hard way.

Realities that, without my writing coach, may have forever prevented me from finishing my writing project.

What Is a Writing Coach (and What are They Not)?

A writing coach works with writers in various ways, from helping writers understand why they can't finish their first draft to pushing them beyond procrastination.

When it comes down to it, a writing coach works with writers with one goal in mind: help that writer draft the best book they can.

A writing coach is not an editor. You might hire one who can give you constructive feedback about your structure, your book plan, or some other part of the process, but ultimately, your coach isn't responsible for proofreading your book (You likely need a freelance editor for that!). Also, a book writing coach won't write a book for you. (If you want someone to write it for you, great! Hire a ghostwriter.)

This means that you shouldn't expect a writing coach to make the sentences on each page sound like a book off the New York Times best-seller list.

A writing coach will teach you how to set and accomplish your writing goals. 

Some specific ways a book coach will help you include:

• Identifying your writing fears and developing skills to overcome them
• Recognizing and understanding your emotional hurdles
• Teaching strategies that help you make the most of your writing time
• Pointing out when you need to dig deep while writing your rough drafts
• Discussing any emotional hurdles preventing you from making the most of your plot

Your writing coach will follow up with you as you take your story from your first page to querying agents or publishing. They'll teach you how to understand and recognize your writing process quirks, inconveniences, and strengths.

Some of the other specific areas a professional writing coach might help you include:

• Understanding where your structure isn't working (a developmental editor can help with this too!)
• How to tackle a large book project from start to finish with support for the entire process
• Explaining what the publishing process looks like and what options might work best for your book
• How you can brush up specific writing skills to improve your prose

And while they won't edit your story, they will coach you through the rough spots that might stop you from finishing it. That's why you need to respect the coach.

Respect the Coach

First, before you reach out to someone, study what they have already put into the world. They may already be a professional writer, have a solid writing career, or have other personal experience that will help you with the challenges you are facing. 

Good coaches are already coaching in some capacity.

They've likely written articles, blogs, or books about writing. They've probably been on podcasts. They may even have courses available online.

They usually will have testimonials that speak to their coaching style and strengths.

It's possible that through all of this, they've already answered your initial questions before you reach out to them.

One of the most embarrassing moments I've had as a writer was when I emailed a writer I respected without doing any research first. I asked a question I was struggling with, thinking this coach would have the perfect answer.

The coach responded with a link to a book he had written. No other words. No explanation. Just the link. I read the book, and the coach was right, it was perfect.

Unfortunately, I'd set out on the wrong foot with that coach by not doing my homework before I made contact. I'd wasted the most important thing the coach could give me, his time.

Before you reach out to a writing coach, make sure that coach hasn't already answered your question somewhere else.

This will show the coach that you respect them and value any time you give them.

And it might be the reason why you'll make a good pair for the long run.

Look for Responsive Coaches

People are busy, especially in the author community, and especially if the person you are reaching out to is already a great coach.

If a coach doesn't have time to invest in you personally, that doesn't mean they don't like you.

It doesn't mean you aren't a good writer, either. It doesn't mean they are rejecting you personally.

It just means they are busy.

At the same time, the best coaches give their players personal attention. One way to tell if a coach is going to be a good fit for you is to see how responsive they are when you reach out.

As a first-time author, my first writing coach was Joe Bunting from The Write Practice. After reading a massive amount of the many, many  articles he'd written about publishing, I emailed him with a few questions.

Unlike other coaches I'd reached out to, Joe emailed me back.

It seems simple, doesn't it? A book coach I was interested in working with reached back? That was one of the ways I knew he was going to be a great coach for me.

After a quick back and forth, I signed up for one of his courses and began my publishing journey.

You Need More Than One Coach

In high school football, I played Defensive End. For this position, I had a Defensive Line coach who worked on the skills for my particular position, a Conditioning Coach who helped me stay in shape, and a Defensive Coordinator who taught me how my position was part of the larger defensive strategy.

Different coaches can teach you different skills.

As a writer, you also will need more than one writing coach.

Maybe you need a coach to teach you the basics of plotting a novel. Maybe you need a coach who can focus on helping you understand the specific genre you are writing. Maybe you need a coach who can help you understand indie publishing or how to find an agent.

Different coaches will train you in different skills, so look for more than one.

Writers need different editors at different stages of their writing process, and the same goes for writing coaches at different stages of their writing and publishing processes.

All of these writing coaches should push and support you—and in more ways than a phone call.

How I Found a Coach That Challenged Me

Recently, I was looking for a coach to help me understand how to better promote and sell my books. I needed a publishing coach.

I knew I wanted someone who had been in the industry for a long time and who knew how to work on a budget. I had heard Mark Leslie Lefebvre on podcasts before, but when I heard him speak on the Creative Penn podcast, the coaching he was giving lined up with the questions I had.

After listening to the podcast, I went and got Mark's two most recent books: The 7 P's of Publishing Success and Killing It on Kobo . Both books were simple and engaging reads packed full of wisdom.

Mark has been publishing since 1992. He has published (traditionally and as an indie) more than twelve books and countless short stories. He was the driving force behind the creation of Kobo Writing Life and currently works with the Draft to Digital time.

This experience and steady hand oozed from the pages of his books.

I went on to listen to the podcasts Mark had produced. As I did, I looked at his work online. There were things he was doing that gave me pause.

For example, Mark didn't seem stressed about getting reviews.

Since I've struggled to get reviews, this raised questions for me. I also noticed from his website that Mark does a lot of selling at conferences, a strategy I had never tried that I was curious about.

After reviewing all of Mark's work, I had a few questions left for him, questions about how I could improve my practice.

I went to his website to see if he would be open to talking with me and discovered that he had a mode for booking time with him.

I scheduled an appointment and Mark got back to me right away.

The coaching conversation I had with him confirmed my suspicions: Mark is an amazing writing coach. I spent forty-five minutes with him and learned enough about how I can refine my work to keep me busy for the next three months.

Mark worked for me .

Still, writers need different coaches with different styles.

Which is why it's crucial that writers do their research and learn first-hand what an inquired coach offers before hiring them.

5 Questions to Ask When Researching Writing Coaches

Before hiring a writing coach, I would encourage you to ask for a consultation call to talk about their style and coaching process. I'd encourage you to ask them about their preferences, styles, and strategies with at least these five questions:

1. What kind of writers do you like to coach?

Different coaching strategies and styles work better with certain types of writers.

Is this your first book, or even your first draft? Maybe you'd be better with a writing coach who specializes with new writers.

Are you someone with a particularly thick skin? Do you want a coach who gives it to you straight, and knows when to put pressure on you at the right times?

You should talk to writing coaches about their style of coaching before hiring them. You don't want to hire a writing coach and then learn that your personalities and styles are harmful instead of empowering.

And while you might end up friends, you should consider your coaching and writing relationship like a business. This mindset could shift your attitude while writing and receiving the mentorship and guidance you need along the way.

2. What kind of books do you like to coach?

Editors like certain genres. Literary agents have manuscript wish lists. And writing coaches have favorite book types, too.

Although writing coaches won't edit your books, it's probably a good idea to find a writing coach who actually likes the type of book you're writing.

For instance, if you're working with a writing coach who specializes in creative writing but you're a nonfiction writer, there might be a better match out there for you.

I'd argue having a shared style of coaching is more important than a shared taste in stories, so it isn't necessarily true that if a coach isn't an expert in your genre, they won't be a good fit. But it doesn't hurt to have a writing coach who loves the kind of stories you do, too.

Shared passions make for stronger relationships. It's also likely that a writing coach who loves your genre can probably coach you better while finishing your manuscript.

3. How will we meet for our sessions?

Especially following the pandemic, more and more writers understand the value of face-to-face conversations with their peers, editors, teachers, and book coaches.

Looking into someone's eyes as you share your writing struggles and worries makes a difference.

It just does.

Maybe video calls aren't important to you, but for many people, the best book comes out of personal conversations that supported them as they wrote.

