Book Coach — Yay or Nay?
In the world of self-help, life coaches, success coaches, and the like, did you know there are also book coaches?
Until a couple of years ago, it didn’t occur to me that such an industry or job existed. However, I was not surprised by the concept. Through my professional life I have drifted toward titles like life coach, trainer (yoga, teacher) — basically anything that is related to teaching and learning, or the betterment of oneself.
So, it was then that I embarked upon the beginning of recreating myself professionally. Thanks to delving into an understanding of the role of a book coach, I find my own identity as a writer. I realized that I could build a life around the two things I love most — reading and writing (no, it wasn’t TESOL).
Yet, like most fields that are pushed into a health and wellness category, not every role is taken seriously.
While an air of awkwardness can hang around the admittance of hiring a life coach for our mental health, we celebrate with envy — in many cases — the taking on a personal trainer for our physical health. Why is getting help and support for ourselves on the inside covered in shame while that for the outside is applauded?
In the same way, book coaches are either not known about, dismissed as some kind of scam business, or denied being in the light when writers do hire them.
However, what is wrong with having someone help you, support you, encourage you, and provide some direction for you when it seems overwhelming to continue the journey in writing the book of your dreams?
Yes, I know that money is always an issue and that pricing, consistency in the industry, etc. are issues. To this point, I have no argument. What I say in response to this is to not dismiss the concept of a book coach altogether, just keep shopping until one fits.
Although I have not yet finished my certification program to become a qualified book coach, I plan to do so by the end of the year. As I consider offering my services with empathy as a fellow writer, I hope that more and more will see the benefits of having a personal trainer for our writing just as much as we might for our bodies.
Would you use a book coach to help you open 📖 the sunshine ☀️ into your heart ❤️ to tell the stories📚 you have waiting to be told?
