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What is a fiction writing coach?
A fiction writing coach helps writers develop strong stories—of any style, genre, or length. A fiction coach might support writers who are creating short stories, novellas, or full-length novels in any one of a number of categories. Among them,
- children’s fiction, including middle grade and young adult
- genre fiction, such as sci-fi, horror, and cozy mystery
- general fiction, including women’s fiction and historical fiction
- literary fiction or scripts meant for stage or screen
Like literary agents, though, fiction writing coaches tend to specialize in the genres or styles they most enjoy.
For instance, while I read and enjoy all fiction, I used to specialize in coaching novel writers—especially early-career novelists. I had experience and particular interest in working with authors who were writing middle grade and young adult novels, mysteries and thrillers, historical fiction, literary fiction, and women’s fiction.
Wondering what it’s like to work with a fiction writing coach?
A fiction writing coach shows up to help you do the following:
- construct a strong plot (also known as narrative or external arc)
- develop interesting characters (especially main characters) and provide dynamic character (or internal) arcs for them
- assign your story’s point(s) of view (POV) and find the “person” for telling your story (first person? third person?)
- discover the most engaging voice for your characters and the best tone for your story as a whole
- write scenes that put your reader there and deliver your story one compelling moment after another
Together, you and your coach will establish a plan—a road map of sorts—that includes setting your goals for your fiction writing and detailing the steps that will help you get there.
But most of all? Your coach will be your biggest fan! They’ll eagerly await your work—perhaps weekly, maybe monthly. After they read your pages closely, you’ll discuss your plot—or pacing or voice or character arc with them. And you’ll leave each meeting with clear, actionable steps and a rocket-booster’s worth of creative fuel to make the most of those steps.
Whether you’re just embarking on a novel or short story collection or have a solid draft in hand, a fiction writing coach can help make your writing journey easier—and a lot more fun!
Fiction writing resources for you!
How to Write a Book: Whether you’re writing a novel, a memoir, or a nonfiction book, this article offers the basic steps of book-writing.
How to Find a Writing Coach: This article gives you research and interview tips to help you find the most appropriate coach for you.
5 Fabulous Tips for Plotting Your Novel: Plot. Easy for some. Hard for many. This article will help you harness the power of the events that propel your characters (and your readers!) forward.
The Plot Clock: Here, you’ll find an introduction to what I consider the most valuable approach to creating a strong, compelling plot.
WRITING FICTION, by Gotham Writers Workshop
: [In this book], you’ll find: The fundamental elements of fiction―character, plot, point of view, ―explained clearly; key concepts illustrated with great works of fiction; and exercises that help you apply what you learn to your own writing.
WRITE YOUR SHORT STORY, by Lorena A. Falcòn: 
Whether you’re a beginner or a published writer, you’ll find tips on short story writing and a list of 101 ideas for your next short story in this helpful book.
THE EMOTIONAL CRAFT OF FICTION, by Donald Maas: 
If you want to write strong fiction, you must make your readers feel. Your reader’s experience must be an emotional journey as involving as your characters’ struggles, discoveries, and triumphs. This bookwill help you learn to take your reader on a satisfying emotional journey.
A few of the fiction writers who’ve included me in their acknowledgements
Melody Maysonet,
author of A WORK OF ART (Merit Press) starts her acknowledgements with this: Huge thank-yous to Joyce Sweeney and Jamie Morris for teaching me about the craft of novel-writing and cheering me on in every stage.
Author Anne Hawkinson (writing as A. K. Hicks) 
opens her acknowledgements this way: Heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to Jamie Morris (my editor and writing coach), who worked persistently and diligently with me to bring this story to life.
In her third novel, KEEP NO SECRETS (Fresh Fork), 
Julie Compton says: Jamie Morris believed in this one from the beginning and encouraged me to follow my heart instead of the market. I’m fortunate to have met such an amazing writing mentor.