Coaching for Writers is a profession that is profoundly different from consulting, mentoring, advice, therapy, or counseling. The coaching process addresses specific personal projects, business successes, general conditions, and transitions in the client’s writing life by examining what is going on right now, discovering what the obstacles or challenges might be, and choosing a course of action to make the writing life what the client wants it to be.

The definition of a Writing Coach is a communications professional who helps clients reach a goal or make a change in their writing life. S/he helps clients move away from their distractions and start taking action steps in the areas of writing they wish to change.
A Writing Coach guides clients through the process by asking questions that help evaluate and decide which action steps to take in order to reach goal(s) or make important changes. Then the Coach utilizes the important roles of motivator, strategist, and accountability partner.
The mission is to help clients reach their goal(s) in the most efficient, effective, and rewarding way possible. Writing Coaches step clients through the achievement process from the beginning hook to the ending resolution, from the planning stage all the way through the execution stage and the joy of holding the finished book, seeing the article or story in print, and/or depositing the royalty check.
How is Coaching different from Counseling?
- Counseling deals more with the past, finding the root of a problem and how it affects behavior in the present.
- The counseling client is often in crisis or emotional pain.
- Counseling takes place in a specified room with extreme confidentiality.
- Counseling is often a long-term process.
- The counselor is the expert who directs the session — more of a vertical position.
- Coaching deals with the future, helping the client move forward in life.
- The coaching client is a stable person who is not in crisis but wants change.
- Coaching can take place in a coffee shop, through Zoom, email, phone calls, or one-on=one.
- Coaching occurs until the client has moved past the roadblock and sees results.
- The coach and the client work in partnership — more of a parallel position.
The Coaching Process with RJ Thesman includes:
- Brainstorming / Masterminding
- Accountability partnership
- Developing a Writing Plan
- Working through any Blocks / Obstacles
- Discounts for Editing Services
- Marketing Tools
- Helpful Resources
- Communications handled in a timely manner
- Ideas for life-long learning
- 45-60 minute sessions
- Choice of sessions weekly / bi-monthly / monthly
- Discounts for workshops when available
So … are you ready to move forward and reach your writing goals? I have some openings. Contact me at: [email protected]
©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Check out my YouTube channel for helpful videos: RJ Thesman – Coaching for Writers
Prospective clients will be wise in taking good advantage of this provision. Transformed my perceptions and sharpened my skills in moving forward in the craft. Ever grateful.
Thanks, Jerry. I appreciate the encouragement.
I definitely need an accountability partner more than I need to dig into my past.
Contact me if you’re ready to begin Coaching.