10 Best Writing Coaches in 2024 (How To Hire One)

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the 10 Best Writing Coaches in 2023

We all need a book coach.

But most of us would-be authors are stubbornly independent and don’t like acknowledging that there’s still much to learn.

And the truth is, having a writing coach makes all the difference in transforming your book from good to great.

A writing coach guides aspiring authors throughout their writing journey.

They afford that much-needed but often disregarded assistance from the initial stages of book conceptualization to the final steps of editing and publication.

A writing coach has the intuition to identify a writer’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing constructive feedback to develop writing skills and storytelling abilities further.

The presence of a writing coach is a game-changer. Their valuable insights into the publishing industry will lead to your book’s success and your growth as a writer.

Starting your first book-writing journey can feel like a challenging undertaking.

However, with the guidance of a seasoned writing coach, this journey becomes more navigable. A writing coach provides critical, objective feedback, bringing clarity to your ideas and helping to hone your voice.

They guide you through the intricacies of the writing process, identifying potential pitfalls and steering you in the right direction.

This expert advice will help first-time authors avoid common mistakes, enhancing the overall quality of the manuscript. A writing coach improves your project and imparts knowledge and skills to benefit future writing endeavours.

Despite the initial investment, the value yielded from a writing coach’s expertise is immeasurable and can be the key to converting your manuscript from a draft into a polished, published book.

What to Consider When Searching for a Writing Coach

Hiring a writing coach isn’t as straightforward as you probably think. As with any profession, there are variables that you should consider when getting the best quality of service for your needs.

Area of Expertise

A coach’s area of expertise refers to the specific genre or type of writing they have the most experience and skill in. This could range from fiction and non-fiction to business writing, scientific research, or poetry.

Finding a coach who excels in your area of interest is essential as they can provide insights, guidance, and feedback that directly applies to your work.

They would be familiar with the conventions, structure, and subtleties of the genre or writing you’re undertaking.

They’ll guide your narrative voice, plot structure, character development, or any other relevant aspects in a way that aligns with the expectations and standards of your chosen genre or field.

In essence, a coach’s area of expertise is a critical factor in ensuring that their coaching will be beneficial, relevant, and conducive to your development as a writer.

Writing Coaching Style

Every coach has a different style of teaching.

Some may be more hands-on and provide detailed feedback, while others may adopt a more hands-off approach, guiding you to find solutions independently. See that their coaching style aligns with your learning preference.

The idea is to assess how you prefer being taught and match it with the coach’s teaching technique.

If you respond better to visual or auditory cues, a coach that relies heavily on verbal explanations and feedback may not be your best choice.

Similarly, if you tend to internalize the material more efficiently without constant direction from your coach, opting for a more hands-off approach may be preferable.

Selecting the right coach based on their teaching style can make the entire learning process much smoother and enjoyable as it allows you to learn at your own pace and in your preferred manner.

Experience and Track Record

Considering a coach’s experience and track record is crucial.

Look into their past successful projects, the authors they’ve worked with, and the books they’ve helped publish.

This information will give you an idea of their level of expertise and track record in the industry.

An experienced coach with a proven track record will likely be more effective at guiding you through the writing process.

Writer-Coach Compatibility

Your relationship with your coach is paramount. You will work closely with this individual, discussing your ideas, accepting their criticism, and learning from their experience.

Hence, it’s essential to find a coach you’re comfortable with and one who respects your ideas and vision. You should feel encouraged and motivated after your sessions, not demoralized or confused.

Availability

You may need to meet with your coach frequently, depending on your needs.

Ensure that their schedule aligns with yours and that they can provide the level of attention and feedback you require.

It won’t make sense to hire a coach who cannot dedicate as much time and energy as you need.

And don’t forget to factor in the cost of their services when deciding. Many coaches will offer packages or discounts for extended periods, so ask about any such arrangements that may be available.

Now with all the convincing aside, here’s our list of the best writing coaches in 2023.

1 – Bridget Cook-Burch

When you’re a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, it wouldn’t take long for readers to seek your guidance.

Bridget Cook-Burch has over a decade of experience in the writing industry, helping authors take their untapped potential to the next level.

She’s the author of a few published books and a successful writing coach, having worked with several authors to create award-winning stories.

She runs a company called “Your Inspired Story,” where she helps other would-be authors gain confidence about their stories and eventually make it big with them.

2 – Nick Courtright

Dr. Courtright is a fixture in book coaching and masquerading as a literature expert.

His portfolio includes works that appeared in some of the industry’s biggest publications, i.e., The Harvard Review and Boston Review.

As the founder of Atmosphere Press, he provides creatives with a platform to showcase and publish their stories.

Atmosphere Press’ principle is to create lasting relationships with their authors, which, in a way, is also an example of Dr Courtright’s writing coaching style.

He works closely with his authors to help them refine their stories, giving them attention and guidance.

3 – Mindy Gibbins-Klein

Mindy Gibbins-Klein, an experienced book coach, is the visionary behind The Book Midwife.

This exceptional platform provides invaluable support to aspiring authors who may be uncertain about how to begin their book-writing journey.

Since its establishment in 2002, The Book Midwife has guided and supported countless professionals and leaders in the art of writing and publishing their thought-provoking books.

Mindy firmly believes in the inherent potential of every book and its rightful place in the world, advocating for their creation and publication.

