Book Coaching vs. Book Editing
Jennifer Locke, a talented book coach, ghostwriter, and author, joined Val Cervarich of Writing Help KC for an interview. They discussed the basics of coaching versus editing, and how to identify what might be the best fit for your current author journey. Jennifer also previewed her coaching program, Book in Six, which launches in January 2022.
This is a recap of our interview on November 17, 2021 on Instagram Live. If you missed out, please check out the video here, or read the recap below.
(00:00:00)
Jennifer shared the basics of book coaching and stated that a person’s place in their journey determines if they need a coach or editor.
Her perfect client has an idea or just a few chapters. The client would still be in the initial brainstorming phase.
Jennifer likes to establish goals for writing a book, determine the message and audience, and identify ways to organize and deliver the message.
(00:05:00)
Jennifer said that determining the end result for the author’s message, or what the audience walks away with, is important.
She generates an outline and helps to refine the client’s goals first. Then, they work on action items that are realistic for the client’s schedule.
Writing time is scheduled and weekly accountability sessions are held with Jennifer. Similar to rounds of editing, the scheduling and feedback keep the client on track with the project.
Intensive time at the beginning of coaching is essential.
Val shared that accountability is also key when it comes to editing. By the time she sees a product, there is an entire manuscript. Val loves that Jennifer provides real-time feedback that leads to a cohesive manuscript.
However, at the editing stage, Val still sees manuscripts that could have benefited from coaching and rounds of feedback.
(00:10:00)
Val’s developmental editing phase can cross over into coaching, which can be new for a client.
If authors are wanting to self-publish their first book, it can be a vulnerable process, so a coach is a great addition to the writing (and self-publishing) experience.
Jennifer agrees that there is a certain mindset that is necessary in the publishing process.
Jennifer doesn’t want her clients to be surprised, especially at the end of their writing journey. She provides regular feedback and edits to help them along the way to the end of their first draft.
Clients will save money and time if they edit appropriately during her coaching and keep a schedule.
Jennifer is an encouraging coach who celebrates word counts and cheers the client on to complete a first draft of their book.
Val shared her two areas of editing for comparison: First is developmental editing, which involves reviewing the whole picture of the book and ensuring the message meets the established goal. This goal is based on the reason for the book and consideration of the audience.
(00:15:00)
For nonfiction manuscripts, it is essential to speak to a specific audience and avoid confusing jargon. Additionally, the content from the industry must be appropriate to share.
Val works with authors to take a step back from the content and consider if the audience, who doesn’t live the day-to-day content, can gain a clear picture from the book.
Questions are important in the editor-client relationship, regarding unusual/confusing content or exploring ideas that would be appropriate for a separate book.
Val provides an editorial report with high level action items and suggested revisions for the manuscript.
The next area of editing is copy editing, which is the line-by-line editing that ensures the sentence is clear, lists and bullets are correct, etc. This is to polish the overall work.
(00:20:00)
Val shared that even if she completes two rounds of editing, she encourages the client to hire a proofreader as the final touch before publishing.
Jennifer shared that in her own fiction writing, she receives feedback to make her points clear or other refinement. She agrees that it is important to have different lenses on the book since she is so close to the content as an author.
Jennifer mentioned using beta readers in fiction, and Val shared that beta readers are individuals that authors trust to send honest feedback about the book. They should be familiar with the specific genre or audience. Val does not recommend this after developmental editing for nonfiction. Authors don’t want a drastic change at that point in the process, the beta reading phase should happen prior to developmental editing.
(00:25:00)
A team composed of a coach, editor, designer, publisher, etc. are only some of the great options for creating a team. Val enjoys helping people on their journey and sharing her expertise.
As former teachers, Jennifer and Val agree that the collaboration and feedback process is enjoyable. They both want to see their clients succeed.
Jennifer knows as an author that there are always revisions to be made and the individuals providing suggestions have good intentions for the book. She said that when those partners work, hold on to them.
Commitment and patience are skills that will be enhanced by the writing and coaching process.
(00:30:00)
Jennifer shared her Book in Six coaching program details for publishing in 2022.
Authors will create an outline in an initial half hour goal-setting session, onboarding is happening now through the end of the year (2021).
Next, there is a group component to the program. The authors will submit pages weekly to Jennifer over a six month period. Monthly check-ins and expert speaker presentations will also occur as group sessions.
At the end of the program, authors will have a manuscript with feedback and the next steps for publishing. They will also have gained connections from the expert speakers.
(00:35:00)
The six month container that Jennifer has established with her program is used to set realistic weekly writing goals and end with a complete manuscript and clear publishing plan.
Authors gain feedback from each other and Jennifer throughout the container, building a community of authors.
Val shared that there can be an intimidation component to sharing a book idea, but Jennifer has sessions available to work through ideas and provide encouraging advice.
If you’re feeling inspired by Jennifer’s coaching and writing journey or would like more information about her Book in Six program, check it out here. Or connect with her on jenniferlockewrites.com, or Instagram @jenniferlockewrites.
And if you have any editing questions or projects, Val at Writing Help KC is ready for you! Please reach out to collaborate!