Video calls on Zoom can push you a lot further than audio alone—and especially more than conversations shared via email alone.

4. Do you offer developmental editing and coaching, or coaching only?

Not all writers are developmental editors, but there are plenty of developmental editors that are also trained in book coaching. They tend to bring these combined skills into their sessions!

If you're a writer looking for an editor who is also  a book coach, your best bet is to search for a developmental editor who coaches and edits since developmental editors help writers with their macro—or big—storylines, instead of micro details like copy edits and line-editing.

Big ideas come from bigger conversations, so if it's important to you that your coach also  edits, make sure you ask them this question.

More importantly, make sure you ask them how they apply and differentiate  their coaching and developmental editing mentorship into their conversations with you.

5. What are some of your worst and best experiences coaching writers?

It never hurts to hear about a writing coach's best and worst days. Not only will this question give you insight into how a writing coach works, but it will also help you envision what it would be like to work with them.

Your writing is important. Your book will one day be shared with the world.

If you're going to hire a writing coach to help you reach your writing goals, make sure you're both on the same page.

Now go confidently to your blank pages.

We All Need Coaches

The best athletes don't pop from the head of Zeus fully formed. They have amazing coaches along the way that help them refine their practice.

As an author, you need great writing coaches too, and you are writing at the perfect time. Never before have you had so much access to great coaches.

If you read this blog and haven't yet found your writing coach, I'd recommend starting with Joe Bunting as a coach. Sign up for one of his courses .

Here at The Write Practice, we've spent the last year training and certifying writing coaches across genres to help you meet your writing goals. Check out all our coaches here and see which one might be the best fit for your project! 

Have you found any writing coaches?   Tell us in the comments about coaches whose work you have followed.

Today, write a scene in which a character encounters a mentor who can help them achieve their goal.

What's the character's goal? What skill or wisdom do they need to achieve it? Who will mentor them, and how will the mentor respond to them?

Write about your character and their mentor for fifteen minutes . When you're done, share your writing in the Pro Practice Workshop , and be sure to leave feedback for your fellow writers!

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Jeff Elkins

Jeff Elkins is a writer who lives Baltimore with his wife and five kids. If you enjoy his writing, he'd be honored if you would subscribe to his free monthly newsletter . All subscribers receive a free copy of Jeff's urban fantasy novella "The Window Washing Boy."

Hello, I ran across your page and I just want to know how do I hire you as a writing coach?

Hello, Ciara!

You can learn more about our community and courses here – https://thewritepractice.com/join/ .

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Writing Coach: What Are They, Rates, and Tips on Hiring One

Hannah Yang

If you’re hoping to take your writing to the next level, it might be time to look for a writing coach.

So, what exactly is a writing coach, and how do you hire one?

The short answer is that a writing coach is a professional who can give you feedback and guidance to help you along your writing journey.

Read on to learn more about how much it costs to hire a writing coach and how one can help you improve your writing.

What Is a Writing Coach?

Benefits of hiring a book coach, cost of hiring a writing coach, top 5 tips on finding the best writing coach for you, writing coach vs writing tool, why prowritingaid is a great ai writing coach.

A writing coach is a professional who helps people improve their writing skills and reach their writing goals.

Writing coaches can work with writers at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and idea generation to editing and publishing.

You can hire a writing coach for any large writing project, whether it’s a novel, a nonfiction book, or something else. If you don’t need help with a single specific project, you can also ask a coach to help you achieve your writing career goals in a broader sense.

What Does a Writing Coach Do?

Writing coaches use a variety of different techniques to help writers improve their skills. Some common techniques include:

• Offering guidance on early aspects of the writing process, such as brainstorming and idea generation, research, and outlining
• Providing feedback and big-picture critiques about a written work, such as its content, structure, and overall effectiveness
• Editing and proofreading a piece of writing to make sure it has no grammar and spelling mistakes
• Teaching writing techniques and strategies, such as how to craft a compelling narrative or how to write for a specific audience
• Helping you develop a personalized writing plan that includes specific goals, strategies, and timelines for achieving those goals
• Helping you identify your fears so you can face them and overcome them
• Offering support and motivation to encourage writers to continue their writing journeys

Many people confuse writing coaches with editors, ghostwriters, or agents, but these are all different jobs.

Editors provide big-picture critiques of your work, or line-by-line feedback on your writing. A writing coach often provides feedback, but that’s not their only role.

Ghostwriters write the actual words for you based on your ideas or outlines. A writing coach doesn’t do the writing for you—that part’s your job!

Finally, agents represent your work to publishers and other publishing industry professionals in exchange for a commission on your earnings. A writing coach won’t represent you or negotiate with publishers for you.

A writing coach’s job can overlap with the jobs provided by editors, ghostwriters, and agents, but they all serve different roles. The primary focus of a writing coach is to work collaboratively with you on the process of writing your project and achieving your writing goals.

If you’ve ever been stuck on a book project, you probably know how hard it is to get yourself unstuck.

There are so many reasons why writers get stuck. Here are a few common ones:

• You haven’t figured out the right writing process for you
• You’ve lost the spark that inspired the story
• You’ve written yourself into a hole and don’t know what to write next
• You’ve finished a draft, but you know it needs a lot of improvement
• You don’t have support from others around you

Regardless of the reason you’re stuck, it often takes help from someone else to get writing again.

A book writing coach can provide that help. They can offer the emotional support and encouragement you need to keep going, but on a more technical level, they also have the literary know-how to help you improve your book.

Because they’ve worked with many writers before, book writing coaches can help you diagnose the weaknesses in your writing process and see things from a broader perspective.

Writing coaches are a valuable resource for any writer who hopes to take their writing to the next level. A great writing coach can’t write your book for you, but they can certainly make the entire process easier.

Do Writing Coaches Specialize in Genres Such As Fiction?

Not all writing coaches are the same. Many specialize in specific genres and specific types of coaching.

Here are some examples of broad genres that writing coaches might specialize in:

• Fiction genres (e.g., literary fiction, fantasy, or romance)
• Nonfiction genres (e.g., history, biography, or self-help)
• Screenwriting
• PhD dissertations
• Grant applications
• Workplace communications

Also, different writing coaches come from different backgrounds that might influence their coaching styles.

For example, if you choose a writing coach with an editorial background, they might be more skilled at critiquing your work and offering you specific feedback on your prose. They might assign you exercises to help improve your writing craft.

On the other hand, if you choose a writing coach who’s also a successful author, they might have firsthand career experience to share that can help you achieve similar success.

Alternatively, you could choose a writing coach who has training as a life coach. In that case, they might be better at helping you face your fears and solve problems that are preventing your writing success.

Writing coaches have built up years of writing skills and career expertise, so their time is valuable.

Different writing coaches charge different rates. Their hourly rate depends on their level of coaching experience, their specific writing credentials, and other similar factors.

At the lower end of the scale, you should expect to pay at least $50 per hour for a private writing coach.

If you’re hiring a coach with a proven track record of coaching success and top-tier writing credentials, such as New York Times bestseller status, they might charge over $200 an hour.

You can also look for a writing coach who’s willing to work with a group of writers, which usually costs less than a private coach. The downside is that the guidance you receive will be less personalized to you and your own writing journey.

So, where do you start if you’re looking for a writing coach?

Tip 1: Figure Out What Type of Help You Need

Before you start looking for a writing coach, you need to know what you want.

Do you want help improving your writing style? Help building a sustainable writing schedule? Help revising a first draft of an existing project?

Not all writing coaches provide the same services. Knowing why you need a writing coach can help you narrow down your parameters.

Tip 2: Research Options From Multiple Sources

There are lots of ways to find a writing coach.

One great way is by joining a writing community, such as an online writing workshop or a local writers group. You can ask other members of the community if they’ve worked with writing coaches before, which can help you gain insight into what different coaching styles are like.

