Hiring A Writing Coach

The "but" is right on the money here. I love the comments I receive but they are 99% of the time lovely and encouraging. It would be nice to get some constructive criticism for my writing. Of course my problem is that I would take it too personally and obsess about what I could do better. Also, unless I was more serious about my writing it wouldn't make sense monetarily. You are sort of like a writing coach here Bill. I know when you write certain articles I take the advice and try to improve on my hubs.

As the old saying goes, caveat emptor(but is that for personal instruction, too?) I'd definitely want references, if I was in the market. Glad to know that a writing coach exists. I never knew!

Oh, that is so great! THANK YOU! I will be in touch...I will email you as soon as I have a block of time. I so appreciate this and I am SO excited!

God bless, Sparklea :)

Hi Billy Buc: I have kept this hub in my inbox to read later...and now is later :)

The whole time I was reading this excellent hub, I kept thinking, 'OH! I wish Billy Buc would be a coach!...after reading the comments I am so glad you are doing that! ( I DO think you are bionic or something...I am wondering if you ever sleep?)

I know you focus on novels, but I, a non-fiction writer, would be thrilled to get feedback from you because of your honesty and integrity...you would be right up front and to the point which is what I need.

The information you provide in this hub is exactly what I am looking for.

Please let me know if you would consider coaching non-fiction...if so, I will email you separately.

Thank you for this wonderful hub and congratulations on you starting this as a little side business. Blessings, Sparklea :)

I actually hired a writing coach in my younger years. I was trying to break into the short-story mystery market. I followed all his advice, but the difficulty was competing with established writers. At that time, everything was on paper with SASEs. I just didn't have the stamina for the rejections. The advice he gave me was to read the magazine for which I was trying to write (there were a couple of mystery magazines I was reading at the time), do a word count of each story and make sure my own story didn't exceed the maximum word count that had been published (writer's guidelines already tell you this). His fee was modest, so it was no skin off my back, but I certainly didn't publish, either. There are free sites online to develop one's skills if the intent to write is deep and sincere. So, no, I wouldn't go that route again.

Admitting you need a coach, whether it's for writing or anything else, is a HUGE step that is difficult for most people. But once they realize they need a new perspective or need to work on their weaknesses (or strengths!), then the decision is a no-brainer. I've hired coaches and consultants for a variety of issues over the years. Once I passed the "I need this" hurdle, then the real work begins.

The other hurdle was, as you noted, finding the RIGHT coach. Once that issue, too, was settled, the decision to hire a coach was very easy.

Hope your post helps those who need to make this important step!

Again Billy so well written and full of great advice. Don't ever leave HubPages because you are needed for sure. here's wishing you and Bev a wonderful day.

Eddy.

Best wishes for a successful launch as a writing coach. I can see where I will be needing one in the future. One can never quite critique their own work. Having experienced feedback is valuable.

Hi Bill - I will be taking my goal to my grave if I don't get some help soon.

This is such a great hub. Being a vocal coach, I totally get it. Expect a call soon. - Audrey

Good luck with your new business Bill.

You are clearly very experienced in a mentoring role and this may be just the speedy pathway to your writing retreat. Fingers crossed, to it taking you and Bev even closer. Anna. :)

I couldn't agree more. A writing coach can make or break. Haven't looked at my fiction efforts for some time. I recall a time it seemed perfect. Only when a group of critique buddies read and began questioning did I realise it was perfect - but only in my head. Constructive criticism is essential. I shudder to think of the damage an inexperienced coach might do. You have all the qualities to guide a writer through those difficult stages and towards success.. Confident your input will show you and your writers rewards.

Hi Bill, good advise here for people who would want to hire a writing coach. I hope you are having a lovely weekend. Sending you smiles my friend :-)

You would make a great writing coach. You are, after all, coaching us all here with your hubs!

FLASH.......Tobias appeared in my mailbox this afternoon......Had to open it and just LOOK at it in all it's splendor...then read front & back cover........No one will hear a"peep" from this reader until she's closed this book on the very last page...........Bye!