Gibbins-Klein is celebrated for her strategic approach that empowers aspiring authors to create their books with enhanced clarity.

4 – Allison Fallon

A lauded author and gifted orator, Allison Fallon has carved out a reputation in the literary world as a seasoned writing coach.

Her extensive work has touched countless readers and assisted a myriad of writers in realizing their dream of publishing their books.

Fallon’s coaching prowess extends beyond mere guidance, empowering authors to make substantive contributions to literature and share their valuable insights.

Like Bridget Cook-Burch, Fallon maintains a website called “Find Your Voice,” where she guides anyone who lacks the confidence to put pen to paper.

5 – David Henry Sterry

David Henry Sterry is one of the most sought-after writing coaches in 2023, thanks to his company called “The Book Doctors.”

The company was borne out of his decades of experience in the literary world, culminating in the publication of “The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published.”

Sterry didn’t start writing until 2001 but has achieved great success and recognition in the literary world.

Arguably his most renowned contribution to the industry was when he started a writing workshop for young people with a troubled past, including those who worked in the sex industry.

6 – Karen Roy

Roy has more than a writing coach up her sleeve; she’s an author, entrepreneur, and consultant.

Unlike everyone on this list, it was never her foray to become a successful author, but her exposure to a women’s networking group gave her the experience and expertise to co-write a book about leadership.

She’s a fixture in speaking engagements, a motivator, and a strategist who provides personalized guidance to authors.

Her forte is teaching entrepreneurs how to write books that showcase their respective expertise.

She leverages her diverse background in entrepreneurship and consultancy to offer a multifaceted coaching approach.

She works to empower professionals to channel their industry knowledge into narratives. Roy guides her clients through the writing process, from the book idea to forming a structured outline and, eventually, the drafting and refining stages.

7 – Holly Lisle

Holly Lisle is an accomplished author and a sought-after writing coach in the literary industry. She has written over 30 novels, selling over a million copies of her books worldwide.

Holly Lisle’s impact extends beyond her successful authorship, as evidenced by her contributions to the education of fellow writers.

An example of her instructive work is her book, “Mugging the Muse: Writing Fiction for Love And Money,” geared towards nurturing the art of fiction writing.

She established an online hub for writers, the Forward Motion Writers’ Community, fostering a platform for collaboration and learning.

Her comprehensive course on novel writing and revision, “How to Think Sideways,” further demonstrates her commitment to enhancing the skills of aspiring and established writers.

8 – Jennie Nash

A maestro in the literary realm, Jennie Nash enjoys recognition as a formidable book coach and accomplished author.

She is the driving force behind Author Accelerator, a platform created to train book coaches, shaping the future of the profession.

Nash has penned the novel “Altared States: Surviving the Engagement,” showcasing her authorship.

Beyond her literary accomplishments, Nash serves as the national spokesperson for the Ford Motor Company’s Breast Cancer Awareness Program, indicative of her dedication to social causes. Her multifaceted career reflects her talent, passion, and commitment to her craft and community.

9 – Lisa Tener

Lisa Tener offers a unique and rather technical perspective as a writing coach.

Her expertise is teaching people to build a publishing strategy incorporating every modern aspect of being an author, i.e., social media, PR, ghostwriting, and even marketing.

Tener wants you to become an expert in platform building before even thinking about writing a book. She believes authors should understand the publishing business before they even think about developing a manuscript.

10 – Carla DuPont

Carla DuPont established her credibility as a sought-after writing coach with several published titles under her belt.

She authored “Love & War,” “Mask Off: A Sgt. Knight Novel,” and “Love Drug.”

She runs a literary consultancy firm called “Write with Carla,” offering aspiring writers the opportunity to improve their writing and mature as authors. Apart from coaching, her firm also offers ghostwriting and editing services.

Carla DuPont brings a wealth of experience as a writing coach, skillfully guiding authors through the intricacies of storytelling and book crafting.

Known for her approachable demeanour and clear, concise instruction, DuPont tailors her coaching to each author’s specific needs.

She focuses on character development, plot structuring, and narrative voice.

Aside from providing essential writing techniques, DuPont also offers guidance on the practicalities of the publishing industry.

This includes assistance in finding the right literary agents, understanding book marketing, and navigating the self-publication process.

Why Are You Better Off With a Writing Coach?

Navigating the literary world as an aspiring author is a journey strewn with obstacles and potential pitfalls. One of the most practical and beneficial steps you can take is to seek guidance from the best in the business.

Writing coaches, akin to personal trainers in the realm of writing, possess a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and insights into the industry that they’ve garnered over years of experience.

They offer invaluable advice on crafting narratives, building characters, structuring plots, and refining your writing style.

This guidance can help you avoid common mistakes and elevate your writing to a level that meets the publishing standards.

However, the benefits of a writing coach extend far beyond the remit of hopeful authors.

Writing is a versatile skill that finds utility in a variety of professions and careers.

A writing coach can prove indispensable whether you’re a business owner creating marketing materials, a researcher preparing a scientific paper, or a professional looking to enhance your communication skills.

They help refine your writing style, improve your articulation and precision, and foster a professional tone in your written communications.

By learning from the best, you tap into practical expertise, gaining the ability to shape your words in ways that suit your purpose, engage your audience, and achieve your objectives.