Another way is by looking up your favorite professional writer, blogger, or editor to see if they offer coaching services. There’s a chance you can work with someone you already admire.

Finally, you can read through online resources to look for coaches. Many writing blogs and articles offer coaching recommendations.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Coaching Style for You

You have to establish a lot of trust to successfully work with a writing coach. In order to get the best results, you’ll need to be able to show your coach work you’re not proud of, admit your weaknesses, and confess your fears.

It will be hard to establish that level of trust if your coach’s style isn’t compatible with your personality.

For example, maybe you need someone who will tell you the harsh truth, even if it hurts to hear, because that fuels your writing. Or maybe you need someone who cushions their critiques with praise because you need to feel good about your writing to stay motivated.

If you know what kind of style you’re looking for, you’ll be able to pick a coach who’s a good fit for you.

Tip 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

When you’ve found a potential writing coach, don’t jump right into signing a contract with them. Start by asking them different questions about their coaching style and what you can expect if you work together.

Ask about their availability to make sure their schedule is compatible with yours. Ask about their preferred communication channels, such as phone calls, Zoom meetings, or email.

You can also ask if you can watch how they coach another author or if you can speak to one of the authors they’ve worked with. Some coaches will say no to respect their clients’ privacy, but others will say yes if the client gives their permission.

The more questions you ask, the more you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Tip 5: Utilize Multiple Resources

Even after you’ve hired a good writing coach, the journey isn’t over—far from it. There are many more resources and tools you can use, even with a coach helping you.

Many writers hire multiple people to help them work on their project. A writing coach can be a great complement to other writing professionals, such as ghostwriters and editors.

If you choose to hire multiple professionals, it’s important to clearly establish what you’re hoping each person will help you with.

You can also use editing software and AI-powered writing tools in conjunction with your coach’s advice. Feedback from multiple sources will ensure you give your writing a strong chance of success.

Many writers wonder whether to invest in a writing coach or a writing tool. The answer comes down to what you’re looking for.

Both human coaches and digital tools can provide useful practical advice but in different ways.

There are some services only a human coach can provide, such as life experience, a genuine connection, and an empathetic perspective. If you want someone you can talk to about your writing problems, a writing tool might not be the best choice for you.

But there are many ways in which an AI-powered tool can serve as a fantastic writing coach as well.

For example, if your primary goal is to get feedback on your writing, a writing software can give you great personalized suggestions. Or, if you want to learn more about ways to improve your writing skills, an online tool can give you a treasure trove of resources.

Another important factor to consider is price. Most private writing coaches charge at least $50 an hour, which is a prohibitive cost to many aspiring writers. Most writing tools, on the other hand, can provide an entire month of personalized guidance for less money than an hour with a private coach.

If there’s room in your budget, you can always hire a human writing coach and use an AI tool at the same time. That way, you can reap the benefits of both options.

If you’re looking for an AI writing coach, ProWritingAid is a great option.

ProWritingAid is an editing software that will check your work for grammar and spelling mistakes, as well as suggest ways to improve the style and readability of your writing.

You can also access a wealth of educational materials through ProWritingAid, including in-app explanations, video lessons, and interviews with famous writers. With these resources, you can develop your innate writing abilities while using the tool.

Finally, ProWritingAid includes a community of other writers who are all hoping to improve their skills as well. Joining the community can be a great resource for improving your writing trajectory by learning from one another.

Good luck, and happy writing!

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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Book Writing Coach Lisa Tener will show you  how to write a book , create a compelling  book proposal  to get published—or self publish. Discover how her award winning book writing courses, editing services and expert advice can bring your book to life®. Experience a new world of possibilities as a published author.  Contact Lisa   now to explore working together.

Book Deal with New World Library

Featured on oprah.com.

“Finding Lisa Tener was the gift that kept on giving. Lisa patiently supported me in structuring my book... Read more

6-Figure Contract with Scribner

Featured in atlantic monthly, shape, parade.

“Meeting Lisa Tener at Harvard Medical School’s publishing course changed my life. I was struck by Lisa’s… Read more

Published with Random House

Featured in ny times magazine; on fresh air.

“Lisa helped me fine-tune my book proposal and cultivate my style and voice as a writer. She… Read more

Why a Book Writing Coach?

A book writing coach is different from a writing coach or editor. A writing coach focuses on all kinds of writing, as well as writing habits to help you be productive. An editor provides feedback and guidance on your writing. A book writing coach, like Lisa Tener can guide and help you to:

• Write an exceptional nonfiction book (especially self-help, how-to, business & health).
• Break through writing blocks.
• Access your creativity to write powerfully.
• Develop the habits of a productive writer who starts and finishes their work.
• Write a book proposal to attract a publisher.
• Edit your book proposal and, when appropriate, Lisa can contact agents or publishers on your behalf.
• Decide among several publishers or agents should you get multiple offers.
• Grow your author platform to meet publishers' and agents' requirements.

Lisa also provides referrals to excellent book writing coaches, editors, ghostwriters and publishing experts in many genres, including business, self-help, how-to, fiction/novels, cookbooks, memoirs and more.

Book Writing & Publishing Blog

7 Ways to Tap Your Subconscious for Inspiration

Some of my most potent writing comes from my dreams and other experiences related to the subconscious. Is this true for your writing? So, how do we tap…   Read more

Tips for Recording Video and Audio

For the past three weeks, I’ve been swept up in a whirlwind of activity and teamwork creating all the special interactive tools and accompanying video and audio for…   Read more

Surprising Lessons on the Book Writing Path

I’m working with a client who is writing an extraordinary book about one of the momentous environmental victories of the last century. In the middle of working on…   Read more

Congrats to Rhonda Spencer-Hwang, Bring Your Book to Life ® Program graduate, on winning the Nautilus Book Award and Mom's Choice Award for Raising Resilient Kids (published by Tnydale, 2021)

Some Publishers of Client Books

Tap Your Creativity

Her Muse Gave Her a Stethoscope

The other morning, I led a doctor through my Meet Your Muse exercise to help…   Read more

7 Insights Gleaned in Therapy (and how they relate to writing)

One morning a few weeks ago, I worked with my therapist on a dream which…   Read more

Rekindle Your Writing Dreams

Perhaps you dream of writing a book. Or starting a blog. Or reading your poetry…   Read more

Book Writing Coach Lisa Tener will help you turn your vision into clear, achievable goals. Your writing coach can help you refine your book concept, edit your book or book proposal, write a convincing book proposal, get past any writer's block, and successfully publish and sell your book.

Book Proposals

You need a compelling book proposal to interest agents and publishers to publish a how-to book and/or nonfiction book—your book. Get book proposal expert Lisa Tener's help to write a winning book proposal. She can help with all aspects of your book proposal.

Book Writing Courses

Book writing courses can help you with writing a book and finding time to write your book. Our book writing courses help you develop your book concept, features, voice and help you figure out how to organize your book. Additional book writing courses can help you break through creative blocks.

Write a Book

Courses + programs, services + successes, contact lisa.

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Meet the Team

My Publisher Tamara Monosoff : From the gorgeous cover to inner design, to the original inspiration for QR codes and putting every single one of those crazy videos on my website, and guiding me patiently throughout the process, Tamara is my dream publisher. Thank you!

