Why You Should Consider Working With a Renown Author Coach
Like any other profession or hobby, we should learn from those who walked the path before us
Do you really need a coach
You don’t need a writing coach to be a good writer or a successful author. In the same way, you don’t need a piano teacher to be a concert pianist, or a golf teacher to be a golf pro. But if you, like me, feel that you have stagnated or if you want to hurry the process, hiring a good writing coach might be what you ‘re looking for.
It doesn’t lack (good) resources out there to help on your writer’s journey; from beginner all the way up to literary stardom. But there is only so much wisdom you can place in a book or a YouTube clip. Something gets lost in translation.
A good coach can bring something invaluable to the table. Someone that has been where you are now many times before. Someone that’s already done all the mistakes you’re about to do. A person who has felt the same low lows and high highs as you and can relate to you on a deeper level. Someone that knows exactly what will work and not. You can’t put all that in a book.
You are not only paying for a writing coach. You are investing in your writing career, your passion. You are paying for skills, inspiration, and experiences that will follow you for the rest of your life. For me, that’s a small price to pay. I spend more each year on streaming-subscriptions, books, and movies.
The coaching arrangement I am currently in costs 2.500 US dollars. That includes three workshops, a book on writing, up to 18 months of coaching, a full review of my manuscript and help with finding a publisher to pitch to.
Do the research
If you are to take only one thing from this article, this is it: Don’t blindly jump on the first opportunity that comes your way. It’s your money and time on the line, respect both. Unfortunately, there are bad coaches and writing programs out there. Programs designed to make someone, other than you, rich.
You are looking for something else, something special. You are looking for someone that lives and breathes literature. Someone that goes all in for the students.
It’s a humbling and touching experience when the coach is right there, pulling the wagon shoulder-to-shoulder with you. And it makes all the re-writings (oh, you will do many of those) so much easier when you know there is someone eagerly waiting for your next draft, hoping it’s the best it can be.
Ask around. Contact others that have finished the program. Don’t trust written praise on websites; a best-case scenario that’s only the tip of the iceberg, worst, it’s fake. If you know someone in the publishing business, ask them about the coach/program. I did, and my coach got praise everywhere I asked.
You will be vulnerable. It’s your passion on the line, maybe even your lifework at stake. If you don’t get the right coach, it can hurt your work, or even worse, your love for writing.
You will spend a lot of time together. The coach needs to know, and understand, your wants and needs. And your need to trust that the coach will treat you and your work with respect. Talk to the coach before you commit. I am a true believer in the power of face to face. Trust in your intuition to help make the right decision.
If possible, get a coach that teaches small groups. In my group, there are six of us. Six very different persons with very different projects. Not only do you get to test your work on a professional coach. But you also get other authors’ feedback; that’s the best alpha readers anyone can ask for. I got seven for the price of one.
Bonus tips on research: I would recommend a coach that has published books. Those who can’t do, teach — that’s not for you. My coach has published 16 books and a lot of essays. That means he has been where I am at least 20–30 times before.
Have the right mindset.
Be a bone-dry sponge. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to learn as much as possible.
Listen, be active in the discussions, and be critical. Be willing to try things you otherwise never would have done. It is tough when someone asks you to remove one of your favorite characters or change the perspective. You will kill many darlings, and you will feel the resistance strong in you many times my dear Padawan. But keep trying. I guarantee that you‘ll find something there, something new, something better.
Don’t accept everything. It is your vision; you know best what story you want to tell. Try new stuff, but if you don’t like it, throw it away. You are the author. Trust in yourself.
Curve your expectations. You will not go in as yourself and out, 18 months later, as the next J. K. Rowling. This is a small step for your career, but a huge step for your writing journey. You will come out at the other end with new tools, experiences, and skills. But it’s not a fast-author hack.
Enjoy the ride.
You have committed to something big. You have committed to your writing career. Celebrate it — enjoy it. It’s a step in the right direction, who knows, maybe this is what you need to finally get your craft out there.
I for sure will stand right here cheering for you!
Good luck, and happy writing!
Ses!
