A book coach is a writing companion who helps you improve your writing skills, develop your book-writing process, and turn your brilliant idea into a completed draft.
While the benefits of having the right writing coach by your side are discussed often among writing circles and conferences, the most important question often remains unaddressed.
How can you find the right writing coach for your book?
Keep on reading if you are also looking for an answer to the question.
- Know Yourself as a Writer
The experience of a potential book coach is not all you need to make your book successful. Before you start looking for the best book coach for your manuscript, it is crucial to identify the areas that you really need help with.
As an author, take some time to familiarise yourself with your strengths and weaknesses. Do you think your character arcs lack engagement, or does your plot need more refinement to attract the readers?
Understanding your problem is the first step to finding a solution. This way, you will be able to look for a book coach to make up for your weaknesses with proven experience in those areas.
- Research the Potential Matches
Once you understand the areas you are looking for help in, you can start your search for an ideal book coach and shortlist the potential matches. Their proven experience in the areas you need help can give you a sense of satisfaction and confidence.
Remember that every book coach who is offering their services will have great things to say about their services. You cannot just take their word for it to welcome them on board. You must research their skills, customer satisfaction rates, qualifications, and more.
Explore different platforms such as writing forums, freelance platforms, and coaching directories to trace their presence in the field. It is always a good idea to work with a book coach with a strong online presence.
An established online presence signifies that the aspiring book coach is not only in tune with the importance of digital presence. In addition, you can read their client reviews on different platforms to make up your mind.
- Inquire About their Authorizations
Although formal education or certifications in literature or writing are not a requirement to become a book coach, it is safe to say that book coaches with relevant credentials are a more reliable option for entrusting your manuscript.
A book coach with a relevant degree and coaching certification has formal training in helping you bring out the best in your book. They can make the necessary improvements to your manuscript and guide you effectively through your publishing journey.
- Read Reviews and Testimonials
An amazing website or level of education is not enough to tell you about how an aspiring book coach can help you improve your manuscript. Of course, someone who wants to sell their services will tell you great things about their skills and potential, but that is not all you can rely on.
If you want to secure the best talent in the market, you must take your time to research the right match for your manuscript. One way to do so is to look into their track record. You must look for evidence of their experience and success in helping other writers.
The easiest way to do so is to read their reviews and ask them for testimonials. A coach with a proven track record is more likely to deliver results. If they are hesitant to share their testimonials, it is best to look for other options.
- Ask for Referrals
If you have decided to write a manuscript, you are likely to know many other people on the same path as you. Some may already have published a book or two, and others may be planning on doing so in the future. This means that you are surrounded by people in the writing field.
The ways your friends and colleagues can help you are not limited to providing feedback on your manuscript. They can also help you get in touch with professionals such as a writing coach whom they may have worked with.
You can always rely on your fellow writers and mentors to help you find a book coach. After all, personal referrals can be one of the best ways to find reputable coaches who have a proven track record of helping writers achieve their goals.
- Prioritise Compatibility
Working with a book coach is not a temporary affair. It is a long-lasting professional relationship that can span over months. It is important to have someone compatible with your vision to ensure a comfortable and fruitful professional bond.
Working with someone who has bad communication skills or a completely different vision than yours can be very exhausting. Compatibility with your book coach should be the least of your concerns while trying to improve your manuscript. You must feel understood and supported at every step of this journey.
You must assess your potential book coaches’ compatibility with your vision and working style in the initial consultations. You must choose a writing coach whose teaching style resonates with you to ensure a smooth, professional relationship.
- Inquire About Trials
Many book coaches provide potential clients with free sample sessions and initial consultations. These trials help the clients get a glimpse of what working with them will feel like and how they can help them improve their manuscripts.
Book coaches understand the importance of compatibility for authors seeking their services. That is why most of them offer free trial courses for their potential clients.
You can ask your writing coach about their free trial sessions to see if they are the right match for you. Pay special attention to their teaching style, communication skills, and other factors that are important to you.
This session can also be your opportunity to discuss their coaching approach and methodology to choose the professional who best suits your needs and preferences.
