Why hire a Book Coach?

By Linda C. Senn

There has long been a certain mystique about writing a book. But it’s primarily a matter of planning, sticking to a schedule, and working with a knowledgeable book coach.

That book coach can help you move steadily forward through the writing process, from developing the seed idea through creating a working outline, and writing the full manuscript, all of which culminates in the incredible joy of holding your published book in your hands. And for an aspiring author, nothing helps more than working one-on-one with one who has walked the book writing path and lived to tell about it.

When you first dare to think about writing a book, several scary questions pop up: How do I start? What do I start with? What do I do if I get stuck? Here are a few of the ways in which your book coach can help. Together you will...

• look at your reasons for writing the book,
• narrow the focus of the book’s content,
• establish workable writing goals and deadlines,
• identify your target reading audience,
• look ahead to your short and long term goals,
• determine a personal writing schedule (revising it when necessary),
• plan the sections and chapters of your book,
• develop an outline,
• write the book,
• and finally rewrite and polish your magnificent prose!

Besides being a cheerleader, energizer, and teacher, a book coach can help you deal with writing lethargy (or writer’s block), inertia, lack of self-confidence, negative input from others, and other bumps along the writing road.

One of the coach’s primary duties is to keep the writer on track. Most clients benefit from weekly or bi-weekly assignments and goal setting. Every one of my clients has volunteered that the answerability to their book coach boosts their motivation. That’s why most coaches prefer for their clients to sign up for a minimum of three to six month periods. In doing that, the client makes a commitment both to himself and to the book coach.

Before beginning work with a coach, find out how many books she has written and published (or had published). Talk on the phone with her for a few minutes so you can get a sense of her style and temperament. Personal chemistry is an important aspect of this partnership. And never be afraid to ask questions.

An effective book coach can make the difference between just a pile of manuscript pages and a sparkling page turner!  

©  Pen Central Communications 2006

 

For additional information, contact Linda Senn at Linda@PenCentralOnline.com

 

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