Writing coaching

[Teresa Edgerton]

The learning styles is done using Honey and Mumford and supported by a Myer-Briggs profile, so are the proper researched models as opposed to the more simplistic questionnaires that are often bandied about.

Right there you just lost me. It's not a language I speak.

But then, I was probably never the type of client you were going for anyway (you know, the kind who can afford to pay you).

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Right there you just lost me. It's not a language I speak.

But then, I was probably never the type of client you were going for anyway (you know, the kind who can afford to pay you).

But that was the response to someone - with evidently a theoretical background - asking specifically for an explanation of the theory. It's not something I'd go into detail about in a session (they'd know it was about learning types and whyy I do it but not the detail of the theory) unless they wanted to know.m

But it's not for everyone, of course. It's a very specific way of learning and, crucially, only works if both parties buy into it. I suspect, at our contracting, I'd be gently suggesting it might not be for you. Which is what makes my approach a professional one rather than a 'take your money and run' scheme.

So, how do I get all that across in a blurb?

If anyone is interested in guinea-pigging, shoot me a PM. It would give me a chance to see if it works for writing and how much time it takes and you'd get the benefit of a coach's input for a specified time. I hold a postgraduate level qualification in coaching and mentoring and also quality assure coaching programmes for a leading Awarding Organisation. I've been a coach for ten years (and now feel very old...) i don't think I'd be able to take on more than a couple of people at the moment, though.

 

[millymollymo]

It's a very specific way of learning and, crucially, only works if both parties buy into it. I suspect, at our contracting, I'd be gently suggesting it might not be for you. Which is what makes my approach a professional one rather than a 'take your money and run' scheme.

So, how do I get all that across in a blurb?

In a past life I 'helped' with business development. I'd suggest honesty, as you have explained it here. Expanding on the idea that cynicism will erode their aims. Soul searching and being truthful to themselves - about themselves(much like weight loss,) and their goals, will bring the greater reward.
Make no promises, but, outline the possibilities, stress that the end result relies utterly on their commitment.
Bullet point the ideas you want to get across, need to establish and must communicate. (all different points to reach the clients your aiming for).

 

[Mouse]

I'm confused... this thread is long, and I'm lazy...

So, what would you actually be doing? I thought it was like, teaching people how to be less crap at writing, but I think I'm wrong. What's the difference between teaching and coaching?

Say if it was me who came to you, you wouldn't run through how to suck less at description, for example, but you'd... show me how to write a query?

I am slow today, I've not been up long.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Greetings...I hope the thoughts of a novice (both at writing, and as a member of this forum) might be of some use. I will mention that I was a journalism major in college, and a lack of confidence in my writing skills kept me from accepting job offers from several fair-sized American newspapers after graduation. Now, retirement has given me loads of free time...and this wonderful Chronicles has given me the seed of an idea that perhaps I might consider trying my hand at writing stories (after a lifetime devoted to reading stories, and admiring so many skilled authors). But there is inertia to overcome...I haven't written in 30+ years. And there is a need to develop basic writing skills...having an instinct to the correctness of usage is not enough, I would think, for someone who wishes to create and sell quality stories. And then there is the habit of writing...Asimov or Stephen King (or perhaps both) once said that to be a writer, a person has to write, and write constantly. I have no such habit at the moment (except for here at the Chronicles, now! ), and would need encouragement in developing this habit (imposed deadlines, a barbed whip, something!). And then once I have overcome all of these issues, I would need proper feedback and criticism.

So, I hope that all makes sense. I think there must be markets for the coaching of beginning writers, and those close to submitting stories to agents/publishers, and pros who have hit a rough patch. I think there may/must be people out there who would develop best working only by themselves, but that there must be a market for people who need a bit of guidance to try to reach the next level in their writing odyssey. (I hope it wasn't pretentious of me to respond!)

 

[Jo Zebedee]

@Mouse - no I wouldn't try to teach you descriptive writing.apart from the obvious reason (my own descriptive writing) there are two main reasons:

It's a skills-based thing ie a specific skill you want to learn. Coaching isn't the best tool for skills-based learning. Mentoring might be but we're writing peers ie my skills aren't higher than yours, and so I wouldn't be your mentor. Someone like Teresa could be, though.

You already have access to what you need to achieve it - feedback, drive, ability.

But, if you asked a different question eg that you needed advice to decide what type of descriptive writing to incorporate that might become more relevant to coaching - as it's about development. (I think there are still better tools out there, though.)