Bill, you've been writing coach for many of us for some time, advising, supporting, inspiring and motivating us to take the next step in achieving our individual dream. So... my friend, are you thinking of going 'pro?' :)

spontaneity bombshells emotions

your tips and hubs in general are useful and helpful...a writing coach.. yeah sounds better than a ghostwriter.. up and shared my friend

Thank you for sharing the helpful information, Bill. Good luck with your side business, too!

The “but,” of course, refers to the fact that growth does not come from kind words of praise. For this writer, growth will only come from constructive criticism and meaningful suggestions that will help me reach my true potential as a writer. I need a writing coach to provide those things.” I couldn't agree more. I know I’ve said this before, but constructive criticism is oxygen for a writer…we need it like we need the air we breathe. Great hub, Bill. :-)

I await patiently and rest my eyes.....so I can devour your book in one sitting.

Hi Bill - Great article as usual. I hope you will become a writing coach, as you already have teaching experience. Many of your hubs teach people how to be better writers. There you have it. The experience would enrich your life and others. I have a mentor who helped me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Pinning hub. Blessings. Audrey

Every time I see that picture I've wanted to ask this: Who's the GEEK in the baseball uniform?....(God, I hope your sense of humor is in tact today...or I'm in trouble) Have you already fessed up to being a Geek way back then?......and also, WHY does your hat look like "Olliie's" from the duo, "Stan & Ollie?".......LMAO......OK...OK....I'll admit it. I have some pictures from the '70's that should be burned.....you know, wearing the Hip-hugger, Flair-Legged pants and fluffly hair. I have one picture of myself in my parent's living room......and it's impossible to tell the difference between me and my mother's ornate floor lamp!.............

Have a happy FOURTH, bro......I only tease people I love. (BTW....this picture should be in your Bachelor Recipes Hub)

Always something more to think about from your this is one is no exception good luck.

Dearest Bill,

I fall into the category of the type person who, if I needed a maid's service, I would insist on cleaning the house before one arrived. Truth!

I did want to tell you that my characters have been talking to me and

I have been riding an emotional high! Just an incredible experience!

Happy 4th. my friend.

DJ.

Honest feedback from someone who has your best interests at heart is priceless. Best of luck on that side business, Bill.

Hi Billybuc - another great hub. Never thought of a writing coach but I can see where another set of eyes can be helpful. I notice when I change my focus I struggle. For example, I write a lot of clinical reports and they are straight forward and very formal, though when I write with flavor and style I struggle at times. But practice, practice, practice has been my motto.

Wait a second I thought I was the only one you coached right here write now on HP. Bill you always provide that base for fine growth, thank you.

Great idea in a side business Bill. You are the perfect "fit" for what is needed in a writing coach.

If I find any looking for a coach, I will send them your way immediately.

Bill, I pay a little over $28/month for my writing coach. He sends lessons weekly and sets optional homework assignments. I always opt for the homework. He sends me back a critique and suggestions. I save all his critiques so I have them handy when I finish my book and go into the editing phase. Although he's in the UK, he's easily accessible. He answers all my emails and we've even gotten to know some things about each other as people, which makes it nice. We have a great rapport. I don't know what kind of relationship he has with his other students, but I'm not a number to him. He knows exactly who I am when we communicate. I'm glad I have him and I'm glad he's the one I chose to coach me in fiction writing.

Interesting and informative. I was asked recently by a hubber to give advice on writing; I referred him to you. There is no way I can come close to the way you write succinctly about writing. I can do grammar and spelling, yes, but that's it.

It's so important for writers to know how to express what they want to say and to develop their style. How they do it varies of course, but a writing coach is a great idea for many.

Enjoy your Friday, bill, and have a wonderful weekend! Ann

Thank you for this information Bill. I was actually thinking of looking into a writing coach for myself for some time so this information is definitely useful for me. Once again, Another great hub my friend.