Is Working with a Book Coach Right for You?

There’s a pervasive myth about the genius writer who produces flawless books entirely on their own.

This is simply not how books get into the world, though. And the expectation that we should be able to do this work on our own keeps a lot of writers from asking for help. 

All writers, no matter their talent, level of ability, or expertise, need help from time to time. In fact, most successful writers have a writing group, a critique partner, beta readers, or even a book coach in their corner. The best self-published books have received outside editing. And no traditionally published book makes it to the shelves without input from agents and editors. 

If we could completely disband the idea of the lone writer, and replace it with the expectation that writers should ask for help, maybe we’d see even more and better books hitting the market. Because as it is, too many writers are currently toiling away at a dream, writing in circles or giving in to self-doubt and not finishing their books because they don’t know where to seek help. 

That’s where book coaching comes in

Unlike an editor, whose focus is on improving a completed manuscript, a book coach is dedicated to working with a writer–sometimes from the very beginning of a book project–to help them plan, draft, and revise. Additionally, a book coach’s goal isn’t just about the outcome of producing a great book; they are also committed to helping writers develop and improve their skills. 

Because that’s the truth about writing a book: it’s not something that you can only accomplish if you’re a naturally gifted writer and storyteller. In fact, innate talent is often not enough to get the work done. Writers can, and must, learn how to write a book, and then continually practice the craft to become skilled. 

Working with a book coach helps writers shorten their learning curve because an expert is guiding them through the process of how to write a book. Additionally, writers can develop their skills, hone their ideas, and improve faster with a book coach because they’re getting consistent, one-on-one feedback. Book coaching is probably one of the best investments a beginning writer can make if they want to successfully complete a book.

Established writers get book coaching

This support is not just helpful for people learning the craft for the first time. In fact, book coaching can be a powerful tool for more established writers. 

Book coaches act as project managers who help writers plan how they’ll complete their books. Working with a coach also creates accountability because there are regular deadlines that keep writers producing pages. That’s what often brings established writers to book coaches. They know how difficult the process of writing a book can be, and they’re looking for opportunities to make it slightly easier. Delegating project management and getting ongoing input will do just that. 

Recently, Jennie Nash—co-founder of Author Accelerator who’s published several books in fiction, nonfiction, and memoir—set out to write her latest book, Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book. Despite her extensive experience and knowledge of the writing process, Jennie was struggling to get the work done. Finally, she was so frustrated with putting off the work again and again that she decided, “I needed a deadline that had teeth, so I hired a book coach. She gave brilliant feedback to be sure, but the engine underneath it all was that I put money down to reserve her time.” 

Similarly, when established writers are changing genres or tackling a new type of book, they get coaching to learn how to write the new format more quickly. Even when they’re staying in their writing comfort zone, they know that getting feedback and help planning from the start of the project can make it run more efficiently. 

Established writers know that they don’t have to go it alone, and, in fact, their work is often better when they bring in outside help or perspectives early on. 

Book coaches get coached

Book coaches who also write commonly work with coaches of their own for many of the same reasons. Experts like to have—even need to have—an objective eye on their work. 

Julie Artz, an Author Accelerator certified book coach who’s worked with several other coaches, explained, “[Book coaches] know exactly how powerful and transformative it can be to have expert support on our writing journey. For me, the biggest benefit is having someone to keep an eye on the big picture and the market while the writer gets to deep dive into their creative process.” 

Julie’s client, fellow certified coach Dani Abernathy, added, “As a writer, you're too deep in your story to have perspective. You need someone who can see what you can't, who can ask hard questions, and who can make connections you may have missed. I know that working with a coach is going to streamline my process—I won't write nearly as many drafts, my story will be stronger, and I'll level up my skill faster than if I'd written alone.” 

And that’s what it comes down to for so many writers who work with book coaches: it improves the process and the outcome. 

So the question remains: Is getting a book coach the right option for you? 

Yes, book coaching can help nearly any writer. If you’re in the early stages of tackling your first (or second or third) book, and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, a book coach can provide you valuable direction to help you achieve your goals. 

If you’re stuck with your story or struggling with self-doubt, a book coach will help you navigate these mental and emotional hurdles. They don’t just focus on the book itself; coaches are there to help the writer, too. 

And even if you have experience writing books, a book coach can help you if you’re tackling a new format or starting to develop a new idea. Outside input from an expert is valuable to any writer. 

Perhaps the only writer who might not want to work with a coach is the hobbyist who’s solely focused on writing for themselves and is motivated by the process of discovery. This person doesn’t mind taking years and a circuitous route to learn and improve because the output–a finished book–isn’t their focus. (And even some of these writers hire coaches. They’re like the adult piano student who’s taking lessons just because they’ve always wanted to learn.)

But if you’re serious about completing a book, no matter what path to publishing (or not) you want to take, hiring a book coach is making a commitment to your goal. It's an investment of time and money that holds you to your word. Ultimately writers of all skill levels, working on all types of books, can benefit from book coaching.