• Web Designer Extraordinaire Rachel Vane
• Social Media Goddess Jamie L. Palmer
• Brilliant Editor Lynne Heinzmann
• Writing and Life Coach Tama Kieves who guides me to my muse whenever we speak
• Video Editor and Overall Mensch Dan Thibeault of Fast Twitch Media
• Media Coach and Producer of many videos Portland Helmich
• Video Editing Support Luke Patterson
• Blogger and Podcast Outreach Frances Caballo
• Launch Advisor Kristin Meekhof
• Eric Maisel Writing Habit Advocate
• Virtual Assistant Extraordinaire Geri Lafferty
• 2020 PR Support Katie Snyder of Pitch PR
• The most talented photographer in the world, Seth Jacobson
• PR Trainers Chris Winfield, Jen Gottlieb, Brittany Sisko, and the entire community at the Be Seen Accelerator
• Beta Readers: Joshua Home Edwards, Tracy Hart, Stephanie Meyers, Laurie Hunt, LiDona Wagner, Mia Potter, Gael Johnson, Amber Hanks, Melissa Sones, Gael-Sylvia Pullen, and Paula Schonewald. I hope I did not leave anyone out—if I did please let me know so I can add you here!
• Title Support Howard Van Es, Tamara Monosoff, Lorraine Segal, Tama Kieves, Kristin Meekhof.
• Launch Consulting Howard Van Es
• My Health and Wellbeing Posse who helped me survive the stress-induced health challenges I encountered on the way
• Dear Friends Johannah Cremin (and her prayer circle) and Virginia Swain; Qigong teacher, Leah Franklin, and the lineage of Mei Hua Qigong masters from whom she learned; dream shaman Kari Hohne; loving guide, Linda Yael Schiller; acupuncturists Nancy Graham and Patricia Gilmartin; Lynne Ahn, MD and John McGonigle, MD; dowser, Erina Cowan; and special friends Linda Broadhead and Seraina Wood.
• Book Ambassadors: Louise Brownell
• Podcasters, Show Hosts and Early Adopters: Dan Janal, Sharon Burton Ways, Josh Steimle, Leslie Draffin, Robin Kall
• Bloggers and Blogs: San Francisco Writers Conference, Jane Friedman, Nina Amir, Howard Van Es
• My Supportive Family: Tom, Will, and Luke Patterson, and Mimi Sammis, you are the lights in my life! Tener and Arnold families, and the Patterson-Potters and Pattersons
• My many colleagues from Harvard Medical School’s CME publishing and women in healthcare leadership courses—director Julie Silver, et al.
• All my students!
• All my amazing writing colleagues
• Intellectual property advice, Attorney Dana Newman
• A special thank you to my many clients and colleagues who gave me permission to quote their wonderful words in this journal
• The brave souls who appear in the accompanying videos.

I could probably go on thanking deserving people for another twenty pages, so for those not listed, please know you have my gratitude.

Table of Contents

What Is a Writing Coach?

What does a writing coach do, do you need a writing coach, how to hire the right coach for you, what is a writing coach (and should you hire one for your book).

I can’t tell you how many nonfiction writers I’ve seen get stuck on their first draft.

Sometimes it happens in the middle of the book, sometimes right at the beginning, sometimes at the very end. But it happens a lot.

In fact, I don’t know any writers who haven’t been stuck at some point or another. It can happen for many reasons:

• poor planning
• procrastination
• lack of a support group

But no matter what got you stuck, if you’re having trouble breaking through, you might benefit from a good writing coach.

Not to be confused with an editor , a writing coach helps you with the emotional journey of writing a book . They help you keep going, and they help you make your book more authentic and engaging.

This post walks you through:

• What a writing coach is
• What they do (and what they can do for your book)
• How to decide whether you need one
• How to hire one if you do

A writing coach works collaboratively with an Author to help them take their book to the next level, even as they write it.

A writing coach is NOT an editor or a ghostwriter . They don’t do line-by-line editing, and they won’t write the copy for you (though they can overlap and do both jobs, remember that they are different jobs).

Instead, they coach you through the process of writing your book.

Like any coach, a writing coach helps you give it your all, so you can push through the pain and get better at what you do.

But very little of a writing coach’s work is about the specific words on the page. Instead, the best coaches help with things like:

• Where your book might need to dig deeper emotionally
• Identifying and overcoming your fears
• Figuring out why you’re stuck and breaking through writer’s block
• Recognizing where you’re sabotaging yourself
• Helping you be authentic and effective in your writing
• Making sure you aren’t leaving important things out of your book just because they would be hard for you to write

That said, many writing coaches won’t help much with the emotional side of writing a book because they don’t know how. They don’t know how to build trust with an Author or how to coach high-performing individuals.

Even worse, it can be tempting to hire those coaches because they won’t push you beyond your comfort zone.

Nobody likes venturing outside their comfort zone. But that’s exactly what you have to do if you want to write a great book.

So, before you hire a writing coach, make sure you know exactly why you’re hiring one and what you want to get out of it.

A good writing coach helps you with the writing process. They help you figure out:

• why you’re writing your book
• your book’s positioning
• your target audience
• the right mindset for you
• daily or weekly writing goals
• any fears getting in your way
• everything else that comes with writing a book

These are all critical to your book’s success.

You don’t necessarily need a writing coach to figure them out, but you DO need to figure them out—before you write even one word.

That can be hard to accept (and hard to accomplish), especially for first-time Authors. It’s extremely tempting to just sit down and start writing. It feels like the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll finish. It even sounds logical.

But it isn’t true. In fact, if you do that, it only makes you more likely to NOT finish your book.

If you want to finish the job, and if you want your book to be good, you need to get clear about a few things first:

• Why you’re writing your book
• Who you’re writing it to
• What you want your book to do for them
• What you want to get out of it for yourself

And although some developmental editors might help you with a few of these, at least on a high level, they won’t get into the trenches with you for what comes next:

The emotional grind of exposing yourself on paper day after day as you write your rough draft.

If you’re thinking about hiring a writing coach, you need to understand what you want first—and what kind of help you’re willing to accept:

• A coach will help you work on yourself as an Author, making your book more compelling
• An editor will help you work on your completed draft, making it feel more polished

Coaches and editors can both improve your writing skills and make you a better writer—but in different ways:

• A good coach helps you write more honestly and authentically
• A good editor makes your writing more clear

You can absolutely benefit from BOTH a writing coach AND an editor, but you want to work with the writing coach first. Write your first draft in the most compelling and authentic way you possibly can; then use an editor to polish it.

But, to do that, you have to be willing to let that book coach help you.

A great writing coach gets behind the text and inside your head. If you want their help, you have to let them in to do that work with you.

If you don’t want to work with anyone that closely, don’t waste your money. But, before you walk away, ask yourself why that is.

If you don’t want to dig deep, you’re not going to write a great book.

And, if you’re already stuck, you’re probably not going to finish your book at all.

Look, I’m not trying to be harsh. It’s just that I’ve written several nonfiction books myself—all of them New York Times bestsellers—and I keep digging deeper every time.

It’s hard, and it’s scary. But that’s the nature of writing a compelling nonfiction book. You have to put yourself fully into it. It’s a process that’s going to expose you to the world in a way that isn’t always comfortable.

So, whether it feels comfortable or not, you might need a writing coach if:

• You’re stuck
• You started your book several times and abandoned it
• You wrote a draft and can’t seem to go back and self-edit it
• You have a solid concept, but your chapters don’t feel compelling

If any of that rings true, it’s worth exploring your options for a writing coach.

If you’re hiring a writing coach to help you bring out your very best material—overcoming your fears and making your book bravely authentic—the work can get emotionally intense.

You’ll need to trust your coach on a deep level.

Because of that, I strongly advise you not to make the decision quickly. Your coach should have a proven track record (with some great testimonials), but that isn’t enough:

• Their coaching style needs to work for you
• They need to help you feel energized about your book
• You need to feel safe being honest with them about how you’re feeling
• You need to be sure about all 3 of those things ahead of time

So before you hire a writing coach, make sure all those things are true—and understand that you can’t get that information from a few references and some marketing copy.

Instead, here’s how to do it.

1. Get some face-to-face time

Speaking by phone is okay, but seeing your coach on video (or Zoom, Skype, or some other face-to-face video chat service) is better.

You want to feel like you really know them in order to build the trust you’re going to need.

You don’t necessarily have to talk to them–seeing or hearing them coach is often enough. This can be accomplished on a podcast or a YouTube video.

And it’s important to note: don’t just rely on what they SAY about book coaching. You want to actually SEE AND HEAR them coaching an actual Author.

Talking about something and doing something are very different things.

