What is a Writing Coach? [And Do You Need One?]

Let’s be honest: writing a book isn’t hard because you lack intelligence or discipline. It’s hard because you’ve never done it before—and there’s no clear roadmap. Even if you’re a smart professional, a high-achiever, or someone who loves writing, the truth is you’ll likely hit a wall at some point in your writing journey.

That’s where writing coaches come in. Not as editors, not as ghostwriters—but as guides who help you think clearly, write effectively, and finish what you started. I’ve coached over 130 authors across industries, and what they all had in common wasn’t a lack of talent—it was a lack of clarity, structure, and confidence.

So what is a writing coach, exactly? How do they differ from editors or consultants? And how do you know if you need one? This article will answer all those questions and more—especially if you’re working on a nonfiction book, memoir, or business manuscript.

What is a Writing Coach?

A writing coach is a professional who helps you think through, plan, and execute your writing—especially when you're working on long-form, high-stakes projects like a nonfiction book or memoir. Think of them as a strategic partner. Unlike an editor who comes in after you’ve written, a writing coach helps you shape the project as you write it.

But let me be clear: writing coaches are not glorified editors or grammar police. They are process experts, mindset partners, and structure strategists. Their job isn’t to write for you—but to help you write at your highest level. The best writing coaches help you see the ideas you can’t see, say what you really mean, and show up consistently to finish your book.

A good writing coach understands the emotional side of writing, too. The procrastination. The second-guessing. The imposter syndrome that creeps in after the third chapter. Coaches don’t just guide your words—they guide your thinking. They help you manage your mindset, set realistic milestones, and stay accountable.

It’s important to distinguish writing coaches from similar roles:

• Consultants offer advice and frameworks based on experience. They’ll tell you what to do.

• Mentors draw from their own journey to guide yours. Their role is relational and often informal.

• Editors come in at the end to clean up the manuscript and prepare it for publishing.

• Ghostwriters do the writing for you, often after detailed interviews or outlines.

A writing coach? They walk beside you through the entire process—asking smart questions, offering critical feedback, and keeping you on track.

If you’ve never written a book before (or tried and got stuck), this type of support can be the difference between a manuscript that collects dust and one that actually gets published.

What Does a Writing Coach Do (and NOT Do)?

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that a writing coach is just an accountability partner—or worse, a glorified proofreader. In reality, a professional writing coach brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, creative development, and psychological insight to the table.

Here’s what an experienced writing coach actually does:

• Clarifies your book idea so you stop second-guessing yourself

• Helps you structure your content into a logical, readable outline

• Guides you through the writing process from messy first draft to polished manuscript

• Identifies mental roadblocks like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout

• Holds you accountable with realistic deadlines and weekly or biweekly check-ins

• Develops your writing skills through personalized feedback and high-level critique

• Supports your long-term goals—whether that’s getting a book deal, building a platform, or leaving a legacy

Let’s also talk about what a writing coach does not do.

• They don’t rewrite your sentences for you. That’s what an editor does.

• They don’t ghostwrite your manuscript. That’s a ghostwriter’s job.

• They don’t make you dependent on them. A good coach empowers you to write without them.

At Trivium Writing, many of our coaching clients also use our editing services and book consulting options. The key difference?

Writing coaching is done with you. Editing is done for you.

When you’re writing a book that matters, the process is just as important as the product. A writing coach helps you build the skills, mindset, and structure to not just write this book—but future ones as well.

Who Should Hire a Writing Coach?

Not every writer needs a coach for every project. But if you’re serious about writing a nonfiction book, memoir, or thought leadership piece—and want it to stand out in your industry—a writing coach can help you do it faster, better, and with far less stress.

