A book coach is a professional editor and writing coach who can help you move from book idea to revised manuscript faster and with more confidence.
A book coach is also a mentor, a cheerleader, and a project manager for writers.
A book coach can work with you at any stage of your writing process, whether you are starting from scratch, working through a revision, or getting ready to publish.
Book coaches can help you flesh out an idea, put together an outline, hold you accountable with weekly deadlines, and be a sounding board for brainstorming. You will strengthen your craft and your story in real time so you don’t waste months on an idea that just isn’t working.
A book coach gets down in the writing or revising trenches with you so you can write the best story you can.
A developmental, or story, edit is a comprehensive, objective, scene-by-scene edit. A story edit focuses on the cohesive development of characters, plot, and settings within the overall story arc.
A story editor looks at the characters and asks why each one is in the story. They look for patterns, find emotion, evaluate the structure of scenes, chapters, and word count. They testing the setting against the plot and so on.
Powerful stories are created by combining creativity with intention. A story edit ensures your manuscript has both. Based on the editor’s suggestions, the writer can rework their characters, plot, and settings to ensure the story line and narrative flow smoothly while every scene contributes to the story’s purpose.
I focus on books for young people. Right now, that is middle grade and young adult novels.
I do work with the occasional adult book if it's a good fit, and I feel like I can actually help the author. But my industry knowledge is more focussed on kidlit.
I wish! There are no guarantees in publishing. Publishing is extremely subjective. Sometimes truly wonderful stories never get published, and truly awful ones become bestsellers.
But I will help you write the best manuscript you can, so you can pitch it to agents and editors.
You want to choose someone who: you trust, you think understands the vision you have for your work, is able to give the type of feedback you need, and has a personality that meshes with yours. We dig pretty deep during our work together, so you really need to feel comfortable with me or any coach you work with!
Just like when you are looking for an agent or editor to publish your book, you want to work with someone who loves your story as much as you do. Check out this excellent article on Jane Friedman's blog: The Comprehensive Guide to Finding, Hiring, and Working with an Editor.
Coaching is a big investment—of your time, your money, and your effort!
I always start with a Curiosity Call, which you can book for yourself here. We can see if I am the right fit for you and your story, and if you are the right fit for my services. If we're not, I'm happy to give you a referral to one of my excellent colleagues!
Check out my Instagram and Twitter feeds.
And check out my monthly podcast, Coaching KidLit wherever you listen to your podcasts or at: coachingkidlit.podbean.com

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Point of View for the Win 🏆

Calling all MG and YA writers! I'm thrilled to host Senior Editor Karen Boss from @charlesbridgepublishing for a workshop on mastering third person close point of view.

What’s the "right" point of view

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🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎧

Hear how middle-grade novelist Karen Chow captures the emotional journey of grief and recovery in her debut novel MIRACLE.

On this episode of Coaching KidLit, Christy and Sharon talk to Karen about her writing pro

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Happy Monday! Wishing everyone a... week. Insert whatever adjective you need this week to be.
💪 Productive.
😴 Relaxing.
💡 Inspiring.
👉 Short.
💨 Fast.
🌋 Calm.
🛏️ Restful.

What kind of week do you need this to be? 👇

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Shaking off the winter doldrums with a sprinkle of inspiration tonight at 6:30 pm ET!

❄️📚 Join us for an enlightening chat with Rajani LaRocca, the Newbery Honor author behind RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE.

We’re diving into her journey, exploring

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Hey writers!

I have some great workshops coming up!

🔥Spend some time with author @rajanilarocca talking about her journey!

📖 Learn some craft with author @_nancytandon_ as we study @supriya.kelkar AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE and see what we can apply

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Join me for a casual and intimate evening with acclaimed children's author Rajani LaRocca, who won the Newbery Honor for her book Red, White, and Whole.

We’re going to chat about things like:

✅ Her journey to becoming a bestselling author
✅ H

Listen up: Coaching KidLit Podcast

I cohost a monthly podcast with fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sharon Skinner. We talk about how to write good KidLit. Listen here or visit CoachingKidLit.com.

Designed by Christy Yaros

Crafting KidLit Interviews

FAQs

What is a book coach?

What is a developmental (story) edit?

What types of books do you specialize in?

So if I work with you, I'll get a huge book deal, right?

How do I choose a book coach or editor?

How do I know you're the right coach for me?

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Listen up: Coaching KidLit Podcast

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