2. Examine their coaching method

Check out your writing coach’s method BEFORE you hire them. Make sure it resonates with you.

Any coach you’re thinking of working with should provide meaningful content about what they do—not just marketing copy that says, “I’ll help you write a great book.”

They should provide you with details about their process, ideally including videos so you can watch them do it.

3. Look for what they do (and don’t) do

Remember, a great writing coach helps you dig into the emotional journey of writing. They’ll push you to be more honest and to write a more authentic book.

Not every coach is willing (or able) to do that. In fact, most shy away from it.

Why? Because a writing coach has to be very comfortable with their own emotions before they can go to that profoundly authentic place with anyone else. And they have to know how to push gently—bringing out that authenticity in a way that makes the Author feel safe.

That’s why great writing coaches are so rare.

So, when you’re watching those videos, make sure they aren’t just talking about style and structure. Make sure they’re really getting to the heart of writing an authentic, compelling book.

4. Don’t trust “vetted” marketplaces

When you’re looking for a writing coach, you’re going to find a few marketplaces that claim they’ve “vetted” all their writing coaches.

But here’s the sad truth: they only “vet” those listings in the most cursory way. So being on that list doesn’t mean much.

No matter what coach you’re considering, and no matter where you found them, you have to do the work of getting to know them and vetting them yourself.

5. Exhaust your free options first

Look, hiring an expert for personalized time and attention costs money. That’s great if you really need it, but make sure you DO need it.

At Scribe, we believe everyone should write a book. We provide everything you need to know for writing and self-publishing your book—and it’s completely free.

So, if you’re only stuck because this is your first book and you don’t know where to start, check out our free guides first.

Scribe Book School is one of those free resources. It’s online, and you can stream ALL the videos as often as you want. If you want the companion book, The Scribe Method , you can get a free download of that, too.

We began offering the course during the height of the pandemic lockdowns to help people jump-start their books while they were stuck at home.

During that process, we learned that many people came out of it feeling like, “Hey, this is awesome, and I’m stoked to write my book. But I already know I’m going to need help.”

And, unfortunately, we also heard about a lot of writing coaching that wasn’t so great.

That’s why we created Scribe Writer’s Room , where you can get ongoing support in writing a compelling, authentic book:

• Weekly Zoom calls with our coaches (Hal and Emily, from Scribe Book School)
• Community & emotional support in a closed Facebook group
• Scribe coaches in the Facebook group to answer specific questions
• A group to make the writing process a lot less lonely and more of a team effort

You’re welcome to check it out, but there are plenty of Authors who wrote their book without Scribe Writer’s Room. You don’t NEED it to write a book.

But it’s there for anyone who’d like some extra help with the writing process.

The Scribe Crew

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A writing coach by your side

Writing coach.

Hello, dear writer. It’s a brave and wild undertaking, writing a book , whether you’re creating  fiction , nonfiction, or memoir . Wherever you are on your path—new or pro, stuck or just uncertain—I will meet you there. An experienced book writing coach, I’ll be your guide (your writing Sherpa?). I can help you make your book the best it can be!

What is a Writing Coach?

I’m Jamie Morris, book coach

I’ve been coaching book writers for over a decade. I consider myself among the best writing coaches in the country. But writing your book isn’t about me— it’s about you and the story you have to tell. With a little support, I know you can bring that story to life and share it proudly with the world.

Meet Jamie Morris

Free book writing consultation

Let’s connect! Whatever your experience, I want to hear about your book and your goals for it. And you want to meet and get a feel for my style: Am I supportive? Encouraging? Knowledgeable? All this—and that undefinable quality called “chemistry”— will tell us if we’ll work well together.

Let’s Talk

Book a free 30-minute consultation!  

Book coaching prompts, resources, and inspiration for writers.

A Memoir Book Coach Can Help You Write a Book That Sells!

A memoir book coach knows what agents and publishers are looking for. She can help you prepare your manuscript to give it the best chance of success. She’ll also guide you as you prepare your marketing materials. These include query letters, synopses, and a nonfiction book proposal (if you need… Read more…  →

Writing Coaching for Older Writers

Writing coaching for older writers gives direction to writing dreams! In the past week, I’ve been contacted by four writers, all in their sixties or seventies. Each of them is relatively new to writing. And they are all excited to finally embark on their long-held writing dreams. But where to… Read more…  →

Writing Coaching Inspiration: One River Is Like Another River

Working with writers can be tricky. They’re on a wild and unpredictable journey. As a coach, I want to help—but sometimes a writer’s goals can prove out of their (current) reach. That’s when I reach deep into my bag of writing coaching inspiration. I need to pull out something that… Read more…  →

A Memoir Coach and a Wild Writing Exercise

As a memoir coach, I’m always on the lookout for fresh writing exercises. In particular, I love memoir writing prompts that invite us to see past experiences differently. This particular memoir exercise is a weird trip. It will turn your writing—and your insights—inside out! Called “Cut and Paste,” the exercise… Read more…  →

Why Hire a Book Coach: Jen’s Story

Perhaps you’re wondering, Why hire a book coach? Jen’s story, below, will give you a novel writer’s first-hand experience of working with a professional book coach. When Jen first contacted me, she’d completed a Young Adult (YA) novel and had already been under contract with a literary agent for a… Read more…  →

Book Coach Tips for Writing a Successful Novel

As a professional writing coach, I always want to support writers in their quest for success. This month, my post “Book Coach Tips for Writing a Successful Novel” focuses on the most important aspects of novel writing. I also include resources that will help you level up your novel-writing game.… Read more…  →

Writing Coaching: The Hard Stuff

I’ve been in the trenches, coaching writers, for well over a decade. From long experience, I can tell you that, with writing coaching, the hard stuff is the stuff that can make or break a career. And by “hard stuff,” I mean whatever you currently don’t have in your writer’s… Read more…  →

How to Write a Fantasy Novel: Quick Tips!

Wondering how to write a fantasy novel? As a professional writing coach, I’ve learned that following a few important guidelines can make all the difference! Here are some magical tips to help you write fantasy fiction, from me—and NEW YORK TIMES best-selling fantasy author Lev Grossman. Quick tips for writing… Read more…  →

How Long Should a Novel Be?

IN THE BOOK WRITERS’ CRITIQUE GROUP I LEAD, we recently discussed the differences between works of narrative fiction. While word count is not the only distinguishing feature, it’s certainly the easiest to grasp. Perhaps you’re wondering, “How long should a novel be?” As a professional writing coach, I’m asked about… Read more…  →

Outline Your Novel with ChatGPT

Did you know you can outline your novel with ChatGPT? No? Me, either. But I asked my super-smart techie novelist friend MK Swanson if she had used ChatGPT, and she said she had. Specifically, she told me that she now believes “novelists can use ChatGPT to supercharge their process. For… Read more…  →

Book Writers’ Coach

Why am I a book writing coach? Great question! Over the last ten years, I’ve coached writers of all types. New writers, short story writers, dissertation and thesis writers, hobbyists and journalists. But after a decade of working with a myriad of different writers, I’ve found my greatest joy as… Read more…  →

How to Write a Mystery: 10 Tips

Writing a mystery is complicated, no doubt! But, since mysteries are my favorite type of fiction, I thought it would be a fun challenge to narrow down my thoughts about how to write them effectively. The following 10 tips will help you understand how to write a mystery novel and… Read more…  →

Writing Young Adult Fiction

If you’re writing Young Adult fiction, also known as YA, you’ve probably already created an angsty, yet sympathetic, teenage main character (MC). What else do you need? Well, when we’re writing Young Adult fiction, we first need to give our angsty MC a problem to solve. We’ll also want to… Read more…  →

Tarot’s Judgment: Your Writing Coach

When tarot’s Judgment card volunteers to be your writing coach, fasten your seatbelt! It’s time to rev up a manuscript you thought had breathed its last. We’ve all been there, right? (Or is it just me?) We give up on a “failed” manuscript. Then we push it as far away… Read more…  →

