When it comes to helping children’s writers develop their craft and grow their careers, the terms coaching and mentoring are often used interchangeably.
This article is specific to children's writing, but it applies to all genres.
While both roles are geared to support the writer, their methods and goals are quite different. Understanding these differences can help a writer choose the best path to move forward, whether starting out or seeking to level up.
I offer coaching and have provided mentoring as part of a program focused on learning how to write for children. Working in both these capacities, I found that there can be confusion over the two terms.
So, what is the difference between coaching and mentoring?
COACHING: GOAL-FOCUSED AND STRUCTURED
You might think of a coach as a personal trainer for your writing. The relationship is professional, usually short-term or project-specific, and focused on clear objectives.
A writing coach helps a children’s author tackle specific issues, such as writing a children’s picture book or tweaking a manuscript. Or it may involve plotting a middle-grade novel, outlining, or developing a submission strategy for publishing houses or literary agents. A writing coach may even help with book marketing strategies.
Coaches use structured sessions to provide guidance, assess progress, identify weaknesses, and offer actionable feedback. This may include weekly meetings, deadlines, assignments, and measurable objectives.
My coaching focus is helping children’s authors write their stories. It’s a structured (while also flexible) process that includes guidance, checking progress, actionable feedback, and sometimes edits. And since I’m experienced in marketing and self-publishing, I offer help in these areas also.
A coach is not necessarily a much more experienced children’s author, but they are trained in how to guide, teach, and motivate.
Key aspects of coaching:
The writing coach should possess the following: -Fundamental writing skills -Communication skills -Coaching skills -Patience and understanding
The coach should offer: -Project-specific guidance and support -Honest and constructive feedback -Instruction
The relationship: -Short-term or time-specific relationship -Sometimes, technique focused -Professional, paid service
A children’s writing coach may say:
“Your beginning needs to grab the reader. How can we tweak it?” “Let’s revise chapter three to strengthen your character’s motivation.” “Your pacing slows here. How can we tighten the action?” “It’d be a good idea to up the stakes.”
MENTORING: RELATIONSHIP-BASED AND LONG-TERM
Mentoring, on the other hand, is more like a long-term apprenticeship. A mentor is usually a more experienced writer who has “been there” and offers guidance, encouragement, and valuable insight.
The relationship is usually less formal, more flexible, and often not paid (though there are exceptions).
Mentors don’t necessarily work on one manuscript or issue. Instead, they help shape a writer’s overall development. They may advise on craft, genre choices, or even how to handle rejection. A mentor shares lessons from their own writing journey, offering wisdom rather than instruction.
Key aspects of mentoring:
The mentor should possess the following: -Writing experience and expertise -Communication skills -Patience and understanding
The mentor should offer: -Guidance and support -Emotional encouragement -Honest and helpful feedback
The relationship: -Less structured, more conversational -Long-term, ongoing
A mentor might say:
“I went through the same thing experience; here’s how I handled it.” “Don’t be discouraged. Learning how to write for children takes time.” “Do you want to be a jack-of-all-trades or master of one?”
A good mentor should also be a lifelong learner, staying up-to-date on industry trends and continually refining their own skills.
WHICH ONE DO YOU NEED?
The choice between coaching and mentoring depends on where you are in your writing journey and what you need most right now.
- If you need short-term, targeted help with an outline or manuscript, a submission package, or writing processes, a coach is the right fit.
-If you want long-term guidance, professional friendship, and insights from someone with experience, a mentor may be ideal.
Some writers benefit from both. You might work with a coach to get your picture book polished and simultaneously receive ongoing support and guidance from a mentor.
SUMMING IT UP
In the competitive and craft-specific children’s writing world, having someone in your corner makes a huge difference.
Whether it’s a coach who keeps you on track with specific story feedback, outline, or revisions guidance, or a mentor who helps keep you on track overall and reminds you that persistence pays off, both roles can help you grow as a writer.
The key is knowing what kind of support you need.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