Here’s how to know if you’re ready:

• You have a book idea, but don’t know where to start

• You’ve started writing, but now you’re stuck—or lost

• You’re overwhelmed by the publishing process and don’t want to waste time

• You’re a business owner or executive with a powerful story or message, but no clear path to sharing it

• You’ve written articles, blogs, or essays, but a book feels like a different beast entirely

• You’re committed to writing a high-quality book, but want expert guidance along the way

I’ve coached clients from all walks of life—tech founders, health professionals, lawyers, educators, creatives. Some had already written hundreds of pages. Others only had a working title and a dream.

What they shared was a desire to write something worth reading. A book with structure. A book with purpose. A book that would make an impact.

If that sounds like you, writing coaching is not a luxury—it’s an accelerant. It moves you from someday to done.

Related Resource: If you’re writing a nonfiction book that matters, check out our Easy Book Writing Method to get a head start.

Writing Coach vs. Editor vs. Ghostwriter

One of the most common questions I hear from prospective clients is this:

“Do I need a writing coach, or should I just hire an editor or ghostwriter?”

It’s a valid question—because while all three professionals support your writing, they serve completely different roles. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, skill level, and how involved you want to be in the writing process.

Let’s break it down:

Writing Coach

• Helps you develop your ideas, organize your content, and build your writing skills

• Guides you through the writing process with feedback, strategy, and accountability

• Works with you to improve your mindset, confidence, and discipline

• Ideal if: You want to write the book yourself but need structure and support

Think of a writing coach as your creative partner and strategist.

Editor

• Comes in after you’ve written your draft

• Focuses on improving clarity, grammar, sentence structure, and flow

• May offer developmental edits (big-picture suggestions) or line edits (sentence-level refinement)

• Ideal if: You already have a complete manuscript that needs polishing

An editor prepares the manuscript for publication—not for writing.

Ghostwriter

• Writes the book for you based on your ideas, interviews, or notes

• Handles everything from outlining to full manuscript delivery

• Often works behind the scenes, with your name as the author

• Ideal if: You have ideas but no time, interest, or bandwidth to write yourself

A ghostwriter takes the reins. You stay in the driver’s seat with a coach.

In my work, I’ve worn all three hats—but coaching is where the real transformation happens. With a coach, you don’t just get a book. You become the kind of person who can write books—and keep writing them.

That’s a skill that compounds over time. And for most authors, especially first-time ones, that kind of development is worth more than a polished manuscript alone.

What Kind of Writing Coach Do You Need?

Not all writing coaches are created equal. And that’s a good thing—because the right coach for a novelist won’t be the right fit for a business leader writing a nonfiction book to grow their brand.

If you’re searching for the right coach, start by asking yourself two key questions:

1. What type of book am I writing?

2. What kind of support do I need most—strategy, structure, mindset, or skill-building?

Here’s a breakdown of common writing coach specializations:

By Genre or Writing Type:

• Fiction Writing Coaches specialize in storytelling, world-building, and character development. Ideal for novelists or short story writers.

• Nonfiction Writing Coaches focus on structure, clarity, persuasion, and research. Ideal for thought leaders, subject-matter experts, and memoirists.

• Book Proposal Coaches help authors pitch their books to agents or publishers—particularly useful in the traditional publishing world.

• Creative Writing Coaches can guide poetry, personal essays, or hybrid forms, often with an academic or literary angle.

• Business Book Coaches (like me) support professionals in crafting books that elevate their authority and grow their influence.

By Process Focus:

• Mindset-Oriented Coaches help you overcome fear, perfectionism, or imposter syndrome.

• Productivity-Focused Coaches build systems and routines to help you write consistently.

• Developmental Coaches work closely on your ideas, structure, and messaging.

• Hybrid Coaches (like those at Trivium Writing) combine strategic, emotional, and technical support.

Credentials vs. Track Record

You might be wondering: Do credentials matter? The short answer is yes—but they’re not everything.

Some coaches are certified through writing or coaching institutions. Others hold MFAs or have experience in publishing. But what matters most is their track record:

• Have they helped real clients produce real results?

• Do they have testimonials, case studies, or published client books?

• Are they knowledgeable in your genre and industry?

