Book Coach or Editor: Which One Do You Need?
When I asked one of the most talented military scifi authors I know how he got to be so good on his first book, I wasn’t expecting his answer:
“I hired a book coach.” - B.R. Keid, military scifi genius
Impressed, another fantastic author, Rachel Ellyn—Romance and Cozy Mystery Maven—decided to hire this same coach.
They both were impressed with this book coach. And I had to wonder what made the experience so positive?
What even is the difference between a book coach and an editor? If you’ve been around a while, you might remember I tried coaching.
It was not for me. So my curiosity was piqued as to what this coach offered that so thoroughly pleased her clients.
In looking at the book coach’s proposal that she sent to Rachel, I can see she’s a pro, and her services, while having some similarities with editing, result in a different experience for the author.
The end result of both editing and book coaching is ultimately the same, but you’re left to your own devices with editing. You have a little (or a lot) more handholding with a coach, and some writers truly need that to thrive.
Obviously, both services cost money. The question is which do you need?
Difference between an Editor and a Book/Story Coach?
- Editing provides feedback and guidance once the writing is complete.
Coaching provides feedback and guidance as the writing progresses. - Editing happens in stages, one person at a time: the writer writes, then the editor edits, then the writer revises, then the editor reviews …
Coaching happens collaboratively as the project progresses, with regular, real-time check-ins. - Editing is primarily text-based, using editing and written feedback.
Coaching frequently occurs via Zoom and email as well as written feedback and editing. - Editing is generally considered a distinct, one-time service for hire.
Coaching is more like short-term consulting or a long-term mentorship. - Editing seeks to identify and course-correct issues in a manuscript.
Coaching seeks to prevent issues from creeping into the manuscript to begin with. - Editing guides writers to improve their work in progress.
Coaching guides writers to improve their work in progress and develop long-term mastery.
Ultimately, and cost permitting, you may decide you want both. But if you can only get one or the other, it comes down to your personality, what medium you work best in, and how much face-to-face time you need to learn.
If you don't need a coaching package, but would like a one-time consult with the Nonsense-Free Editor about your writing process or publishing plans, you can book with me HERE.
