Master Your Craft with Personalized Writing Coaching Services
- Carolyne Whelan
- Aug 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Everyone can write — I'm even in a college textbook alongside Michelle Obama and Roxane Gay called Everyone's an Author (3rd Edition with Readings) — but to be able to write well and have fun doing it is another matter. For people who struggled with grammar, are dyslexic (or dysgraphic), or otherwise felt more pressured than encouraged to write when they were younger, the idea of having fun writing might be foreign. Even for those who love to weave a good yarn, without structured feedback as an adult they sometimes worry that their family and friends are sycophantic readers and have no real clue if what they're writing is actually good enough to put out into the world or not.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, personalized writing help can take your craft to the next level. With tailored guidance, you can identify and overcome hang-ups like fears of not following the five-paragraph-essay formula or unwittingly starting every sentence with a prepositional phrase; refine your style and find your unique writing voice; and achieve your writing goals whether that's selling your first article (and learning how to even try), finishing your manuscript, or finally hitting "publish" on a blog post you can feel proud to share. Let me show you how personalized coaching can transform your writing and your relationship with the craft.
Why Personalized Writing Help Makes a Difference
Every writer has unique strengths and weaknesses. There are invaluable books our there, but how to apply them to your story and your struggles can be a major hurdle if you haven't learned that skill. And with a busy schedule, there are always better things to do than click on that self-guided online course (ask me how I know...). Personalized writing help focuses on your specific needs, providing targeted feedback and strategies. And with a coach who understands the damage that poor instruction can do and the value of student-centered guidance, confidence grows quickly and with it: results.
Most writers don't struggle with just one particular weakness. While a great turn of phrase can make us feel like demigods, it's not a singular Achilles Heel we need to nurture. Writer's block, dry and uninspired writing, and incohesive thesis may all be working against the story or idea buried inside a writer. A good writing coach will dig into not just the most obvious symptom, but look at the issues holistically, find the root cause, and work on that while also coaching through the writing at hand through editing guidance.
Personalized help also encourages accountability. Regular sessions create deadlines and motivation to keep writing. You receive constructive criticism in a supportive environment, which is essential for growth.
How to Choose the Right Personalized Writing Help
Finding the right coach or service is crucial. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
Identify Your Goals
Are you writing a novel, academic papers, business content, or blog posts? Different coaches specialize in different areas, and each goal or style requires its own structure of coaching.
Check Credentials and Experience
Look for coaches with proven expertise and positive testimonials. Experience in your writing genre is a plus.
Evaluate Communication Style
You want a coach who listens well and explains concepts clearly. A good rapport makes the process enjoyable.
Consider Flexibility and Availability
Choose a coach whose schedule aligns with yours and who is available to provide the sort of accountability you need.
Review Pricing and Packages
Understand the cost structure and what is included. Some offer packages with multiple sessions or additional resources.
One excellent option is to explore writing coaching services that offer personalized plans tailored to your unique writing journey.
How much does a writing coach cost?
The cost of hiring a writing coach varies widely depending on experience, specialization, and session length. Some coaches volunteer their time at public libraries or through school programs, while others charge hourly, between $50 and $200 per hour depending on experience. Others, like me, charge a package or monthly rate, which allows more communication and more hands-on editing and publishing support without having to watch the clock. The goal of Forward Motion Writing is to get writers to feel comfortable editing their own work, read their work like a professional editor, learn how to maneuver the world of publishing, and build the skills and confidence needed to be a successful writer who still enjoys the art of the craft. These packages start at $800 per month and are designed based on individual client needs.
When budgeting, consider the value of personalized feedback and the potential time saved by improving your skills faster. Investing in a coach can lead to better writing outcomes and open doors to publishing or professional opportunities.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your Writing Coaching Experience
To get the most out of your personalized writing help, follow these actionable recommendations:
Set Clear Objectives
While some coaches arrive to sessions awaiting client instructions, our sessions start with outlined agendas and talking points based on worked handed in and edited in the days or weeks before. This keeps the coaching focused and productive, and removes the stress of wondering how to work with a coach and if you're ready to make the most of your time.
Be Open to Feedback
Everyone is coming into their writing practice with different needs, hangups, and concerns. My approach is clear, constructive, and goal-oriented. Even constructive criticism can be hard to receive, so I work hard to ensure a space that feels collaborative, offers clear and specific guidelines for improvement based on conversations around goals, and leaves clients feeling motivated and "gassed up" to get to work continuing with their writing journey. Show up with an open mind, embrace suggestions, and use them to improve your work.
Practice Regularly
Writing is a skill honed through practice. We will set up a schedule that works for your goals and lifestyle limitations that builds consistency and in return offers consistent feedback and motivation.
Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or advice on specific challenges.
Keep a Writing Journal
Track your progress, ideas, and insights gained from coaching. We work on documents together in Google Docs, working off a copy of your original text so you can compare your progress over time, but a writing journal not only gives you a space to jot down ideas and feelings outside your working documents, it's a place where you can keep track of how you are feeling about the writing, editing and learning process to reflect on after our time together.
Use Resources Provided
Many coaches, including me, share worksheets, reading lists, or exercises. Utilize these tools fully. For a free copy of my story building worksheet, visit the Forward Motion Writing homepage and click the link at the bottom. As our work goes on, I also provide recommended places to submit pitches, editor contact information, pitch templates, and more.
By actively engaging in the process, you’ll see faster improvement and greater satisfaction with your writing.
The Long-Term Benefits of Personalized Writing Coaching
Investing in personalized writing help offers benefits beyond immediate skill enhancement:
Improved Confidence
Regular coaching builds self-assurance in your writing abilities.
Stronger Writing Habits
You develop discipline and a consistent writing routine.
Better Career Opportunities
Enhanced writing skills can open doors in publishing, marketing, academia, and more.
Lifelong Learning
Coaching instills a mindset of continuous improvement.
Networking and Support
Coaches often connect you with writing communities and resources.
Whether you aim to publish a book, excel in academic writing, pursue a career as a writer, or create compelling content, personalized coaching is a valuable investment in your future. While an MFA or degree in Journalism can cost $30,000-$100,000, a personal writing coach offers affordable, intimate guidance that brings catered workshops and fast results (plus you don't have to sit through listening to feedback from 20 other students).
Taking the Next Step in Your Writing Journey
Personalized writing help is a powerful tool to master your craft. By choosing the right coach and actively participating in the process, you can overcome obstacles and reach new heights in your writing.
Explore available writing coaching services to find a program that fits your goals and style. Remember, every great writer started somewhere - with the right guidance, your potential is limitless.
Start today and watch your writing flourish! Click the link below to sign up for a free consultation.
Comments