• Do they understand the publishing industry—and the difference between traditional and self-publishing?

• Most importantly, do they get your voice, vision, and values?

Pro Tip: If you're writing a business book, hire a coach who actually enjoys—and reads—business books. You’ll save countless hours trying to “translate” your ideas.

My Approach to Coaching 

I didn’t become a writing coach because I loved reading or editing. I became a coach because I believe powerful ideas deserve to be written—and most people just need the right structure and support to get them out.

Over the past several years, I’ve helped more than 130 professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders write books that build their authority, grow their businesses, and tell their stories with clarity and conviction.

Here’s how the Trivium Writing coaching process works:

1. Discovery + Deep Dive

Every client starts with a 60–90 minute discovery session where we unpack your book idea, your goals, your obstacles, and your audience. This isn't fluff—it's where we build the strategic foundation your book will stand on.

You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and a realistic game plan.

2. Custom Book Strategy & Writing Plan

Based on your goals and writing style, we develop a tailored writing roadmap. Whether you're writing before breakfast or carving out weekends, we align your book's structure with your life—not the other way around.

We create the blueprint for your first draft, so you know what to write and when.

3. Weekly or Biweekly Coaching Sessions

This is where the real magic happens. We meet consistently to review your progress, refine your content, and tackle roadblocks—whether they're strategic, structural, or psychological.

Some weeks you need help with your outline. Others, you just need someone to say, “You’re not crazy—keep going.”

4. Ongoing Feedback & Accountability

You’ll submit pages regularly for high-level feedback—not just “this sounds good,” but “this could hit harder,” or “here’s how to tighten this argument.” You’ll also get deadlines, check-ins, and support that keeps your momentum alive.

5. (Optional) Editing & Publishing Support

When your draft is ready, we can step in with full editing services and publishing guidance—whether you want to self-publish or pitch to agents.

Many of our clients go from idea to published author within 6–12 months.

What sets my approach apart isn’t just the strategy. It’s that I care about the writer as much as the writing. Your book isn’t just a project—it’s a piece of your legacy. And you deserve a coach who treats it that way.

Ready to take the first step? Book a free clarity call to see if coaching is right for you.

How to Find the Right Writing Coach for You

Hiring a writing coach is a personal decision. You're not just choosing someone to help you write—you’re choosing someone to partner with you creatively and professionally. The right coach can accelerate your growth. The wrong one can stall your momentum.

So how do you choose?

Start by looking for these four key factors:

1. Relevant Experience and Track Record

The best writing coaches don’t just talk about writing—they’ve done it. Look for someone who’s written books themselves (ideally in your genre) and has helped others do the same. Ask for:

• Testimonials or case studies

• Client success stories

• Examples of published work

At Trivium, many of our clients have gone on to publish impactful books in business, personal development, health, and memoir. Some have landed book deals, built speaking careers, or used their book to grow their business.

Credentials are nice. Results are better.

2. Genre + Audience Alignment

Find a coach who understands your world. If you’re writing a business book, a coach who specializes in fiction likely won’t be the right fit. Look for someone who:

• Reads and enjoys your genre

• Knows your audience's expectations

• Understands your goals—whether it’s authority, impact, or leads

If you’re writing a book to grow your brand or business, we specialize in exactly that.

3. Clear Process + Communication Style

Ask how the coaching works:

• Is it weekly or biweekly?

• Do they provide written feedback?

• Do they review your pages and outline?

A good coach should have a structured process but remain flexible to your needs. Most importantly, you should feel safe, respected, and creatively energized in their presence.

4. Chemistry and Trust

This part can’t be skipped. Writing is vulnerable work. You need to feel like your coach gets you—your vision, your voice, your goals.

Before committing, set up a discovery call. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel understood?

• Do they ask good questions?

• Do I feel motivated after talking to them?

If the answer is yes, you may have just found your person.

