What’s it like to work with me as a writing coach and/or editor?
Hi writing friends,
You may have thought about working with me as a writing coach and/or editor, but maybe you’ve hesitated because you aren’t sure what to expect.
First, you can reach out to me by leaving a comment here and/or under the Writer Coaching section of my website. We can start with a free 15-minute phone call so I can learn more about your writing and you can learn more about my services.
You also might find it helpful to hear what my former client, Sue Bidstrup, has to say about partnering with me on her first book, Great Big YES: Stories of God’s Grace.
Sue was a new writer who hadn’t worked with a coach or editor. To clarify, as a writing coach, I am typically encouraging the writer and providing direction in developing direction and content. As an editor, I’m correcting and improving your manuscript.
Sue is a very strong writer, so most of our work together was coaching, not editing. (And, by the way, I love her book – stories, truths, laughter, and journaling prompts).
She also has some insight about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing that you can read below.
Feedback from Sue:
What were some of your thoughts and feelings about working with me as a coach and editor?
Working with you was such an important part of my journey because of your encouragement. Writing can be a lonely endeavor and sometimes you wonder, “Is this any good?” “Should I keep going?” You helped me by giving me feedback and encouraging me to keep going. Also, working with you held me accountable and kept me on a timeline.
What would you say to someone considering hiring me as a coach/editor?
Do it!!! It was so helpful to have someone in my corner who wanted to talk about my writing. Family and friends are great, but to have someone you can go to that understands what it’s like to write a book and who is rooting for you is priceless!
I know you considered both traditional publishing and self-publishing. How did you make a decision?
There are so many reasons I chose self publishing, and I’m so glad I did. I went with KDP Publishing (Amazon), and it has been an amazing experience.
Traditional publishing requires a large email list and social media following. The publisher I spoke to said that 5% of your email list will buy, and the publisher wants a guarantee of 10,000 copies sold. So that’s a lot of emails! I just didn’t have the following, and I was not interested in trying to build that before publishing my book. I was ready!
Also, I learned that once a traditional publisher signs you, it can take up to 2 years for your book to go to print. I was dedicating my book to my mom, and I wanted to get it out to the public as soon as possible. Self publishing only took about a month. It could have been faster if I was ready with the cover art, but I took a week or two to choose the cover and the layout of the book.
Some other reasons I prefer self publishing is that you make more money per book. It’s print on demand so I don’t have boxes of books in my garage I need to sell. I own my work and always will. I can keep it in my own voice and publish what I actually want to write. I am thrilled that this option is available to us now!
Anything else?
I also hired a designer for the book cover and interior of the book and it’s gorgeous! I am so grateful for her help!
Thank you, Sue, for your insight!
You can find our more about Sue and her book below!
And contact me here or by leaving a message below for a free 15-minute phone call about your writing.
Sue Bidstrup is the founder of Great Big YES Coaching and Community. She is a Life Coach who focuses on helping women begin and sustain a journaling practice.
Her book, Great Big YES: Stories of God’s Grace on Amazon, is a book full of essays and journal prompts designed to help you start writing your own stories. When you look back through the lens of faith you can see the divine threads of your beautiful life journey. This book will make you laugh, cry and remember. Grab a pen and a journal and get ready to embrace your story!
INSTAGRAM @greatbigyes
FACEBOOK Great Big YES
ORDER BOOK ON AMAZON Great Big YES: Stories of God’s Grace on Amazon
