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 – whether it’s developing your ideas, overcoming writer’s block, staying accountable, or navigating the complex world of publishing.
Still, you might wonder if hiring a book writing coach is really necessary. Maybe you feel like you should be able to do this on your own, or perhaps you love the idea of having guidance but aren’t sure where to start or who to trust.
That’s completely normal. The process of writing a book is deeply personal, and finding the right support can make all the difference – not just in finishing your manuscript, but in how confident and motivated you feel along the way.
You’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why a book writing coach might be the missing piece in your writing journey, and how to find one that aligns with your goals, genre, personality, and budget.
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 4 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.
Search For Writing Coaches Online
While searching online for a book writing coach can feel a bit overwhelming, it’s one of the most accessible and wide-reaching ways to find the right fit for your needs. Your favorite search engine can connect you to hundreds of writing coaches, but knowing how (and where) to look can make the process much more effective.
Start with simple keyword searches like:
- “Book writing coach for first-time authors”
- “Writing coach for memoir writers”
- “Fiction writing coach with publishing experience”
- “Writing coach guild” or “certified writing coach directory”
From there, you’ll likely find a mix of individual coach websites, coaching collectives or guilds, and coaching programs. Many coaches also host webinars or online courses and advertise their services through content marketing – blog posts, interviews, podcast guest spots, or YouTube videos – so pay attention to the people who consistently show up with valuable insights. That often speaks to both experience and credibility.
Where Writing Coaches Show Up Online:
- Personal websites or professional portfolios
- Writing coach directories or guilds (e.g., The Author Accelerator, Editorial Freelancers Association, or the Nonfiction Authors Association)
- Facebook groups or writing communities (look for private groups dedicated to writing, self-publishing, or specific genres)
- LinkedIn and Medium profiles
- Online marketplaces like Reedsy, Upwork, or Fiverr (be cautious here and vet thoroughly)
- Guest appearances on podcasts, blogs, or writer conferences
How to Vet a Writing Coach You Found Online:
Not all writing coaches are created equal, so vetting is essential. Anyone can call themselves a coach, but not everyone has the experience, credentials, or communication style that will work for you. Here are a few things to look for:
Proven Track Record
Ask for a list of authors or books they’ve helped bring to publication. See if their past clients have published books similar to the one you’re writing – in tone, genre, or scope.
Testimonials and Reviews
Look for client testimonials on their website or request references directly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to past clients. Most writers are happy to share their experiences if it helps a fellow author.
Clarity and Transparency
A reputable coach should clearly outline their services, pricing, process, and expectations. Be wary of vague promises or coaches who can’t give you a straightforward explanation of how they work with writers.
Sample Session or Consultation
Many coaches offer a free discovery call or paid trial session. Use this opportunity to assess their communication style, see if they understand your goals, and determine if there’s a personality fit. You’ll be working closely. Chemistry matters.
Credentials or Affiliations
While formal certification isn’t required, coaches affiliated with respected writing organizations or those who have traditional publishing experience (as authors, editors, or agents) often bring valuable industry insight.
Specialization
Some coaches work best with fiction, others with nonfiction or memoir. Some focus on developmental work, while others specialize in accountability and structure. Make sure their expertise aligns with your stage and genre.
Query Editors
Many professional book editors also offer coaching, mentoring, or hybrid services that combine editing with author support and accountability. If you’re looking for someone with deep insight into story structure, pacing, language, and market expectations, an experienced editor could be an excellent choice for a writing coach.
Start by identifying editors whose work you admire. Perhaps they’ve edited books in your genre, written about the craft of writing, or come recommended by other authors. Explore their websites or professional listings to see if they offer coaching services or custom author support packages. Even if they don’t advertise coaching specifically, it’s absolutely worth reaching out. Many editors are open to mentoring writers and may offer tailored packages that blend feedback, guidance, and accountability.
You might be surprised by how approachable editors can be, especially when you come to them with clarity and professionalism. A simple, respectful inquiry explaining what you’re looking for (a coach to guide you through your draft, help shape your manuscript, or provide regular feedback) can go a long way.
What to Look For:
- Experience in your genre – Editors who know the conventions, reader expectations, and publishing trends in your genre will provide more targeted guidance.
- Testimonials or referrals – Look for editors who have successfully coached or mentored writers through to publication.
- Communication style – Since coaching involves ongoing interaction, you’ll want to make sure your personalities and working styles mesh well.
- Coaching approach – Some editors are very hands-on and structured; others may be more flexible and organic. Clarify expectations upfront.
As Always, Vet Carefully
Just as with any writing coach, it’s crucial to vet an editor before committing to a coaching relationship. Ask about their coaching background, request testimonials or case studies, and (if possible) schedule a consultation call. Make sure they’re not only skilled in editing but also capable of supporting you in a coaching role which includes encouragement, accountability, and strategic guidance, not just line edits.
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.
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!