More often than not, a writing group is your entry support system. Groups can be informal (grab some friends and meet up to write or talk about your work) or formal (register for a critique group through organizations like International Thriller Writers or Mystery Writers Association).

A writing group is made up of—you guessed it—other writers. These people can become your closest writing friends: the ones who have seen fifteen iterations of your first three chapters, the ones who will cheer you when you sign with your dream agent, and then be first in line to have you sign your debut novel.

Writing is a solitary sport. But writing groups can help you find community and learn faster than if you are doing it all alone. Every reader has a different lens and can help you see something you couldn’t in your WIP or teach you a great tip that you couldn’t have learned anywhere else!

The challenge of writing groups is that they are typically made up of people like you—learners, amateurs, aspiring-to-be-published authors. Not all groups are created equal and can quickly become overwhelming. So much feedback—not all of it helpful—and then you have to sort out what works for your novel and what doesn’t. Discernment is a skill.

Pro-tip: A book coach can help you learn to discern feedback to figure out what will improve your project vs someone with a big head picking your work apart because they like to hear their own voice. Discernment is a skill—I’ll help you learn it.

“The best thriller I’ve ever read!” – Your mom

“OMG it’s soooo good! I would pick this up off the shelf.” – Your bestie

“Utterly brilliant. Best thing ever written.” –Your spouse

“I liked it, but I saw the twist coming a mile away.” –Your cousin who reads mysteries and thrillers like you drink Diet Coke.

A Beta reader is someone who is not a writer that you ask to read your book before you share it with the world. The idea is to get their feedback on the story—did they like it? Did the story work? Did they have the kind of reaction you’re hoping your readers will have?—so you can incorporate changes into your manuscript. Everyone needs fresh eyes on their novel before querying or self-publishing.

The problem with these kinds of beta readers is that they may not know how to tell you what’s wrong. Or worse—they may lie to you to spare your feelings.

They love you and want to support you on your publishing journey. They are great for an on-the-ground perspective (particularly from an avid reader) and all the ego boosting you could ever need! But they probably can’t tell you how to fix your book.

You should have a beta reader. They are important—not only to gut check but to give you the encouragement you need to keep going.

Protip: A book coach can tell you WHAT isn’t working and WHY. If you decide to ask for some beta readers (I recommend you do before sending agent queries!), make sure to write a list of questions you’d like them to answer.

A Developmental Editor is a professional who focuses on the big picture of your book—the structure, story arc, character development, etc. Most often, developmental editors will complete manuscript evaluations with a multi-page editorial letter outlining strengths, weaknesses, and a revision roadmap. Most often, a writer will meet with a Developmental Editor once after a manuscript assessment has been done.

Typically, writers will work with a developmental editor after they’ve completed a draft of their manuscript.

Protip: A book coach is a developmental editor with sprinkles. You can hire a book coach from the moment you have an idea all the way through querying, including when you are looking for a manuscript evaluation. That’s how I meet most of my clients!

This is me!

A book coach acts like a writing group, a beta reader, and a developmental editor all rolled into one—plus some! I’m also there to hold you accountable as a project manager, support the emotional ups and downs that come with writing (and there are many!), and run right next to you as you chase your dreams of being a published author.

When you figure out the plot twist in the middle of the night—your book coach is the one who wants to see your news first thing. When you discover that the detective in your thriller is really the villain—your book coach is the one who is going to shout from the rooftops. When you keep saying “I’m going to write a book,” but never get past chapter one—your book coach is the one who to call you on it and help you figure out what’s blocking you, remove it, and get you on your way. When your agent queries keep getting rejected after full requests—your book coach is going to be the one to tell you the truth; it’s not ready. And they’ll all be the one to help you get it there.

Protip: Book coaches are also often educators who teach workshops or webinars or write articles and Substack newsletters. With a background in adult learning, it’s my goal as a coach to make sure I’m not sure helping you with this manuscript but also teaching valuable skills and lessons to take with you in your next novel.

If you want more insight on book coaching from Jennie Nash, the premiere expert on this line of work, check out her article with Jane Friedman; Why Do Writers Hire Book Coaches?