Transcript:

Have you ever felt stuck in your writing, unsure if you’re on the right track, or just completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many writers reach a point where they feel absolutely lost and have to rely on the support of others to get them through it.

You can access blogs, YouTube channels (like this one), Brandon Sanderson’s lecture series, and books on the craft… Writing advice is everywhere, but what happens when you need real support—someone to guide and encourage you? That’s where a writing coach comes in.

But this term “writing coach” (or book coach) is a fairly new one to the writing community. When we hear the word coach, we think of our high school soccer team or little league. Or perhaps Tony Robbins or one of the many other famous life coaches come to mind. You know, the ones who tell you to wake up at four AM and jump in a pool of ice water.

So I felt like it might be necessary to explain what exactly a writing coach is in this video. Don’t worry —I won’t make you run laps or wake up at an ungodly hour.

Hi I’m C. Sloan Lewis, your virtual writing coach, and my goal is to help you not just improve your writing—but to support you as a writer. Welcome to my channel!

[Why me?]

Before we dive into what a writing coach is, I want to take a moment to answer the question: “Who am I to be a writing coach?”

I hold a degree in English Composition with a focus on Creative Writing, as well as a Master’s in Education specializing in higher-level English instruction.

For the past six years, I’ve taught high school English, including courses like Creative Writing, Technical Writing, and Poetry. Before that, I spent three years as a university writing tutor, helping students refine their work and develop their skills.

Beyond teaching, I’ve spent most of my life studying the craft of writing. I’ve written multiple novels, self-published one, and am currently completing my certification in fiction book coaching.

My passion has never been just about becoming a successful author—it’s about helping others become better writers. My focus is on guiding, mentoring, and coaching current and future authors so they can tell their stories with confidence.

[What is a Writing Coach?]

So, with that understood, let’s get into the question I’m here to answer today: What is a writing coach?

A writing coach helps you grow as a writer through guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Unlike an editor, who focuses on fixing your manuscript, a coach helps you develop skills, confidence, and a sustainable writing process. Think of it as having a personal trainer, but for your writing!

But just like how personal trainers work with a variety of people at different fitness levels, sometimes specializing in a specific level or type of client, so too does a writing coach. Not every writing coach is the same, and you’ll need to do some “shopping around” to find one that fits your needs and preferences.

For instance, if you’re a middle-grade sci-fi writer, you wouldn’t want to book a writing coach who specializes in adult romance. After a consultation, many well-trained coaches will suggest a switch to a different writing coach that will fit your needs, but many out there won’t. Additionally, it’s good to be wary of writing coaches who proclaim to work with all types and levels of writers. That’s simply too much for one coach to handle.

To help you understand this, here is an explanation of my niche, also known as a zone of genius, that I have on my website:

I help speculative fiction writers—whether they’re drafting a new idea, finishing their manuscript, or preparing for publication—turn their creative visions into polished novels. My clients are passionate storytellers who may not have a formal writing background or industry experience, and I guide them through the process with expert support, actionable feedback, and a clear path forward. If you’ve been writing alone and feel stuck or unsure of the next steps, I help you bridge the gap between inspiration and a finished, publishable book.

So you’ll notice my main criteria for a coaching client: speculative fiction, no classical training, has yet to find support in their writing, and is still in the drafting or revision stages.

That means I don’t work with genres outside of speculative fiction (which is sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian, and horror), writers who have already been published, or writers who have a lot of experience with other writing coaches and critic partners.

This might sound like I’m limiting myself here, but actually, I’m setting myself up to be an expert writing coach for the writers who specifically need me. It’s just like how agents look for specific types of books. Shotgun blasting your expertise never works.

[How to Know When You Might Need a Coach]

So, how do you know when it’s time to hire a coach? Here are a few signs:

1- You have an idea but don’t know how to develop it – If you’re staring at a blank page, unsure of how to shape your idea into a compelling story, a writing coach can guide you through brainstorming, outlining, and building a solid foundation.

2- You keep starting projects but never finishing them – Maybe you lose momentum halfway through, or you’re constantly second-guessing yourself. A coach can help keep you accountable and provide strategies to push through roadblocks.

3- You’ve finished a draft but don’t know what’s next – Whether you’re unsure how to revise, afraid of feedback, or overwhelmed by the publishing process, a coach can help you refine your work and take it to the next stage.

4- You struggle with self-doubt or perfectionism – If you’re constantly wondering, “Is this good enough?” or feeling paralyzed by fear of failure, a coach can help shift your mindset, give constructive feedback, and boost your confidence.

5- You want to improve your craft but don’t know where to focus – Maybe you’re getting mixed advice or don’t know what aspects of your writing need the most work. A coach provides personalized guidance tailored to your goals.

But none of these reasons have to apply to you to hire a writing coach. Just like with therapy, sometimes it’s nice to have someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of without there being a glaring issue. Having said that, though, it’s important to note that writing coaches are not therapists. We are not equipped to handle your trauma and mental health issues.

[Why This Channel Exists]

Some of you might have noticed that I recently changed the name of this channel, adding its true purpose to my pen name: Your Virtual Writing Coach.

It’s been a name I’ve been working with since starting this channel, adding it to the videos I felt it applied to. Now, though, I want to make it the main focus.

I created this channel because I believe writers don’t just need craft advice—they need encouragement, accountability, and real talk about the writing journey. I’ve spent years as a teacher and mentor, and I know that sometimes, what a writer really needs isn’t just another ‘how-to’ guide but someone to remind them that they can do this.

Due to finances, time constraints, and other restrictions, I know many writers who would get a lot from working with me just won’t be able to. But through the magic of the internet, I can help so many more people than I would through my coaching business alone.

On this channel, you’ll find a mix of writing tips, mindset shifts, and encouragement—because writing should be challenging, but it shouldn’t be miserable.

Every week, I’ll share videos on topics like overcoming self-doubt, building strong writing habits, and improving your storytelling skills. I’ll also break down common writing advice—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it your own.”

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough, stuck in a creative rut, or unsure if your writing is ‘worth it’—this channel is here to remind you that you are a writer, and your words matter.

But that’s all from me today. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more videos, and leave your comments below. You’ve got some writing to do, so I’ll see you in the next video. Ta-ta!