Writing with the help of coaching - how this is done

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How can coaching help you to write that first book? Why should I pay for a coach? Is it worth it? Why shouldn't I just sit and write my story, my way? These are some questions that some of you are tossing around in your mind at this time.

You have thrown out the idea to your friends, family and favourite network that you are thinking of writing a book. You tell them that you have an idea of what you want to write about, but you do not know how to start. Your friends,  family and favourite network are quite helpful.

  • Some direct you to books on writing which surely, they say, can steer you in the right direction. 
  • Some send you a list of online resources for you to peruse to get direction. 
  • Some give you direct suggestions, based on their experience of writing. They tell you to go for it, to create an outline if you want to write non-fiction.  That is, to come up with some chapter headings and begin to write,  then edit later. Or, if you are going to write fiction, they tell you, then you'll have to take some time to learn about the conventions of fiction writing. 
  • Some assume that you need coaching to tackle this "big" project and offer their service, based on their own success that they have had writing.

You are overwhelmed with information. You are trying to figure out how to proceed. Should you go it alone, for now? That is, should you just unburden yourself on paper, then seek help with the editing later? Or, should you hire a coach to walk you through the process?

You may be scared of taking your first journey into writing all by yourself, so you want to know how hiring a coach can benefit you. No doubt, you will reap some benefits.

Benefits of writing with a coach

  • If you have very little knowledge of writing, the coach can help you with the technicalities of writing
  • The coach can provide you feedback as you write
  • The coach hopefully will provide you with editing services
  • The coach will guide you towards completing a book
  • The coach may provide you with information about getting your work published

These are wonderful services that the coach can provide, but remember that the book is your story that you want to tell. So, it is your responsibility to be assertive, to ensure that the book that is written tells the story that you want to tell, to the audience that you believe will benefit from reading your story.

Know that writing the story, with or without a coach, is the easy part, but getting your work to readers is the most difficult part. Therefore, if you do not have a publisher, be prepared to spend time and some money to market your work to your audience.

Coaching or no coaching?

So, in writing that book that you want to write, should you just get down to writing your story (whether fiction or non-fiction) then seek help to edit it later, or should you get a coach?

The choice is yours.

If you believe that you really need a coach, and can you afford to hire a coach, go for it! But if you need help, reach out to someone who has the knowledge and experience to help you.

However, if you prefer to explore what you are made of in terms of going this project alone, all the best with your writing!

Here are some writing tutorials to help you get that first work of non-fiction from your head and on to the page.

Before you go, spend a few minutes to browse the blog and do subscribe to get posts as soon as they are published. 

About the Author

Janette B. Fuller is a teacher and author of three books. Her business is to write stories set in the place she knows best – Jamaica – while also helping writers to write their own stories. 

When you are ready to write your story, make contact with her @ writingwisdomtree@gmail.com. Check out her books here. 













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