Getting Help Writing Your Book 

Writing a book is a massive undertaking, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or lose focus, especially if you’re unsure how to get help. Your writing journey might be hard work sometimes, but there are loads of options for finding help writing your book.

Whether you’re a seasoned author looking for support or a first-time writer seeking guidance, there are loads of resources and strategies you can use to help you finish your book quickly and successfully.

Quick tips for finding help writing your book:

Get help writing your book by joining a writing community

One of the best ways to find help writing your book is to join a writing community. These groups provide a supportive environment where you can share your work, get feedback from other writers, and give you a sense of accountability to help keep you on track. Many communities offer structured programs or courses to help you develop your skills and achieve your writing goals.

Various types of writing communities are available, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs, whether you're struggling to start writing, want feedback about your book idea, or need motivation to continue with your book outline. Some options to consider include the following:

• Writers’ groups or writing clubs: 

  These are typically informal groups of writers who meet regularly to share their work, offer feedback, and discuss writing-related topics. There are groups that focus on particular genres and ones for people in a particular age or demographic groups.

You can find writing groups through your library, nearby book shop, or by searching for local groups online, or source them through social media.

Don't want to struggle to find a group, or prefer working one-on-one with a professional instead?

Get your own writing coach dedicated to your success.

• Writing courses or workshops: 

  Writing courses and workshops are more structured programs that may be led by a professional instructor or mentor. Writing workshops may be focused on a specific genre or topic, or they may be more general in nature. Writing courses are a fantastic place to begin if you want to improve your craft and learn from an expert, often with personalized feedback.

You can find creative writing workshops through community colleges, continuing education programs, or professional organizations like the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP). They are likely to be short-term courses rather than ongoing meetings, which will appeal to some, but not all, writers.

• Professional organizations:

  Joining a professional organization can be a great way to find support and resources for your writing career. Many organizations offer member benefits such as access to creative writing workshops, conferences, and online communities.

There are hundreds of different types of organizations for different writers, so whether you're working on a short story, a fiction book, or a nonfiction book, you’re bound to find one that suits your needs. 

Look through this list for some major organizations.

• Attend writing conferences or retreats:

  The benefits of writing retreats and conferences are similar to those of writing groups or workshops, but if you’re looking for something more short-term and intensive in your writing session, you might prefer them.

Writing conferences and retreats can be a great way to learn new writing techniques, meet other writers, and get feedback on your work. These events often feature workshops, panels, and lectures by writers and industry professionals who can provide valuable insights and advice.

Typically, you will go somewhere (a hotel with conference rooms, a remote cabin, a university) with a small group of authors and a leader for a short period. This time is intended to improve your skills and help you focus on writing your book.

Attending a writing conference or retreat can also be a great way to recharge your writing batteries and get inspired. Being surrounded by other writers can be energizing and help you feel more connected to the writing community.

Many conferences and retreats also offer workshops and intensive writing sessions to help you make progress on your book. Others might help you meet your writing goal and give you a space to focus solely on, for example, finishing your book or coming up with a book outline.

Here’s a list of some top conferences coming up in 2023.

Below is a summary of the pros and cons regarding writing groups to consider when searching for help writing your book.

Find an accountability partner to help write your book

If you’re more comfortable or productive in one-to-one settings than in groups, an accountability partner might be more beneficial than groups or retreats.

An accountability partner is someone who will help keep you on track with your writing goals. You can work with a writing partner to set deadlines, share progress, and provide encouragement and support.

One potential downside to an accountability partner is that your progress may depend on their reliability, and their feedback is unlikely to match the quality of an expert’s opinion. Even so, if you find someone you work well with and who shares your commitment, they can be extremely helpful.

Did you know a writing coach also serves as a professional accountability partner?

Boost your accountability with your own professional partner in crime...

Work with a writing coach or mentor

If you want more professional, personalized support as you write your book, consider working with a writing coach or mentor. A writing coach or mentor is an expert who provides guidance and support as you work on your writing project. They can be especially useful if you’re feeling stuck or losing confidence in your writing.

A great coach will help you set goals, stay motivated, and develop your writing skills. They can also help you overcome common challenges and obstacles that may arise during the writing process.

Writing coaches can also speed up the editing process. By working with someone as you write, the need for developmental editing is reduced, and it's less likely that you'll find errors and plot holes once you've finished writing.

Look for a coach or mentor who has experience in your genre and can provide personalized, expert feedback and support.

Check out this article about what to look for in a writing coach.

Utilize online resources and writing tools

There are many online resources and writing tools that can help you with the writing process. For example, Scrivener is a popular writing software and word processor that helps writers organize their ideas and stay on track with their writing goals.

The Hemingway App is a tool that helps writers improve the clarity and readability of their work. There are also many online writing communities and forums where you can connect with other writers and get feedback on your work.

Some other writer's resource options to consider are:

• Writing software: You don't need to limit yourself to Microsoft word. There are a number of writing software programs that can help you organize your ideas, plan your book, and track your progress. Some popular options include Scrivener, Plottr, and Evernote. Our guide to the best book writing software*
• Writing guides and books: There are countless writing guides and books available that can provide inspiration, advice, and practical tips for creative writing. Some popular options include On Writing by Stephen King and The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.
• Online writing communities and forums: There are a number of online communities and forums specifically designed for writers.

Seek out writing prompts and exercises

Writing prompts and exercises can help you generate ideas and get started with creative writing. There are many websites and books that offer writing prompts and exercises, or you can create your own. These can be especially helpful if you’re struggling to find a starting point or are experiencing writer’s block.

Spending a short writing session working on something unrelated to your book or larger project may feel like a waste of time, but it will keep you creative and inspired even when you’re stuck, and your brain will be working on your main project’s problems even when you’re not actively thinking about them. Also, remember writing is a skill, so keeping it up in any capacity is always helpful and will lead to improved results.

Setting Deadlines 

Setting deadlines for yourself can be a powerful tool when it comes to writing your book. Not only does it give you a specific goal to work towards, but it also helps to keep you motivated and on track. Deadlines can provide a sense of accountability and can help you to stay focused and avoid procrastination.

By setting a deadline for yourself, you can also break your writing project into smaller, more manageable tasks and take the pressure off of trying to complete the entire book at once. Overall, setting deadlines can be a helpful way to stay organized and productive as you work to achieve your writing goals.

Ask an Editor For Help Writing Your Book

If you have specific concerns, you can book a consulting appointment with a Weekend Publisher editor who will answer any questions in a relaxed, one-on-one chat. You might have questions about publishing, where to begin, or what should happen next in your book.

Editor sessions are informal and will provide you with professional, personalized support so you can confidently move forward with your book.

Conclusion: (For Help Writing Your Book) 

Writing a book can be a challenging but rewarding process. It’s natural to need a little help along the way, and fortunately, there are many resources available to aspiring authors.

From writing groups and workshops to hiring a freelance editor, there are plenty of options for getting the support you need to bring your book to life.

Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By taking the time to research your options and find the right fit, you can increase your chances of success and make the writing process a little easier and more enjoyable.

OR...

Skip the trial-and-error phase and get your own personal writing coach to be your mentor and cheerleader so that you can deliver your best work with the least amount of stress.