The coaching process for writers is based on the premise that, given the right circumstances, we can all access our true writer’s voice and have a deeply rewarding experience of writing.

Coaching is a temporary relationship between a writer and a coach that honours each individual, their ideas and aspirations. Coaching is a process which guides writers to identify what actions are appropriate to move forwards positively from wherever they currently are with their writing and towards their vision of where they would like to end up.

For some, this journey leads to commercial publication. For others, alternative publishing options such as self-publishing or e-publishing prove to be the right way forwards. Regardless of how and at what level writers reach their readers, writing is an awesome form of creative expression which is extremely valid as an end in its own right and which coaching can support, facilitate and enhance.

Writing can be an extremely solitary activity and having the opportunity to check in regularly with a coach who has an objective view and the writer’s best interests at heart is in itself an immensely powerful part of the process. This level of support actually helps to sustain motivation and overcome any fears, doubts or challenges that are an inevitable part of the writer’s journey.

Further, the opportunity to work with a publishing professional who has inside knowledge of what publishers and agents are looking for provides a fertile ground for useful feedback at many different levels. Inevitably, this helps writers to develop expertise, enhance innate skills and learn what they need to know about publishing generally.

Coaching is an individual process and is normally organised between coach and writer to suit individual requirements.

Generally speaking, an initial exchange of information results in a programme of coaching sessions which are tailor-made for each writer.

Action can be recommended by the coach in advance of and in preparation for each session so that the writer can get the most out of their coaching time. Telephone consultations are common practice although face-to-face meetings can be useful at the beginning and email support can follow through on specific questions.

The short answer to that question is anyone who would like to develop their writing with the benefit of individual feedback, personal guidance and practical advice, and specifically writers who are serious about finding a publisher for their work.

Writers do not have to reach a certain stage before seeking the support of a coach. The process works equally well in the early stages of nurturing the creative spirit and developing a good writing practice, as well as preparing work for agents and publishers, writing a 1^st class proposal and making a strong pitch.

The world of publishing can be daunting for writers who have little knowledge of how it works or how to find their way in to the inner sanctum of publishers’ offices. The coaching process can demystify publishing and offer writers the gift of realising their full potential and achieving success with their writing – in whatever way that manifests for each person.

In addition to the benefits already outlined such as enriching the experience of writing, enabling writers to move forwards with confidence, developing skills, and working with professional guidance, coaching also offers a supportive approach to achieving results.

The confidential and non-judgemental nature of coaching allows writers to benefit from a working relationship that is specific to each person’s needs and designed to bring out the best for writers to enjoy both the journey and the destination. After all, as bestselling author Ursula Le Guin so aptly said, ‘ It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.’