What It’s Like to Work With a Writing Coach

Most people imagine writing a book as a solitary grind—late nights, blinking cursors, and cups of cold coffee. And sure, some of that is true. But when you work with a writing coach, the experience shifts entirely.

You’re no longer stuck in your own head. You’re no longer second-guessing every sentence. You’re no longer carrying the entire weight of the book by yourself.

Instead, you’re collaborating with someone who knows the terrain—who’s walked it with dozens of others and knows exactly where writers tend to get stuck, lose momentum, or sabotage themselves.

Here’s what it typically looks like after the first few sessions:

• You’ve gone from scattered notes to a clear outline

• You’ve stopped rewriting Chapter 1 for the 12th time and started writing forward

• You feel accountable, but not pressured

• You’re writing more consistently—and with greater confidence

• You’re getting actionable feedback, not vague praise or criticism

• You finally feel like, “Yes. I’m really doing this.”

Clients often tell me that coaching feels like having a co-pilot—a trusted professional who sees the big picture, knows what’s coming, and reminds them why they started in the first place.

One client described it this way: “Before coaching, my book was an idea. After coaching, it was inevitable.”

And that’s the point.

Working with a writing coach isn’t about just finishing a book. It’s about becoming the kind of writer who can finish books. Again and again.

Common Myths About Writing Coaches

If you've never worked with a writing coach before, it's easy to misunderstand what we actually do. Over the years, I’ve heard nearly every myth and misconception—often from people who really needed coaching but talked themselves out of it.

Let’s break down the most common myths I hear (and why they’re wrong):

Myth 1: “Only bad writers need a coach.”

This is one of the most damaging beliefs—and it couldn’t be further from the truth.

In reality, great writers seek feedback. Great writers know they need outside perspective. Even bestselling authors work with coaches and editors to sharpen their ideas and elevate their craft.

Olympic athletes have coaches. So do world-class musicians. Why shouldn’t serious writers?

Myth 2: “A writing coach is just an expensive editor.”

Not even close.

An editor helps you after you’ve written the book. A writing coach helps you while you’re writing it. They work with you on:

• Structure and pacing

• Clarity of ideas

• Emotional tone

• Reader experience

• And your writing mindset

A coach doesn’t just clean up sentences—they help you create something worth saying in the first place.

Myth 3: “I should be able to do this on my own.”

Maybe. But why make it harder than it needs to be?

Most people who try to write a book alone end up stuck in a cycle of starting, stopping, doubting, and rewriting. And they often give up before they ever reach the end.

Writing a book without support is like trying to build a house without a blueprint—or a foreman.

You can do it alone… but it’ll take longer, cost more (in time, energy, and opportunity), and the final product may not reflect your true vision.

Myth 4: “It’s not worth the money.”

This one depends on what your book is worth to you.

If your book could land you a speaking gig, a book deal, or a stream of qualified leads for your business—then coaching isn’t an expense. It’s an investment.

Many of my clients have recouped their investment within months of publishing—either through new opportunities, increased authority, or lead generation.

If your book has the potential to change your life or career, it’s worth doing right.

Ready to Finally Write the Book You've Been Thinking About?

There’s a reason your book idea keeps coming back. It matters.

Whether it’s a story only you can tell, a message your industry needs, or a framework that could transform lives—you don’t need to write it alone. In fact, you probably shouldn’t.

A professional writing coach helps you take that idea from the back of your mind and turn it into a clear, structured, high-quality book you’re proud of. One that actually gets written, published, and read.

I’ve helped 130+ clients do exactly that—many of them busy professionals, first-time authors, and people who once said, “I don’t know if I’m a real writer.”

Here’s what they learned:

• You don’t need to be a perfect writer.
  
  
• You need the right process, support, and strategy.
  
  
• And you need to start.

Your book won’t write itself—but with the right help, it will finally get written.

Ready to make real progress?
Book your free clarity call today and let’s talk about your goals, your obstacles, and how we can bring your book to life—step by step, page by page.

To learn more about our services and track record, book a free call.