Frequently Asked Questions

First off, what is a writing coach? What does a writing coach do?

Well now, a writing mentor, or writing coach, is someone who will guide you through your writing journey - offering advice and tips along the way, usually through frequent catch-up meetings or calls.

That's... pretty much it. Easy right?

So, what's the difference betwen a writing mentor and a writing coach?

The difference between a writing mentor and a writing coach is exactly the same as the difference between a courgette and a zucchini. It just depends which term of you've heard the most and are therefore most likely to use. They're the same thing. I believe writing "coach" is more commonly used in the US than here in the UK. To clarify, I'm in the UK...

There are however different types of writing mentors including but not limited to:

Book writing coach - including fiction and non fiction
Novel writing coach
Academic writing coach
Professional material writing coach
Blog writing coach

Do I really need a writing mentor?

The fact that you have clicked on my website, and on this specific page... and have even managed to read this far down tells me one thing. It tells me that you are looking to take you're creative writing to the next level!

How do I know that? Because only those dedicated to creating truly awesome stories would plunge into researching writing mentorship.

There are a few reasons why you may have taken the step to investigate, so take a look and see if any of these describe you!

You have a great idea for a story, but have never done any writing before and don't know where to even begin getting that idea on paper!
You want to go into writing as a hobby or career, but just can't seem to find any inspiration for great story ideas.
You've reread that same chapter over and over again and just can't seem to get it sounding the way you want it to!
English isn't your first language, and you want to improve your English writing skills to finally write that dream novel.
You're starting up as a writing mentor and are doing some market research to see what kind of competition you're up against. I've been there.

If any of these ring true to you, a writing mentor can really go a long way in helping you push your skills to the next level. Except number 5, I'm afraid you're on your own with that.

Why are you so cheap?

Now, I'm going to be totally honest with you.

I am not trained with PhDs and Diplomas in creative writing, and I can't tell you all the technical and theoretical necessities of "good writing". What I can do, at the risk of sounding a little less than humble, is tell a damn good story.

That's what I'm here for.

I'm here as a private, freelance writing mentor to help you write captivating stories that readers will lay awake all night to read, and grow to love your characters and worlds.

If you want to write theoretically perfect literature, I'm not for you.

I may not be a "professional" or "credentialled" writer, but I can tell a story, and I want to help you reveal that storyteller that lies within you.

I don't want to make a lot of money doing that, as long as I can buy my food and maintain my business. Much more valuable than that is the potential of igniting a purpose and passion in someone's life. Corny perhaps, but in my case (and rarely so, I believe) true.

So, does that mean I'll get a worse service?

Of course this is and should be the first question that comes to mind. These days there are so many shady characters out there looking to rip you off.

Here's the thing. I can't guarantee that I'm the write mentor for you. Nobody can. However, this is why I added a free introductory consultation to my list of services in which we will go over your aims, goals and ambitions for your writing journey and come up with a mentorship plan that will suit you.

Should it seem that what you need is beyond my capabilities to help with, I will do my best to point you in the right direction. I will not be dishonest with you.

This is why I recommend - on all service booking pages on this website - that you first book the free consultation, so you don't end up paying for something you weren't expecting nor wanting.

Whether you'd get a better service from another mentor than from me depends solely on what you are looking for. I can't say for sure in that regard, that's up to you. But what I can say, with total sincerity, is that I will do my absolute best to help you transform your story into a truly amazing piece of writing that captures the hearts of all who come lucky enough to read it.