What Does a Book Coach Do?

But what do you do? I should have a pithy answer to this question. Instead, when someone asks what a book coach does, my heart skips a beat, my enthusiasm swells—succinct explanations elude me. There’s so much to say!

Last week, I heard an interview with NPR host Robin Young and dancer Manish Chauhan, the star of a new documentary, Call Me Dancer. Chauhan began studying ballet when he was already twenty-one, a starting point unheard of in the world of professional dance. In 2021, against all odds, he achieved a dream when he joined New York City’s Peridance Contemporary Dance Company.

When asked how he defied the odds, Chauhan’s answer moved me. “I always say, if you like something you should like it whole. Not just the good part of it but also the bad parts because that’s the journey.” Yes!

Go the Distance

For creatives who go the distance, this voyage is full of twists and turns. There are smooth roads and potholes. One-way streets and eight-lane highways. It’s important to buckle up and hold on tight. It’s not an easy ride, but as Chauhan wisely points out, every bit of the journey matters. The artist who succeeds shows up for all of it.

When you hire a book coach, you’re taking steps to engage fully with the journey Chauhan describes. The book coach is like an ideal travel companion accompanying you on an epic road trip. Although they aren’t going to take a turn behind the wheel, they’ll hold your map, keep the music playing, and order coffee (with an extra shot of espresso) when you’re tired.

Just like any helpful travel companion, a book coach has your back till you reach your destination. Along the way, they’ll make sure you know the speed limit, the best detour and toll-free routes, and they’ll point out the sunsets and starry skies along the way, so you don’t miss a single thing.

Choose Wisely

Coaches show up in the world a number of different ways. You will forge a close relationship with this person, so this must be a professional whose judgement you trust. Pick someone whose personality and approach feel like a fit.

Many coaches offer a free Discovery Call. Take advantage of this opportunity if it’s available. This is your chance to ask questions and determine if this coach is a good match for you.

A Range of Services

Book coaches provide a range of services. Some share support at any point in the process, while others prefer to hone in on specific elements. Be certain your coach offers the services you need for the genre you write. Your coach might:

• help you identify and assess long and short-term writing goals.
• be a sounding board for project ideas.
• provide project management, including realistic goal setting and accountability check-ins.
• streamline your process so that the time you spend writing is efficient and precise.
• provide editorial feedback with actionable next steps.
• complete a manuscript review.
• develop a pitch package for agents that includes help with your query letter, synopsis, and agent research.
• celebrate your successes.
• send chocolates if you’re down in the dumps!

A Book Coach Can Do a Lot of Things, but They Can’t Do All the Things

A writing coach is not:

• a ghostwriter.
• editor (though many, myself included, can provide these services separately).
• a therapist.

A book coach should never promise publication.

Book coaching is a relatively new service that is gaining momentum. MFA programs, writer retreats, and workshops are amazing opportunities. But more and more, writers are realizing the value in investing in 1:1 coaching with someone they trust. Coaching is customized care.

If this sounds helpful, let’s talk. Book a free Discovery Call with me today. Mention this article to receive $50 off your first month of coaching!