Tarot for Writers: 9 of Coins

When we writers consult tarot and see the 9 of Coins, it may signal a high-five from our muse! Have we graduated in some way? Had a step up in our writing life? Have we made the leap from student or apprentice to master of our writing domain? If so,… Read more…  →

Unlock Writer’s Block

Oh, my gosh! Yolanda needs help to unlock her writer’s block! She’s tormented by worries of failing as a writer—yet can’t get any words on the page. While she’s allowed swords of self-recrimination to stack up over her head, it’s probably not as desperate a situation as she believes. Like… Read more…  →

Two of Coins, Your Book Coach

When Ella called, upset that daily life was eating up her writing time, I knew just where to look for advice. “If tarot’s Two of Coins were your book coach,” I said, “she’d show you just how to keep all your priorities in play.” The Two of Coins (aka the… Read more…  →

King of Cups, Your Writing Coach

If Tarot’s King of Cups were your writing coach, he’d teach you to calm the troubled waters of your writing life. He rules a kingdom that is entirely fluid and in motion—and he’s had to learn how to maneuver in its emotional depths. It took him some time, but the… Read more…  →

Tarot Writing Coach: Four of Coins

Tarot writing coach? What?! Why?! Although I’m a professional writing coach, I still need the occasional new insight—for myself and my clients. I’ve found tarot’s 78 intriguing images can definitely inspire us! When writers need an out-of-the-box solution, tarot can act as a writing coach and help them find fresh… Read more…  →

Tarot and Writing: Meet the Two of Cups, Your Writing Coach

Tarot and writing seem a match made by the very best of old-school matchmakers! The 78 images that make up a tarot deck can inspire writers in many ways. As a writer myself, as well as in my role as a writing coach, I’ve found looking at the cards can… Read more…  →

Writing a Novel Fast(er): 10 Tips!

10 Tips for Writing a Novel Fast(er) Writing a novel is a long game, no way around it. But I’ve helped many writers get to THE END, and I know there are ways to shorten the curve. I’ve listed my favorite get-your-novel-written approaches below. From first concept to first draft,… Read more…  →

Jamie Morris is an outstanding resource for writers who want to reach the pinnacle of success. She’s a warm, encouraging angel on your shoulder, but she’s also got the skills, experience, and good judgment to help you vanquish your weaknesses and capitalize on your strengths. If you’re a writer with serious ambitions, work with Jamie. — Elizabeth Sims , Y OU’VE GOT A BOOK IN YOU: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams ( Writers Digest)

Hey, J. Just wanted to say “THANKS!” for the coaching session today. It was amazingly productive. I now have actionable clarity for revising one novel that’s been giving me grief, and finishing another that had stalled in the middle. Pretty good work for one hour, no? — Ryan G. Van Cleave , Head of Creative Writing, Ringling College of Art and Design ; author of THE WEEKEND BOOK PROPOSAL ( Writers Digest ) and MEMOIR WRITING FOR DUMMIES ( John Wiley & Sons )

For decades, writing was a comfort, and when life was turbulent an anchor to help steady my boat. In my fifties, however, it dawned on me that I actually wanted to become a writer. A really good writer, if that was possible. I read an article in THE NEW YORK TIMES extolling the virtues of writing coaches and how, if you were lucky enough to find a good one, you might very well become a good writer. And so I found Jamie Morris. Fast forward five years and a few books’ worth of short stories, and I believe I have become a much better writer. I could wax poetic about Jamie’s coaching genius, but I won’t. It would spoil the fun. Instead, I’ll let you discover Jamie Morris for yourself—this writer’s best-kept secret. — Hugh Holborn , The After-Fifty Adventureman

Whether you are struggling to finish a manuscript, ready for a developmental editor, or simply need someone who understands you, Jamie Morris is incredible. She maps out action plans, gives firm yet reasonable goals, and takes the terror and mystery out of the writing process so you can get to the work at hand. Do yourself and your writing life a favor. Hire her immediately. She’s the best investment you’ll ever make! — Sasha Graham , TAROT DIVA ( Llewellyn )

Jamie Morris is a true genius at her craft. She’s intelligent and thoughtful, with bone-deep wisdom about how to make a story. It took me fifteen years to get serious about this book, and I swear on my stack of all-time-favorites that I was waiting to find Jamie. She’s the creative midwife of my dreams! —Heather Rosser

Still absorbing the awesomeness with Jamie Morris! We nailed it! Amazing brains clicking together, and I now have a solid first act, broken down scene by scene. So many thanks for your dedication and willingness to stick it out, Jamie! — Anne Hawkinson , author, THE MYSTERY AT MOZ HOLLOW ; co-author, SCOTLAND’S KNIGHT , Royal Palm Literary Award winner

The foundation you have helped me set will help me to write many books with audacity and finesse—a great combo to have. They don’t call you the guru of writing for nothing. — Dr. Simi Ahuja

Jamie: I am so freaking in love with you, this process, and my book! People dread asking me how I am because I tell them in nauseating detail how much I love my book and my writing coach! I feel like I won the lottery! — Cara Gubbins, PhD , THE DOLPHINS OF HILTON HEAD ( University of South Carolina Press ) ; DIVINE BEINGS: The Spiritual Lives and Lessons of Animals

I’ve always dreamed of being a writer. There’s been 65K words of what I now know is backstory sitting in a file on my computer for over a year. It seemed more a journal than the memoir I was aiming for. Would anyone want to read what I’d written? Does my story really have what it takes to touch hearts? If so, how can I make it most effective? The answer to all those questions showed up in my inbox one morning, in the form of a magazine article on writing coaches. Jamie was the featured coach. Within an hour of reading the article, Jamie and I were on the phone. I knew before I’d hung up—she’s the answer to my questions. Although I’m otherwise a stranger to her, Jamie has an innate sense of where more is lurking in my memories that will add depth to the story. She’s a great listener and gives exceptional feedback that has enabled me to believe I am a writer. The woman is a genius. I didn’t know a “low point” from a “climax,” and now I’m researching agents. I cannot recommend Jamie enough. —Terrie Reynolds

Jamie, I just wanted to thank you for all of your time and mental energy. I felt strange about this story for the longest time. I think it was an awful mess, partly due to how I was holding it at arm’s length and trying to think about some vague idea of what Young Adult books should be. Once you told me to pay attention to the emotional beats, it got SO, so much better. You are such a great writing coach. I’m incredibly grateful and just stunned at how much ground you covered. Oh, my gosh—I learned a ton from every session! Thank you so much. —Megan Cooke, writer, videographer; graduate, Ringling College of Art and Design Creative Writing Program

Jamie, thanks for the session Friday morning. It was helpful on so many levels. You are someone to treasure, for sure. I’m so glad you are part of my team. All my interactions with you make me—and my world—saner, happier, more optimistic. — Beth Lambdin, author of LOVE YOU, SWEETIE

Jamie Morris is such a fantastic coach! Her approach is very intuitive, so no matter what I’m working on, from plotting to character development, Jamie always has an intelligent, unique perspective to present. If you’d like to take your writing to another level, I strongly recommend Jamie! — Alina Smith, songwriter, music producer, at LYRE

Jamie! You’re so wonderful! Our time together is so magical. Thank you for reigniting my passion and gifting me focus and insights. I’m thrilled about the new direction for my book. So profoundly grateful for you and the forces that guided us together for this. — Kristen Schneider , author, YOUR LIFE IS MEDICINE

Jamie, I do believe you are this story’s fairy godmother. You are not only making sense of what’s already been done, but giving a new perspective on what is yet to be. Big Shared World is better thanks to your involvement. I am better because of you. Wow! — Colleen Waterston , BigSharedWorld.com

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Why (and How) You Must Find a Book Writing Coach as an Author

POSTED ON Apr 5, 2024

Written by Sarah Rexford

If you're serious about writing your book and becoming a published author, a book writing coach could help you achieve your goals faster.

