Writing Coach
Could you use a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective on your nonfiction or fiction writing?
First-time novelist Barbara Hinske thought her book was done. But when a copy editor refused to deal with her manuscript because it had clearly not been professionally edited, Barb turned to Linden Gross. Since there are as many ways to edit a book as there are to write one, Linden suggested that Barb opt for a critique in order to make sure she agreed with the evaluation.
In addition to noting that Barb was telling her story rather than allowing the reader to experience it, Linden pointed out that Barb had introduced a fantastically interesting character—essentially a softhearted bad guy—but then done nothing with him.
Linden wound up working as Barb’s writing coach on her book, Coming to Rosemont, (which was critically commended for its blend of romance and crime) and the rest of what turned out to be a five-novel bestselling series. She also served as Barb’s writing coach on a novella that’s being made into a Hallmark movie, as well as the first book of Barb’s new series. And with Linden’s help, Barb is about to start on the next one.
“My favorite part of working with Barb, aside from celebrating her monstrous successes, is the brainstorming we do together,” says Linden. “That’s something that helps all my clients, whether we’re talking about characters and plot lines for novels, themes and details for memoirs, or ideas and through lines for nonfiction books.”
Linden is a New York Times bestselling writer (twice over) and successful writing coach who draws on her background in editing, writing and teaching when working with others. Twenty-five years of journalism experience and personal accessibility help her elicit content that is lacking, while her talent for—and love of—organization helps her give projects the structure they need. Finally, using her writing and line editing experience, she teaches you how to refine your prose.
As a writing coach, Linden’s job is to:
- Help you, the writer, create a manuscript that works. This involves reading, critiquing and developmental editing (conceptualizing the big picture and how the material fits together).
- Teach you, in the process, about the craft of writing, identifying language and organizational patterns that need work.
- Give you the feedback and encouragement that will help inspire your writing.
- Share ideas about how to organize your time, your thoughts and your material.
Check out Linden’s writing coach rates!
People often assume that hiring a writing coach implies that they’re incapable of writing on their own and need hand-holding. That may be true, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But a writing coach relationship extends way beyond encouraging aspiring or veteran writers, holding them accountable or even teaching them about the craft of writing. It’s like having a partner on your creative team who has managed to retain the perspective that can so easily be lost when immersed in a big project. Writers are in the trees by definition. A writing coach still has a sense of the forest as a whole.
Helping you retain—or regain—your perspective is just the start. As a writing coach Linden will also:
- Brainstorm ideas with you
- Teach you to improve your writing
- Help you organize your thoughts and your material
- Hold you accountable
- Provide enthusiastic reinforcement
- Make writing something you look forward to
The Writing Coach Solution
You don’t have to do this by yourself. Tap into the writing coach solution and see how much easier, effective and more fun the process of writing becomes. Working on a blog rather than a book? Linden can help with that too. Reach out for a free 20-minute chemistry and project consultation. Email linden@