So, no, coaching isn't teaching. It's closer to facilitation than anything, although occasionally there are training needs addressed if it's relevant to the sessions and if the coach is specialist enough in your field to also mentor. (So I might work with a newer writer on descriptive skills because I would have the knowledge to mentor them.)

@Quellist, thank you for responding (not pretensious at all, very helpful)

Yes, that type of scenario is where coaching is useful - your goals are clear and developmental (to develop a writing habit and to establish the key skills needed) and exactly where a coach would help. They would talk with you, decide what's realistic for you, and then set agreed goals between each session, and then review where you're at, and support the next stage.

@Millymollymo, that's really helpful. Thankyou!

 

[ZombieWife]

I have a close pal who is a writing coach. And he's one of those rare people who really can pull it off. Not only is he a published writer, but he gives truly awesome feedback. No matter the genre. He's helped me pro bono before (he won't take my money). That said, if I came across someone who had the "goods" and really helped me along, I absolutely would pay.

The thing I've seen, however, is that I have no idea how GOOD this person is at "coaching" me along unless I see it firsthand. Not sure if someone in that sort of business can offer 1-2 pages free to give people an idea of what they're getting into first.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I have a close pal who is a writing coach. And he's one of those rare people who really can pull it off. Not only is he a published writer, but he gives truly awesome feedback. No matter the genre. He's helped me pro bono before (he won't take my money). That said, if I came across someone who had the "goods" and really helped me along, I absolutely would pay.

The thing I've seen, however, is that I have no idea how GOOD this person is at "coaching" me along unless I see it firsthand. Not sure if someone in that sort of business can offer 1-2 pages free to give people an idea of what they're getting into first.

Is he a coach or an editor, Zombie? If he's reviewing work and feeding back, I think that's like what Teresa does - developmental editing?

This would be different - not focused solely on the writing but about where the person wants to go with it and how to get there. Not that i'm ruling out giving feedack, perhaps, but I wouldn't set myself up as an editor. I have no quals, no experience and a horrendous ' problem

 

[tinkerdan]

This sounds a lot like those writer workshops where you pay to go to camp and work under the tutelage of known professionals. Usually with a distinct schedule of events that might include speed writing and later sharing and reviewing.

Only, in this case, it would be like taking this to a one on one phase that, frankly, sounds like it would be much more expensive.

The Clarion Writers' Workshop at UC San Diego used to also do an east coast sometimes in around Michigan but I think as of late they are restricting themselves to California.

If I recall correctly there is a group with the L. Ron Hubbard people that still conduct classes along with their contests and awards.

That much said there do seem to be some various 'authors' and groups out there who will do something similar on line for a trade of money.

I think that teaching such things as the writing of synopsis and query letters and presentation of material and the presentation of the authors themselves would be something well worth paying someone who knows the business well enough to give broad enough instructions.

It sounds good as long as there is an understanding that; 'you can lead a horse to water...'

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Only, in this case, it would be like taking this to a one on one phase that, frankly, sounds like it would be much more expensive.

I think my earlier posts probably contributed to this - my rates tend to be pretty low (compared to most consultants) - mainly because my focus lies elsewhere (on the work itself and - ahem - wanting to work my own hours so I can write ) it would be more than a one-day training course but probably on a par with something like a three day one.

That much said there do seem to be some various 'authors' and groups out there who will do something similar on line for a trade of money.

But I wonder how many of them are qualified to coach? Perhaps that's where I should put the emphasis - less on the writing aspect, more on the coaching aspect (in which case I have loads of testimonials I can get.)

It sounds good as long as there is an understanding that; 'you can lead a horse to water...'

Pretty much the buzzword of all courses requiring an outcome.... but, yep, the coach facilitates and support - the coachee has to put something in too or it's a useless exercise. And there are times I've walked away and said, 'sorry, can't do it for you...'

 

[ZombieWife]

Is he a coach or an editor, Zombie? If he's reviewing work and feeding back, I think that's like what Teresa does - developmental editing?

This would be different - not focused solely on the writing but about where the person wants to go with it and how to get there. Not that i'm ruling out giving feedack, perhaps, but I wouldn't set myself up as an editor. I have no quals, no experience and a horrendous ' problem

He edits as well, but offers "coaching" in terms of how to develop your story. He'll look at outlines, character write-ups, and give deadlines and such.