It takes more than persistence to become a successful author . A dedicated book writing coach can help you reach each milestone and guide you through the various obstacles you might face. Even still, you may not feel like you need a coach – or you may want one but not be sure where and how to find the right person for you.

You're in the right place! Let's get into it.

The Value Of A Book Writing Coach 

The value of a great coach cannot be overstated. When I started my author journey, I found a book writing coach online who had sold millions of copies of his books and landed on the New York Times bestseller list many times.

My writing coach taught me fundamentals that I didn’t even know I needed, such as:

• Key writing rules
• How to self-edit
• Creating round characters  
• The importance of the first sentence, page, and chapter (and how to write a strong first sentence )
• Avoiding clichés and writing original storylines 

The above is a brief overview of the value he brought to my author career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the benefit of his coaching.

But what if you already know writing rules exist, you've become a great editor to review your own work, and your plots are full of intrigue? 

Why should you invest in a book writing coach?

The value of having professional support multifaceted. Some benefits you might not even realize until after. Depending on the type of book you are writing and your book writing coach's past experience, you can focus on many different things during your one-on-one sessions. These could include things like character development, reviewing a list of genres to make sure you're writing and marketing your book for the right niche, overcoming imposter syndrome, maintaining accountability when writing your book, and more.

While getting a second pair of eyes on your work is always helpful, sometimes you need help in other parts of your author journey. That's where the power of having a great coach can come in.

How A Book Writing Coach Can Make You A Better Writer

If you are truly serious about self-publishing a book and becoming an authorpreneur , finding a book writing coach online or IRL is a worthwhile investment. This person will be in your corner for the entire journey. They are a mentor that can help you avoid common pitfalls.

But understanding what a writing coach does is very important.

Remember, different coaches and mentors focus on varying aspects of writing. Some coaches prefer to focus on craft, while others may specialize in helping you stay on target to hit your word count goals. Other coaches may work with you to develop your plot, characters, or even your marketing plan.

It's important to note that your writing coach is here to support you and help you with specific problems that arise while writing your book. While they may help you with a few lines or paragraphs, they are not an editor and will not be reading your entire manuscript.

Here are the top three things that a book writing coach (online or IRL) WILL help you with, though:

Hold You Accountable

Whether you are an aspiring author or have published multiple books, staying on schedule can be difficult – especially during the summer months, holidays, or busy family seasons. You make a promise to yourself, establish an ideal writing process , and then life gets in the way. Hitting your daily word count goals can slip down on the list of priorities. 

This is where your book writing coach will step in. First, they'll help make sure your writing goals are realistic for you and your schedule. Then they'll keep you accountable. Whether you choose to find a writing coach online or one local to your area, you will establish a meeting cadence and check-ins with your coach. Simply knowing that you meet with your writing mentor tomorrow or next week can be the extra push you need to hit your goals.

Additionally, if you fall behind, this person can help you reschedule your writing days to enable you to still meet your original publish goal.

Help You Through The Steps Of Writing And Publishing

Just as coaches hold you accountable, they also act as a guide for navigating the shifting world of publishing. Whether you choose to self-publish or publish traditionally, your book writing coach will be familiar with both processes.

If you self-publish, there are a lot of milestones for you to hit beyond just writing the book. Your book writing coach can help you understand how to self-edit, hire a professional book editor, get your book cover designed, create a marketing plan, organize your book launch party , and more.

For authors traditionally publishing, coaches can draw your attention to the publishing timeline. They will advise you on your role in the process, and give you tips on book signings and the various appearances you will make. As the day of your launch draws near, this guidance is extremely helpful. 

No matter which avenue you choose to publish for publishing your book, self-publishing, traditional, or a hybrid, book writing coaches are the fictional mentor trope come to life. They will make your writing journey much less overwhelming and far more fun.

Be Your Sounding Board

Every author needs a sounding board to bounce ideas off, speak up when imposter syndrome takes over, and help you get back on track – especially if/when writer’s block rears its ugly head. The publishing journey can get long, lonely, and overwhelming.

At times, you may even feel like giving up.

Your book writing coach will make sure you don't.

Over the years, there have been numerous times I’ve presented my coach with my progress, pros and cons, positive and negative feedback, and asked what to do next. 

Having an outside opinion from a professional who is both familiar with your writing journey and with the industry in general, is indispensable. Below are just a few ways book writing coaches can provide a sounding board: 

• See the big picture of your journey and areas for improvement
• Encourage you that you are going in a positive direction and to keep at it
• Help you reset when necessary and establish new goals 
• Provide contacts and networking opportunities 
• Remind you why you started in the first place

Just as an athletic trainer can assess your progress, so can a writing coach. They see the big picture when you don’t, and their expertise will prove invaluable. 

How to Find A Book Writing Coach in 3 Simple Steps

Regardless of whether you are a debut author or working on your third series, finding the best writing coach for you and your writing needs is crucial. 

It takes time to research the various coaches out there, find one that fits your requirements, is available, and works with your specific genre.

1. Search For Writing Coaches Online

Though this route can be a bit daunting, your favorite search engine can provide countless options to choose from.

Book writing coaches often have their own websites, work in guilds (with a website), host online classes, share their availability in private Facebook groups, and interact on many other platforms.

Simply search for “writing coach guild” or something similar and you’re bound to find options.

The challenge with this method is making sure the person you found online is vetted and has a proven track record of helping authors like you successfully publish their books and launch their writing careers. Make sure you ask for a list of authors and books they've helped with. Reach out to their past and current clients and get some testimonials.

2. Query Editors

Many book editors offer coaching, mentoring, and different coaching packages and services.

Find an editor whose work you respect and send an inquiry regarding your desire for their services as a coach. You will likely be surprised at how willing editors are to help other writers.

Again, make sure you review and carefully vet anyone you are thinking about working with.

3. Ask Your Writing Community

Finally, reach out to your writing community for recommendations. Ask your writing friends if they’ve worked with anyone in the past, if they are aware of anyone who offers coaching, or if they know of any professionals who may be open to it. 

This method fast-tracks the process of vetting a potential book writing coach. However, it is limited to your existing network. You might miss out on an excellent coach simply because you aren't in the right groups.

If you are a first-time author, you may not have a solid network of author friends and/or you may not have a strong group of people who write in the same genre as you. If that's the case, you can see if there are any writing coaches to be found on freelance websites like Fivver or Upwork .

4. Join AAA For Your Own Dedicated Writing Coach!

The best way to find a book writing coach? Enlist the help of a company that's dedicated solely to helping people write, publish, and effectively market their book!

At SelfPublishing, the entire team is passionate about helping authors gain access to the resources and support they need the most based on their writing experience, genre, and publishing goals. When you join the AAA program, you don't just get access to a self-publishing course, you also get access to a thriving community of authors, regular accountability group calls, AND your very own personal book writing coach.

A writing coach that's been carefully selected for you.

If you’re already part of the selfpublishing.com community, or interested in receiving curated help for your book, you are welcome to browse through our coaching services . Our one-on-one coaching is designed to provide you with a customized approach for writing, marketing, and publishing your book so it gets in as many hands as possible.

Ready to find your perfect writing coach online and become a published author? Watch our free webinar and get started today!

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You Are Not Alone!

Writing is hard! We want to weave the magic that we read in books, but then when we struggle, we think it’s  us . That  we have no skill or talent. But writing is a process, a craft, an alchemy of emotion and words and characters–and it’s  a lot . Of  course it’s hard! So I’m here to help you start and finish your novel or memoir no matter what stage of writing you’re at or how much–or how little–experience you have.

With more than two decades of writing, teaching and coaching experience, I’ve been there.

That’s why I’m always in your corner.

Here’s how .

Jen Braaksma has been recognized as one of the  Top Book Coaches  by  Coach Foundation .

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Writing a (great) book is hard. Maybe you need a writing coach.

One-on-one help for determined, motivated writers.

I’m a writer and a writing coach. I’ve been where you are. I know where you want to be.

