Book Coaching vs. Developmental Editing: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Understanding the difference — and how to choose the right support to bring your book to life.
Many smart, driven people begin a book-writing journey—whether they’re outlining, drafting, revising, engaging beta readers, etc.—and wonder, Wait, what kind of help do I actually need to publish the book I’m dreaming of? Do I need a book coach or an editor?
There are thousands of publishing professionals out there, and all of them describe their services a bit differently. Two of the most common service offerings authors will encounter are book coaching and developmental editing. By the end of this post, you’ll understand both services as well as which one better fits your goals and circumstances.
If you’re writing your first draft, a book coach can help you start strong. If you’ve already written it, a developmental editor will make it shine.
Need help figuring it out? I offer editorial guidance for both book coaching and developmental editing—reach out here if you want to talk through what’s best for your project.
Quick Definitions
Book coaching is a service providing ongoing guidance and accountability as you write your manuscript. A book coach supports the process, helps shape your ideas in real time, and keeps you on track.
Developmental editing is a service providing deep, strategic edit of your manuscript once it’s drafted. A developmental editor helps you refine structure, flow, clarity, and impact across the whole book.
Already think developmental editing is your choice? Check out my blog post What Is Developmental Editing? (And Do You Actually Need It?) to learn what to expect.
It’s worth noting that many authors engage both a book coach and a developmental editor on the same project, with book coaches usually being brought in earlier in the process and developmental editors later on.
Also, just because an author has a full working draft of their book idea doesn’t mean they must start with a developmental editor and can’t engage a book coach. It’s all about where you feel your manuscript is and how fluid your ideas are at this point in your project.
Who Typically Benefits from Book Coaching & Developmental Editing?
You might want a book coach if:
You’re just starting your writing journey and aren’t sure where or how to begin.
You like the idea of having clarity, direction, and proven structure from the beginning of your process.
You value accountability in reaching writing or business goals.
You want a partner to talk through ideas and discuss if they fit in your bigger picture.
You might want a developmental editor if:
You have a (mostly finished) working draft of your manuscript.
You have a lot of your ideas articulated, but you need clarity, structure, and polish to elevate your ideas.
You have strong ideas, but they feel scattered and you need help connecting them in authentic way in writing.
How to Decide (or Get Support to Decide)
If you’re still unsure which service you should pursue, ask yourself this question:
Do I already know what I want to say and how I want to say it? Or am I still figuring that out?
There is no wrong answer to this question, but here’s my advice:
If you’re still on a journey of understanding your core message, a book coach who can help you explore and articulate your ideas is an undeniable resource.
If you know what you want to say and have spent time articulating your ideas, a developmental editor will elevate your project and push it closer to publication.
What It’s Like to Work with Me
I offer both book coaching and developmental editing services—and I love both project types for different reasons!
Book Coaching: I take a three-phase approach to my book coaching process.
I start with discovery and outlining, when we get into the meat of your ideas and find a structure and story arc to engage your audience.
Then we dive into drafting, where I provide intuitive writing templates to help you build your first draft chapter by chapter.
Finally, we enter revisions, where we finalize and polish your manuscript. The final deliverable is a complete, industry-standard copy-edited manuscript.
Developmental Editing: After an initial interview and review of your working draft, I provide a thorough editing plan that outlines major areas of focus within the project.
We align on this approach before I begin editing.
I typically perform three rounds of edits for this service, with the author providing answers/feedback/edits in the first two.
The final deliverable is a complete, industry-standard copy-edited manuscript.
I work with authors across genres to bring clarity and structure to their ideas—whether that’s through developmental editing or hands-on coaching. Get in touch to explore how we can shape your book together.
Your Book Deserves the Right Support
Whether you’re still exploring your idea or you’re already revising your first full draft, the right editorial partner can provide you with the confidence, clarity, and structure both you and your book deserve.
Rebecca Andersen is a developmental editor and book coach helping thought leaders and changemakers bring their books to life.