by Crystal Bowman
Back in the day—like thirty years ago—I met with a children’s editor who was interested in my idea for a beginning reader series. He liked the first two stories I had submitted and said they had potential. Then he passed me off to his assistant who worked with me for several months to make the stories worthy of bringing to the publishing board. My rewritten stories finally went before the “powers that be” who liked them enough to offer a contract for a four-book series. The books were published years later, and another four-book contract followed.
Sounds wonderful, right? Well, friends, I am sorry to say those days are gone. The editors at publishing houses are no longer looking for manuscripts that have potential. They want to see professionally written, polished stories that are almost ready to go to the printers. That doesn’t mean an accepted manuscript won’t go through rounds and rounds of revisions. It means that writers need to do everything they can to submit the best possible manuscript if they have dreams of being published. And most writers need help with that.
What is a writing coach?
If you belong to a critique group—that’s great! I know many writers who receive valuable feedback from their peers. But I have also seen manuscripts from writers who tell me, “My critique group says this is ready to go,” and it’s not.
A writing coach is someone who has been successful in the publishing industry with many years of experience. They are able to walk beside you in your publishing journey to help with editorial assessment, developmental editing, character development, and story building. Many writing coaches are certified, but years of experience is equally important—and be sure to hire someone who coaches the genre you are writing. Since I am a children’s author, I only coach writers who write children’s books for kids ages 0-10.
It’s a learning process.
A while back, a writer contacted me and asked for help with her picture book series. She spoke words that are music to my ears: “I don’t know what I don’t know.” With her open mind and willingness to learn I knew she would be a dream to work with. After reviewing some of her ideas, I told her that a picture book series would not do justice to what she wanted to write, and it would be difficult to market the books. I suggested she write a book of short devotions instead. Her brain flipped like a light switch and the flood gates opened. In a short time, she sent me dozens of devotions based on the topics she wanted to address. After working with her and guiding her through revisions, she had a full proposal with sample devotions ready to send to a publisher.
It will build confidence.
Many writers who plan on attending a writers’ conference are nervous that their manuscripts are not good enough. Writers should bring their best material to a conference since it may be their one chance to have an editor or agent review their work. Working with a writing coach prior to a conference can not only improve a manuscript, but also help the writer feel more confident when meeting with a professional.
It may open doors.
One of the writers I coached had a brilliant idea for a Bible storybook. She was an excellent writer, but a few of the stories needed some revisions. After improving her stories, she submitted her work to an acquisitions editor and received a contract that grew into a series.
Bottom line
Whether you seek traditional publishing or choose an independent publishing route, the goal is to submit the best version of your manuscript. As writers, we must strive for excellence and learn everything we can before sharing our words with the world. And—remember these wise words from a fellow writer who sought out a writing coach: I don’t know what I don’t know.
Join the conversation: How have you benefited from hiring a writing coach?
TWEETABLE
Thank you for your wisdom, Crystal. I, too, love your client's words: "I don't know what I don't know." In my opinion, there is nothing more important in growing as a writer than a teachable spirit. As a fiction writing coach, I have noticed that those who have such a spirit grow quickly and go farther than those who don't.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right! Thanks for commenting.
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