How many times have you read a book and thought, “This could have used an editor”?
Probably more often that you’d like.
That may be why writers often assume they need an editor. And sometimes, they do.
But what many writers are actually looking for is something different: someone to think with them, helping them shape ideas and strengthen their writing process, not just their sentences.
That’s where done-with-you coaching comes in.
In this post, we’ll explore the difference between editing, coaching, and consulting so you can choose the kind of support that actually serves your writing and your goals.
Why Writers Often Seek Help in the First Place
Writers usually reach out for support when they:
- feel stuck in development—their ideas feel chaotic and untethered
- need clarity on structure or direction—they need help with next steps
- want help refining their voice or tone
- need a second brain for story logic
- are preparing work for publication, submission or presentation
But not all writing support works the same way.
Understanding the difference can change the outcome of your writing project.
What Editing Is (And When It’s Most Helpful)
Editing is typically:
- done independently
- focused on the written document (in other words, completed works)
- centered on mechanics, tone, clarity, and development
Editors work primarily with the text itself, not necessarily with the writer’s thinking process.
Typical editing tasks include:
- grammar and mechanics
- sentence structure
- tone consistency
- development and clarity
- pitch and presentation
- overall polish
Editors usually review the piece in isolation and return suggestions, comments, or revisions for the writer to implement. But if you aren’t sure what you are doing or the comments feel confusing, that puts the onus on you to figure it out or book another session to gain clarity.
Editing, in the traditional sense, creates a back-and-forth process, but it’s not collaborative in real time. The work largely happens alone.
There are exceptions to this, of course. Developmental editors look at writing from a foundational level and make suggestions based on that, but again, it is often a review-and-comment based system.
I’m not saying editing isn’t valuable. It is. A great editor works wonders. But it isn’t great for non-writers or newbies because it relies on the writing for implementation.
That being said, editing is invaluable when:
- a draft is complete
- the structure is solid
- the writer wants refinement before publication or submission
What Done-With-You Coaching Looks Like
Done-with-you coaching takes a completely different approach.
Instead of working on the writing alone, we work together.
This process focuses on:
- concept development (making sure your idea works)
- defining your needs (what do you need to know to begin or be successful)
- establishing your approach (in film, we call this a treatment—which tells us how to approach a script and what is required to make it work)
- identifying your audience (to match tone, style, and needs)
- locking in voice, tone, and style
- discovering the throughline of the work (and any related pieces)
- shaping the narrative logic (or story logic)
- building a strong structure to support the work
Rather than handing back edits, story (or writing) coaching involves thinking through the project together.
We explore questions like:
- What are you really trying to say?
- Who is this for?
- Are you saying enough or too much?
- What structure best serves your story or message?
Done-with-you coaching honors your role as the creator.
The goal isn’t to rewrite your work. It’s to help you bring your voice and vision through, only stronger and clearer.
Coaching vs Consulting
People often confuse coaching with consulting. I had a session the other day with another coach, and she complained that I didn’t hand her a worksheet with a set path to follow. Instead, we talked through her project and how best to approach her subject to make the biggest impact with her audience. That is far more valuable than a dusty old worksheet you could find online or in any writing textbook.
I work with my clients on their particular projects. I don’t create cheat sheets that would work for everyone…because they don’t exist. Stories are too vast for that. Too varied.
So what do you need—coaching or consulting? Let’s look at the differences, because they operate differently:
Consulting
Consulting usually involves:
- diagnosing a problem
- presenting a strategy
- giving instructions or a plan to follow, and
- it often follows a template or system.
While consulting works well in technical fields, it doesn’t always translate well to writing.
Writing is too nuanced with too many variables. There isn’t a single path to follow.
Coaching
Coaching is more collaborative.
Instead of prescribing answers, coaching:
- helps you find the best approach and solutions
- teaches the writing process
- strengthens your storytelling instincts
- develops your skills as a writer
In coaching, you remain the expert on your story, topic, experience, and business.
My role as a coach is to guide, challenge, and help refine your thinking about writing, not provide set solutions. (Spoiler alert: They don’t exist.)
Why Writing Can’t Be One-Size-Fits-All
Many writing systems promise a universal formula. But writing rarely works that way.
There are over one hundred documented story structures for a reason.
Different projects require different approaches—some dictated by form, and others by the type of story being told.
Novels, screenplays, speeches, blog posts, memoirs, and business writing all require different structural considerations and varying levels of complexity.
What does remain consistent are the foundational building blocks of narrative:
- story logic
- throughlines
- voice, tone and style
- audience awareness
- emotional resonance
- narrative neuroscience
Instead of forcing your work to fit a template, coaching focuses on your idea, story, and how to develop it to suit what you need.
Success relies on the goals you set, not some random external matrix of success.
Coaching Builds Long-Term Writing Skill
Editing improves a piece.
Coaching improves the writer.
My goal as a coach is simple: Eventually, you shouldn’t need me anymore.
Working through the writing process together (from concept development to final polish) you learn how to:
- evaluate your own work
- develop stronger narrative logic
- revise effectively
- approach future projects with confidence
Coaching builds independence, not dependence.
Why I Work Across Many Narrative Forms
The main reason I work across formats comes down to experience. I’ve been lucky enough in my career to work across forms. I never niched down or forced myself to work in only one type of writing.
Instead, I focused on story and how and why it works. What I discovered was that because narrative fundamentals remain consistent, I could offer coaching across many narrative-based writing forms:
- novels
- creative nonfiction
- blogs and articles
- scripts and screenplays
- speeches
- business storytelling
The context may change, but story logic and the neuroscience behind narrative remain consistent. They adapt to whatever form the writing takes.
That’s why my coaching methods remain flexible. I meet you where you are and adapt my guidance to match your needs and those of your project.
The Final Take
Editing can refine a piece. Consulting can offer direction.
Only coaching helps you become a stronger writer.
When we work together, the goal isn’t just to finish the project in front of you. It’s to give you the tools and perspective you need to approach every future story with clarity and confidence.
If you’re looking for support with your writing project, I offer done-with-you coaching for narrative-based writing of all kinds—from novels and screenplays to blogs, articles, speeches, and business writing.
Together we’ll work through your project step-by-step so your voice, ideas, and story come through clearly and sound like you.