Writing coaching can be one of the fastest ways to improve your skills, gain confidence, and make real progress on your manuscript.
Whether you’re writing a picture book, chapter book, middle-grade novel, or nonfiction for children, a coach can help you identify weaknesses, strengthen your storytelling, and stay accountable.
But coaching isn’t magic.
The writers who benefit most from coaching are those who actively participate in the process. If you’re investing time and money into a writing coach, you’ll want to get as much value from it as possible.
Here are 12 practical tips to help you do exactly that.
- COME WITH CLEAR GOALS
Before your coaching begins, take some time to think about what you want to accomplish.
Are you hoping to:
• Finish a first draft?
• Improve your storytelling skills?
• Learn how to write for a specific age group?
• Strengthen your dialogue?
• Prepare a manuscript for submission or self-publishing?
The clearer your goals, the easier it will be for your coach to guide you.
For example, “I want to write a chapter book for ages 7-10 and learn how to create stronger character arcs” gives your coach much more direction than “I want to be a better writer.”
Goals can change as coaching progresses, but having a starting point helps both you and your coach stay focused.
- BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK
Many writers seek coaching because they want honest, professional guidance. Yet sometimes the feedback can be difficult to hear.
Remember that constructive criticism isn’t criticism of you as a person. It’s information designed to strengthen your manuscript.
For example, if your coach points out that your story’s conflict is weak or that your main character lacks motivation, they’re not saying you’re a bad writer. They’re identifying areas that can be improved.
The most successful writers view feedback as an opportunity rather than a judgment.
Try replacing thoughts like:
• “I failed.”
• “I got it wrong.”
• “I’ll never get this.”
With:
• “Now I know what needs work.”
• “This will make the story stronger.”
• “I’ll become a better writer through the process.”
That mindset shift can make a tremendous difference in your growth.
And just as important, read the feedback carefully.
- COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS
Coaching often includes exercises, revision tasks, or writing assignments.
These assignments aren’t busywork. They’re designed to help you practice specific skills and apply what you’ve learned… and move your draft forward.
Suppose you’re struggling with the difference between showing and telling. You may be assigned an exercise focused on sensory details and action. Completing it will help strengthen that skill.
Growth happens through practice.
- ASK QUESTIONS
Your coaching sessions are valuable learning opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as:
• Why isn’t this scene working?
• How can I strengthen the conflict?
• What makes this dialogue sound unnatural?
• Why do chapter books require shorter chapters?
• How do I raise the stakes in this story?
• How do I keep from switching POV?
Questions almost always lead to knowledge and skills.
If something isn’t clear, ask for clarification. Your coach should want you to understand the “why” behind the feedback, not simply follow instructions.
This is something I do for my editing and coaching clients, and they say they feel like they’re taking a writing course.
- STAY CONSISTENT
One coaching session won’t transform your writing overnight.
Writing improvement happens through steady effort over time.
Writers who make the most progress usually:
• Write regularly.
• Revise consistently.
• Meet deadlines.
• Apply feedback between sessions.
Even small amounts of consistent work add up. Writing for 30 minutes a day is often more productive than writing for 5 hours once a month.
- UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CHALLENGES
Your coach can help you overcome obstacles, but only if they know those obstacles exist.
Maybe you’re struggling with:
• Finding time to write.
• Understanding story structure.
• Creating believable dialogue.
• Staying motivated.
• Finishing projects.
Be honest.
For example, if you’re just not grasping how to keep POV on point in your chapter book, tell your coach. They’ll work with you and possibly provide solutions you haven’t considered.
The more information your coach has, the more effectively they can help.
- APPLY FEEDBACK BEFORE MOVING FORWARD
Many writers want to rush ahead and write the next chapter before they get a handle on the current one. I’ve seen the problems this can cause.
Coaching usually works best when you pause to apply important feedback before continuing.
For example, if your coach identifies a major issue with character consistency, fixing it is essential to prevent the same problems throughout the draft.
Building a story on a weak foundation usually creates more work during revision.
- KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU’RE LEARNING
Coaching often provides valuable lessons that extend beyond a single manuscript.
Consider keeping a notebook or digital document where you record:
• Storytelling principles.
• Revision strategies.
• Feedback patterns.
• Writing exercises.
• Personal discoveries.
Over time, you’ll build a personalized writing resource you can use whenever you start a new project.
Many writers discover that the lessons learned in one coaching program continue to help them for years.
- STUDY CHAPTER BOOKS
It’s important to read the chapter books suggested by your coach, as well as newly traditionally published chapter books in your genre and age category.
Pay attention to:
• Chapter length
• Sentence length
• Dialogue
• Character voice
• Humor
• Pacing
• Scene structure
• How paragraphs begin
• Word usage
Reading like a writer improves your own storytelling.
- DON’T AIM FOR PERFECTION
First drafts aren’t supposed to be perfect. Do the best you can. Focus on progress and improvement.
- TRUST THE PROCESS
Building your writing skills and seeing growth isn’t always obvious from week to week.
Sometimes you may feel as though you’re revising the same chapter over and over or struggling with concepts that seem difficult to master.
That’s normal.
Writing is a skill, and skills take time to develop.
Trust the process. Keep practicing. Keep learning. Keep revising.
Many writers look back after several months of coaching and realize they’ve improved far more than they thought.
- KEEP EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK
Not every writer has the same capabilities, experience, or determination.
While coaching can improve your writing skills, it’s not a guarantee to:
• Becoming a traditionally published author
• Bestseller status
• Glowing reviews
• Book sales
And if you’re in a coaching program with a time limit, there is no guarantee you’ll finish your story within that timeframe.
What you can count on is that if you put in the time and effort, you’ll become a better writer.
SUMMING IT UP
Writing coaching works best when it’s a partnership. Your coach provides guidance, expertise, accountability, and encouragement. You provide the effort, commitment, and willingness to learn.
If you approach coaching with an open mind, complete the work, ask questions, and apply the feedback you receive, you’ll gain far more than a stronger manuscript. You’ll develop skills that will improve every story you write in the future.
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I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, book doctor, editor, and self-publisher. I help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to call your own—and provide hands-on guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ page book that will help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4, 8, or 12 Weeks / 9 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors (picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
