If you're working on a book and feel stuck, you might be wondering:

Should I hire a writing coach or an editor?

Here’s how to tell the difference—and figure out what you actually need.

✍️ Writing Coach = Process Partner

A writing coach helps while you’re still writing. Think of us as your creative sounding board, accountability partner, and structure guide.
We don’t fix grammar—we help you finish the book.

A coach will help you:

• Organize your ideas

• Set realistic writing goals

• Stay motivated and on track

• Push through writer’s block

• Strengthen your storytelling as you go

Writing coaches are especially helpful for:

• First-time authors

• People who feel overwhelmed by the process

• Writers with busy schedules or ADHD

• Non-native English speakers writing in English

🛠️ Editor = Post-Draft Polish

Editors come in after you’ve written most or all of your draft. They focus on what’s already there.

There are different types:

• Developmental editors: Help with structure, pacing, and big-picture revisions

• Line editors: Improve flow and sentence clarity

• Copy editors: Fix grammar, punctuation, and consistency

• Proofreaders: Catch last-minute typos before publishing

If your manuscript is done and you’re ready to refine it, an editor is what you need.

👥 Some Authors Hire Both

You can absolutely work with a coach during the writing phase and an editor afterward. At Speak Your Own Book, we offer both coaching and editing—so you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Not sure which one is right for you?
Book a free consultation and we’ll help you decide what kind of support will move your book forward.

👉 Contact us here.