what does a book coach do? and why do you need one?
Most of my non-writer friends have no idea what I do for a living.
A few know it has to do with books. And maybe writers.
When I say, “I’m a book coach,” they look at me like I just grew a third eye.
Sometimes when I feel like a smartass I add, “I’m training a team of books for the Olympics.”
My friends know I have a voracious imagination and that I like to make shit up. That’s a lot of what writing a novel is -- making shit up.
But, the trick is that it has to feel real to your readers.
As Tom Clancy said, “The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.”
No matter what genre you are writing in, your job is to make shit up that people are willing to spend their precious time and money on.
No small task.
But one that can be practiced and learned.
However, working with a book coach is about so much more than handing over cash to be told where your story isn’t working.
Here are 5 ways I support my clients.
#1 Consistent Writing Accountability
Dreaming about having written a novel is a lot easier than actually writing it. Being accountable for turning pages in on a deadline to someone that you’re paying can be a great motivator and build the discipline of showing up for your writing.
#2 Make Sure You Get Your Book Done
Turning an idea into a novel is a complicated and messy process. More complicated than stringing a bunch of cool ideas together and slapping a brightly-colored cover on it or sending it out to an agent.
#3 Insider Knowledge into What It Takes to Write a Good Novel
Identifying what’s not working is just the beginning. You don’t hire a plumber to look at your leaking faucet just to say, “There’s water coming out of that pipe.” If you want to avoid a leaky faucet in the future, you want her to tell you why it’s leaking and preferably how to fix it.
#4 Consistent Support for Your Entire Novel Process
Writing a novel is a difficult, longterm, emotional process. It’s priceless to have someone who understands what you’re going through and can help guide you beyond the desire to light your novel on fire.
#5 Know What It Takes to Get Published
Most writers spend all their time working on perfecting their writing craft. When it comes time to take their novel to market (getting an agent or self publishing) they’re not prepared for what’s waiting for them.
Book coaching is not for everyone.
I keep my client numbers small. Why? Because of everything I just listed above.
Caring audaciously takes ridiculous time and energy.
I don’t do this work to collect your money, slap a few notes together, and then send you on your merry way.
One-on-one book coaching is personal. It’s about building a relationship. It’s not a drive-thru editing job one-hit wonder like “Mambo Number 5.”
I’m invested in helping my writers find a better way forward to realizing their dreams.
I believe in you and I believe in your stories.
Hello!
My name is Jocelyn.
Story warrior, book lover, day dreamer, gardener, and creative. I help serious writers roll up their sleeves, get their novel ready for publishing, and reach readers. When I’m not elbow-deep in the story trenches, I’m outside world-building in my garden and battling weeds with my three criminal mastermind cats.