FAQs
What's a book coach?
I'm like a personal trainer, but for your writing. I guide you through the process of narrative fiction as a combination of consultant, project manager, cheerleader, sounding board, editor, and accountability partner.
What kind of feedback do you provide as a coach?
I've had a bad experience with an editor/coach/critique partner. How are you different?
Hiring a coach is definitely a risk. I encourage you to spend some time on my website and getting to know me. My strongest desire is to see a writer succeed. I promise to always provide honest feedback, and my tough-love style is not for everyone. If you’re ready to work hard and maybe encounter hard truths, I’m happy to help!
Can you guarantee my success?
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in publishing or the creative world in general. I cannot in good faith promise you an agent, a book deal, or a best-seller, but I can promise you a stronger manuscript, a better understanding of the writing process, and honesty and empathy in my feedback.
I've never been published before. Is book coaching for me?
Of course! We all have to start somewhere. As long as you’re willing to learn, work hard, and are open to feedback, then coaching is for you. If you just want a yes-person to tell you how great you are and do the hard work for you, then I’m not the coach for you.
I've published several books, including a best-seller. Is book coaching for me?
Absolutely! The best way to up your game and stop from getting stagnant is to continue learning and working with people that have different perspectives and levels of expertise than you. An excellent TED talk on the subject is Atul Gawande’s Want To Get Great At Something? Get a Coach
How long will it take me to finish my novel?
Honestly? As long as it takes. Every writer is different, and so much is dependent on what you are writing, how clear your vision is, how much time you have to spend, how many books you have written before, and where you are in the writing process. My coaching packages come in three-month installments, but it’s likely to take six months or more unless you are particularly dedicated. My job isn’t to rush you to the end, but walk you through the process until you create something you’re happy with—only you can define what that looks like.
What genres do you accept?
How is book coaching different from a workshop or critique group?
Coaching is different because it’s one-on-one support focused 100% on you and your work. You don’t have to listen to a lecture designed for a different writing level. You don’t have to workshop your pages with writers who don’t have your kind of experience. You don’t have to read just a few pages to a writing group and hope they get what you are trying to do. This is all about your work, your pages, your process, and your goals.
Why should I choose you?
How do I become a book coach?
Author Accelerator is on a mission to raise the bar on book coaching – to help book coaches run successful, sustainable businesses helping writers do their best work. They have trained and certified more than 60 book coaches (including me!) through their Book Coach Certification Program. If you’re interested in doing this work yourself, click here to find out what book coaching is and here to become a certified book coach yourself . If you’re interested in working with a book coach on your writing, check out Mia P. Manansala, Author & Book Coach