Writing Coach
What is a Writing Coach?
About twenty-five years ago I became certified as a Life Coach, which made it possible for me to work with people who wanted to identify and achieve a goal or goals. In recent years I’ve focused my coaching on helping writers complete their projects: a book that’s been brewing for many years, a collection of poems, a regular column in a newspaper. Read on if you think this type of coaching may help you.
How Do I Know If Hiring A Writing Coach Is Right For Me?
Do any of the following questions ring true for you:
Do you have a story or topic you’ve wanted to write about but don’t know how to start?
Have you written a story that you want to share with others but know it needs editing?
Do you lack the motivation to write, even though you have a desire to do so?
Are you unsure what steps it takes to get your writing published?
If so, working with a Writing Coach may be for you.
How Does Hiring a Writing Coach Work?
It begins by contacting me with your questions. (Use the “Contact” button at the top of the page.) You and I can discuss your writing project, my coaching style, etc. No charge for this discussion. Then, if you’d like to move forward with Coaching, I ask that you either commit to four one-hour sessions that identifies and works toward a clear goal, or work with me an hour at a time to define your goals and gain perspective on the direction in which you’d like to move.
"A Goal is a Dream with a Deadline.” Bill Koch
The four-session format takes place either in person, via Zoom or on the phone. I take notes during the sessions and email you a summary of our discussion. My clients have found the email notes to be helpful as they work toward their goal. As your Writing Coach, I will also be available for emails or texts if you have questions between sessions.
The one-hour conversations take place either in person, via Zoom or on the phone. They are more informal than the four sessions, with the focus on an exploratory dialogue of what you are looking for with coaching.
About Me:
I worked for over 40 years in the human services field as a teacher, career/job coach, group facilitator, outdoor educator and workshop coordinator. Throughout my life, I have extensively studied the areas of effective communication, group processes, nutrition, body energy, spiritual exploration. I am currently a fulltime writer. (A list of my books can be found by clicking “Books” link above.)
Fees/Compensation:
Four-session format: Our first discussion to explore the idea of hiring me as a Writing Coach is complimentary. My Coaching fee is $200, which includes four (4) one-hour phone, Zoom or in-person Coaching sessions, follow up emails from me summarizing the key points of each session and my availability to answer questions via email or text.
One-hour conversations: Our first discussion to explore working together is complimentary. My hourly coaching fee is $20, payable per meeting. There are no follow-up notes or email exchanges in between conversations.
Comments from Coaching clients:
“Jim has been a great asset to me as my Writing Coach. Somehow he is able to encourage and inspire, but still identify habits that are roadblocks to success with honesty and integrity. Our coaching sessions are always followed by detailed notes that keep me on task. He has guided me through writing, editing and publishing a first book, and I am close to my second publication. These accomplishments in my life are due to goal-setting and accountability that Jim offers as a Coach, as these are habits that are a struggle for me.” -E.C. Clay, NY
“Jim’s coaching helped me to realize that I could reach higher. Before coaching with him, I accepted the shortcomings of my job, feeling powerless to change things. Jim helped me work into a new job. Now I feel I have moved from a ‘job’ to a ‘career.’” - J.H., Canandaigua, NY
“Jim’s coaching let me process my ideas with someone neutral and then explored with me ideas I had not considered. Change is always hard for me, but Jim helped me not be overwhelmed about trying to make new changes.” - L.W., Fulton, NY
“It's amazing how much knowing that I asked for help already helps! Instead of thinking ‘Man, oh man, what am I gonna do?’, I started thinking about what I actually was going to do.” - S.V., Mexico, NY
“With his gentle, yet masterful manner, Jim helped me to unravel all the aspects of my dilemma, giving me perspective to see it clearly, and empowering me to make the changes that were necessary in order for me to reach a solution. I recommend Jim to all who are ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place!’” -H. B., Manlius, NY