Once upon a time, writers who landed a publishing deal could count on an editor to guide them—not just through revisions, but through the whole messy process of turning a draft into a polished, publishable book. But the industry has changed. Editors are stretched thin, publishers expect near-perfect manuscripts, and self-publishing means many writers are navigating the journey solo.

Enter the book coach—part mentor, part strategist, part accountability partner.

What does a book coach actually do?

Think of a book coach as a personal trainer for your writing. They can help you:

✅ Develop your book idea and structure before you even start writing
✅ Strengthen your storytelling, characters, and pacing
✅ Stay motivated and on track with deadlines and feedback
✅ Work through self-doubt, procrastination, and creative roadblocks
✅ Navigate the ever-changing publishing world, whether traditional or self-publishing

A book coach isn’t just there to critique your work—they’re there to help you become a stronger writer while guiding you toward your publishing goals.

Is a book coach the same as an editor?

Not exactly. While editors typically step in after you’ve written a draft, a book coach can support you at every stage—from the first spark of an idea to getting the the final manuscript ready and out into the world. If you’re struggling to finish a draft, feeling stuck in revisions, or unsure if your book is even working, a book coach can provide the guidance and structure you need to move forward.

Would you benefit from investing in a book coach?

✅ You want to finish your stories but imposter syndrome is loud → That little voice saying, Who do you think you are to do this? is holding you back.

✅ You’re stuck in revision purgatory → You’ve written draft after draft, but something’s not working, and you can’t see how to fix it.

✅ You’ve been drafting forever → That first draft has been in progress for ages, and you just. can’t. finish.

✅ You have the skills, but not the manuscript → Writing degree? Years of experience? Still haven’t finished a book? You’re not alone.

✅ You’re querying, but agents aren’t biting → You’ve written multiple novels, but you’re not getting the traction you hoped for.

✅ Your self-published books aren’t landing → The reviews aren’t rolling in… or the ones that are seem to miss the point of your story.

Whether you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective, finding a knowledgeable, compassionate book coach who is a good fit for you and your story can make all the difference.

Want to learn more? Here is Jennie Nash, the founder of Author Accelerator with a series of posts on the subject of book coaching.

💡 What’s your biggest writing struggle right now? Drop it in the comments or send me a message.