It took me 14 years to write my first novel because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I’ll help you avoid frustration, beginner mistakes, and expensive classes that don’t address your needs. I’ve experienced traditional publishing and self-publishing. Great people helped me and now I want to help you. The journey from SOMEDAY I’LL WRITE A BOOK to MY BOOK IS PUBLISHED is not easy, but you will get there. Imagine how you’ll feel when you sign that first book.

Myra Levine

Writer & Writing Coach

Don’t die with your story inside you.

There’s a story only you can tell., but that doesn’t make it easy., whatever is holding you back, let’s tackle it together..

Do you doubt your writing skills?

Maybe you have a great idea but don’t know where to begin?

Would accountability and deadlines keep you writing?

Need constructive feedback that family and friends can’t provide?

I’ll design a program that Helps YOU.

Write a great book.

I help writers with fiction and non-fiction, novels, memoir, advice/business, and personal essays. It’s all about telling a great story.

It’s your book. I give you my best advice. You decide how to use it.

Flexible Agreements

We might work together for a month or two, or throughout the writing and publishing process.

Self Publishing

Formatting your book for self-publishing is doable, but tedious. I can walk you through it, or do it for you.

Traditional Publishing

If your goal is traditional publishing, I’ll help you navigate the process and guide you through writing the documents to attract a reputable agent and publisher.

Come to a FREE zoom writing seminar—see if you like my teaching style.

“Myra is a thorough and thoughtful writing coach. She has brought clarity to my novel.”

Judy D. California, United States

“I have been working with Myra as a writing coach for over a year now. She is very knowledgeable and experienced, but what separates her from other coaches is she is so relatable. She tells it like it is even when it’s not what I want to hear, but does it nicely, respectfully, and with humor.” Ed Basquill Indiana, United States

“Myra is helping me gain knowledge and the confidence to write. She is professional, dependable, friendly, and honest. We have a good working relationship with trust and mutual respect. I receive one-on-one attention, focused on areas in which I need help.”

Carol Francis Wisconsin, United States

“I enjoy Myra’s monthly seminars so much I hired her as a writing coach. Myra is phenomenal to work with. She’s a great coach, mentor and keeps us novice writers on track to ensure we can finish our projects.”

Renee V Minnesota, United States

I'm a writer and a writing coach!

Revenge of the Soccer Moms

Myra’s debut novel—a dark comedy about Stay-at-Home Moms who get ticked off about what’s happening in their perfect suburban neighborhood and become secret vigilantes. Things go horribly wrong, and thanks to the 24-hour news cycle, their activities are exposed to the world. NOTE: At some point, you’ll wonder why there’s no soccer in the book—not even one well-aimed ball to the head. Keep reading. It’s in there. Available in print, ebook, and audio on Amazon.com and Audible.com

The Dead Mothers' Club

Maura Quarrels doesn’t realize she’s dead until her first college roommate (also dead) shows up to invite her to join the local chapter of The Dead Mothers’ Club. This sounds perfect—surely this will be a way for dedicated wife and mother Maura to continue to guide her husband and teenage children toward proper, mom-approved decisions. Turns out, it’s not that simple, and Maura has to decide whether to follow DMC rules or risk eternal banishment from Heaven. Assuming this IS Heaven? Available in print and ebook on Amazon.com

“The author has a way of hilariously exposing our feelings about life. You will meet people you know and recognize situations in your every day existence, and you will laugh. I’m looking forward to the next book.”

Linda Thornton

“Loved the book! It could be any neighborhood in any suburb. I hope M. Levine continues her passion for writing to entertain all of the women and men who are or were Stay at home Moms.”

“Such a funny book, couldn’t put the book down. Myra is such a creative writer, imagination, insight, she can take an every day moment and see the humorous side. Highly recommend this book. Can’t wait for the next one.”

Joyce Callahan

“Thanks for another excellent seminar. I’ve attended quite a few of these, and you’re by far the best. You’re to-the-point, informative, and useful.” Peter Woolrich Harrogate, England

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About Jamie Morris

My experience as a book coach.

Hi. I’m Jamie Morris . I have empowered novel writers for over a decade as a full-time novel writing coach. My professional journey has led me to work with clients around the world.

My writing coaching career has also offered me these opportunities:

• I’ve written for and been featured in THE WRITER magazine 

• Co-created The Next Level Craft Intensives
• Mentored writing consultants at Rollins College Writing Center
• Taught creative writing at Seminole Community College
• Co-authored PLOTTING YOUR NOVEL WITH THE PLOT CLOCK

I am also an Amherst Writers & Artists -certified writing workshop leader and a College Reading and Learning Association Master Level Writing Consultant—and a repeat presenter for the Florida Writers Association and a Rollins College Writing Program graduate.

I’d love to share my knowledge and experience with you. Book a free initial consultation . I can help you write your novel!

Acknowledgements

As a writing coach, it’s always an honor to be mentioned in the acknowledgements of novelists with whom I’ve worked.

Book a free 30-minute consultation!

Copyright ©2021 Jamie Morris LLC, Writing Coach | Contact me | 407.644.5163 | Privacy Policies | Terms & Conditions

• How It Works
• The Plot Clock
• Coaching Rates
• Free Novel Writing Consultation

WRITING A NOVEL SHOULDN'T FEEL LIKE THROWING DARTS WEARING A BLINDFOLD

New at writing fiction you’re in the right place., accelerator coaching.

If writing workshops, classes, and books have left you feeling lost in the weeds, discover the difference of working one-one-one with a book coach. Untangle your story, energize your scenes, and tune your writing—welcome to personal training for your book.

EDITING & CRITIQUES

Editing shows you where and how to develop and improve your work, using techniques that let your creativity loose. Get a little help or a lot: an outline review, a manuscript critique, or developmental editing for your first 50 pages, your first act, or your full manuscript.  

THE STORY INCUBATOR

The Story Incubator is high-touch, small-group coaching with face-to-face access to me and your peers every week. Advance your craft knowledge, skill, and manuscript. For actively writing or revising writers. Limited group size, by application only; request to be waitlisted.

Crack the code of compelling storytelling.

Hone your craft.

Strengthen your storytelling skills as a novelist.

Lay a Lasting Foundation

Equip yourself with skills you’ll use your entire writing career.

Unlock Professionalism

Make the shift from aspiring writer to emerging author.

Write a Book That Demands Attention

Craft stories that enthrall readers and industry experts, inching you closer to your publishing dreams.

Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist.

— pablo picasso, transforming new writers into emerging novelists..

What if you finally understood what’s going on under the hood of your novel manuscript?

No more stumbling through a rough draft, then paying an editor to help you find the story inside.  I specialize in working   with new and emerging writers, both self-publishing and preparing  to query.  As your coach, I’ll help you connect theory with practice. As your editor, I’ll show you the techniques to make your writing connect with readers. 

Design. Technique. Skills. Breakthroughs. You’ll pick up strategies and knowledge you’ll use the rest of your writing career.  This is your introduction to everything you didn’t even know you needed to know about writing a book.

This is your writing, but smarter. Your book, but better.

Hi, I’m Lisa.

That moment when your breath catches and your skin prickles as you recognize how a fresh idea will bring your story to life? That’s what lights my creative fires as an editor and story coach.

As a classically trained dancer, I approach creative fluency—your freedom of movement on the page—through a foundation grounded upon structure, form, and technique. My mission as your coach is to demonstrate how, in the words of the great Pablo Picasso, mastering the rules like a professional allows you to break them like an artist.

Over the past decade, I’ve collaborated with numerous writers much like you. These writers have attained remarkable creative milestones. They’ve finished their books and launched new projects. They’ve acquired literary representation and garnered multiple manuscript requests. They’ve succeeded beyond their dreams at independent publishing.

As your book coach, I’m here to nurture your writing craft and guide you toward becoming your own story expert.

GET EMPOWERED

This is the power of working one-on-one with a coach.

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