What Does a Book Writing Coach Do? Author Book Coaching Services Explained
If you’re an author, you’ve probably heard of a book writing coach.
You may well need one—especially if you’re a first-time author.
But you’ve got questions. And I’ve got answers. Why else would you be reading this? 😊
What is a book coach and what does a book writing coach do?
A book coach is: your mentor, teacher, co-strategist, and accountability partner. Your personal trainer for your author journey.
➡️Click here to see my book coaching services for nonfiction authors.
You’ve got a lot to learn and you don’t have enough time to do it. It’s easy to get stuck and overwhelmed. And it’s easy to get derailed.
A book writing coach can help you: hash out a concept, define your audience and goals, and outline your book.
Your coach will help you choose a title and plan the supporting elements of your book.
Sometimes the role of a coach is to be a thought-provoker or an idea- or a solution-generator.
There are some (expensive) book coaching programs out there. You might pay $3,000 or more for these.
They are often run by larger companies using coaches who have been trained in the company’s protocols. These programs may use a one-size-fits all (or most) approach.
Often times, these programs are “group programs” led by your coach via Zoom or other videoconferencing with limited one-on-one access to the coach.
How much does a writing coach cost?
Book coach rates vary wildly, starting at $60, but $100 an hour to $300 an hour or more is typical.
You might pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for a book coaching package or program, depending how comprehensive it is and what is included.
But consider the benefits:
You’ll learn more with coaching, and more quickly, than you could on your own. Your knowledge and skills with grow. You’ll learn things you can take with you on your next book.
How are book coaching services billed?
Nearly all book coaches accept online payments—you’ll receive an invoice or payment link—or in some cases can purchase a call or package directly from an online sales page.
Do I need a book coach near me?
No. There are plenty of book coaches online. Almost all book coaching is done online these days.
What else do book coaches do?
As discussed earlier, a book writing coach can help you:
Hash out a concept, define your audience and goals, and outline your book
Select a title and plan the supporting elements of your book
Develop a writing schedule and have someone to check in with about your progress and challenges
Test ideas, get strategies and tips
➡️Click here for an example of a book-writing coaching package.
In addition,
A book publishing coach can help you:
Draft and improve your query letter and book proposal (book proposal coach) and pitch your manuscript to publishers and/or agents
Prepare to self-publish and self-publish in a strategic way (self publishing coach / indie author coach)
➡️Click here for an example of a self-publishing coaching package.
You can also take a self-directed course and learn how to do this yourself, and get a ton of helpful resources and templates. Learn more about the Step-by-Step Self-Publishing Process—the online course that guides you through how to self-publish on Amazon and elsewhere.
A book marketing coach can help you:
Create a book marketing plan
Give you tools and tips for marketing your book
➡️Click here for an example of a book marketing coaching package.
You can also take a self-directed course and learn how to do this yourself, and a get a ton of helpful resources and templates on book marketing. Learn more about The Best Book Marketing Strategies—the online course that helps you get more publicity and sell more books.
Book coach vs. developmental editor: What’s the difference?
These are similar, especially at the early stages of a book.
Coaching is more like counseling in the short-term and one-on-one mentorship in the longer-term.
Coaching is more interactive—typically with video calls and often including regular check-ins.
On the other hand, developmental editing is less interactive—you usually get a lengthy report and comments on a Word document, though it may or may not include the opportunity for follow-up emails or calls.
➡️Click here to learn more about developmental editing for nonfiction books.
Working with a writing coach can be a great investment in your book and in your future as an author.
You’ll not only write better, faster, and more confidently; you’ll also have a more publishable book, and you’ll have some support and accountability.
You might also like:
Daniel J. Tortora book coaching services (for US nonfiction authors)
Daniel J. Tortora editing services (for US nonfiction authors)
The Best Books on Getting Published: Learn How to Score a Publishing Deal
Happy writing and publishing,
—Daniel (click on my name to learn more about me)