7 Reasons You Need a Book Writing Mentor

Writing a book is seen as a long and lonely process. But if you’re going to ask all already published writers, working alone in your own little bubble is a big NO-NO. 

Here are the top 7 reasons why having a book writing mentor by your side is the best:

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1. Critical and objective feedback

You need to be clear on WHO you are asking and WHY? 

What is it you value in terms of their feedback - e,g.a close client will understand your audience and their perspective and needs. Your partner is going to say "wow, you did a great job."

Moreover, a book writing mentor will understand you and your business - what journey are you taking your reader, and how do you want them to think, feel and act when reading your book.  

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2. Improve how you communicate overall

The right book writing mentor is your link to the world outside your head. 

They can extract what you know and do in a way that adds value to not just your audience, but to your business overall. I’ve seen, experienced and been part of processes where the author has unlocked a strategic business problem that has been bugging them for years!

Remember, writing is a thinking process, even if you were doing a keynote speech you would start by writing your ideas down. So writing your book yourself will help you to distill your thoughts, and formulate ideas and clear messages that will affect how you speak, sell or write about yourself or what you do in the future.

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3. Publishing industry expertise and advice

A great book idea is not enough when pitching to book publishers. 

A book writing mentor will help you take the necessary steps towards a publishing deal. This is because they know how the publishing industry works, and they know EXACTLY what publishers are looking for and how to convincingly pitch your idea. 

They will help you filter what to include and  leave out in your proposal so you can create your most powerful core message. 
Bonus: Mentors also usually have the best networks and contacts directly into publishers, marketers, publicists, online retailers, so you can get exposure and learn from their knowledge and expertise. This is just like the Little Black Book of trusted industry contacts that I share with my authors.

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4. Fail-proof system and structure

Think about Michelangelo. When asked to decorate the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he protested and said,  “I’m not a painter. I’m a sculptor.  I’ve hardly done anything with a brush and you want me to paint 2000 square feet on a curved ceiling.”

But still, he was able to complete the painting and now his work is considered as one of the masterpieces of Western art. 

He had a system, routine and rhythm. And that made what seems impossible, tangible. 

So if you’re thinking, “How can I write 30,000 words for my book?”, your book writing mentor will equip you with the fundamentals and structure you need to finish the journey. 

No matter how tedious you think the process is, I can 110% say it works if you have a solid framework. 

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5. Accountability

Too many people miss deadlines or keep putting off their book. In order to commit and prioritise a project, you need a person that can make you accountable. 

That someone is your book writing mentor. They will help you stay on track in order to reach your goals and make sure deadlines are met and NOT repeatedly extended. 

Having an accountability partner or community is also a great source of support when fighting self-sabotage or writer’s block. That’s what I can attest from my personal experience in my community in The Expert Author Academy. 

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6. Saves time

Of course when you have the number 4 and 5 above, you will most likely not waste time figuring things out on your own.

You do not have to do much of the guesswork or go through the trial-and-error phase because your writing mentor already has a step-by-step roadmap. There’s no getting lost in the woods. 

In my authors, I use the Write Book Method - a fail-proof roadmap for their book AND every chapter. It helps them answer all the "what next?" questions so their writing to-do list seems manageable. 

7. Emotional support

Book writing mentors can be "a mix of head and heart". 

They give experienced and professional editorial feedback, but they also motivate and direct you, and give you the support you need to get the job done, and done well. 

The writing process can be an incredibly lonely and uncertain time, but it doesn’t have to be. Your writing mentor will set you the right foundation and mindset so you survive (and thrive in) the rollercoaster of the creative journey.

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If you’re looking for advice on how to start writing a book, contact us today to find out how a book coach could help you achieve your ambition. ‍