If you want to improve your writing skills, you might be interested in taking a writing course or workshop. But how can you tell if the instructor is qualified, experienced, and trustworthy? Here are some tips to help you evaluate a writing instructor's credibility before you sign up.
One of the first things you should do is check the instructor's credentials. What is their educational background, professional experience, and publication record? Do they have a degree or certification in writing, teaching, or a related field? Have they worked as writers, editors, or teachers in the genre or industry you want to learn about? Have they published any books, articles, or other works that demonstrate their expertise and reputation? Look for evidence of their qualifications and achievements on their website, social media, or online profiles.
Are they different? Are they involved with activities like writing and blogging? What are they giving back to their community?
The basics are a good starting point. A native speaker with a British University degree in English language and literature, preferably an Honours degree. The teacher contributes regularly to Quora and has more than 2.5 million views of his/her articles. The teacher uses a benchmark for writing excellence -- Ernest Hemingway, for example. So, use of short sentences - subject/verb/object - in active voice and very few adjectives. Naturally, he/she knows how to divide text into paragraphs and understands punctuation. The teacher tells students the truth about defects in their writing and explains how to improve it. I tick all of these boxes. So, I await job offers. Thank you.
When looking for an author coach, don't get stuck on the fact they have or have not published a book. Reading and writing ask for very different skills. For example, reading will require more critical thinking than writing. The latter, on the other hand, will involve more creativity than the former.
Some fundamental criteria are the instructor's current affiliation, his/her active years of experience, the duration he/she spent teaching in each of mentioned workplaces, and lastly CPD training/ workshops.
When evaluating the credibility of an author, it is important to consider various factors beyond just their credentials or prolificness. Credibility can be determined through the content itself, such as a writer who contradicts themselves, does not provide strong arguments, or lacks supporting evidence. Additionally, a writer who relies heavily on ethos rather than logical reasoning, who is not open to other opinions, or who includes lies, ignorance, or prejudice in their text can also raise doubts about their credibility. Taking these aspects into account when evaluating an author's credibility ensures a more comprehensive assessment.
Another way to assess a writing instructor's credibility is to read their reviews. What do other students say about their courses or workshops? Are they satisfied with the quality, content, and delivery of the instruction? Do they feel that they learned valuable skills, received useful feedback, and improved their writing? Are there any complaints, criticisms, or negative feedback? Look for reviews on the instructor's website, online platforms, or third-party sites. Pay attention to the tone, frequency, and date of the reviews.
Even better, connect with one of their previous clients and ask your questions! Do keep in mind that everyone has a different experience with their writing coach. What one would consider a very bad coach could be a perfect fit for you!
A third way to evaluate a writing instructor's credibility is to sample their work. How do they write, teach, and communicate? Do they have a clear, engaging, and professional style? Do they explain concepts, techniques, and examples in a way that is easy to understand and apply? Do they provide relevant, helpful, and constructive feedback? Look for samples of their work on their website, blog, newsletter, podcast, or video channel. Try a free or low-cost lesson, webinar, or ebook if available.
Keep an eye out for what they focus on. Each writing coach will have their own ideas on what they think is the most important lesson to share. It is also important you know what is essential to you to find the right fit.
One thing I consider important is actual class visit where teaching skills an credentials could be monitored and judged properly.
A fourth way to evaluate a writing instructor's credibility is to compare their offerings. What do they offer in terms of topics, formats, durations, and prices? Do they cover the subjects, genres, and levels that interest you? Do they offer flexible, accessible, and interactive options? Do they charge reasonable, competitive, and transparent fees? Look for information on their website, brochure, or flyer. Compare their offerings with other instructors or courses in the same field or niche.
There is, unfortunately, no correlation between paying a high price and having a great service. Be clear on the budget you have available for this service and then look for writing coaches who fit that budget.
A fifth way to evaluate a writing instructor's credibility is to contact them directly. How do they respond to your inquiries, questions, or concerns? Do they reply promptly, politely, and professionally? Do they provide clear, honest, and detailed answers? Do they address your needs, goals, and expectations? Look for contact details on their website, email, or phone. Contact them directly and see how they communicate and interact with you.
Most writing coaches will offer you the possibility of a discovery call. Get on the call with questions for which you can not find the reply on the website. You want to get the most out of this call and to really dig deeper in a potential relationship.
A sixth way to evaluate a writing instructor's credibility is to trust your intuition. How do you feel about the instructor after doing your research, reading their reviews, sampling their work, comparing their offerings, and contacting them directly? Do you feel confident, comfortable, and excited about learning from them? Do you sense any red flags, doubts, or hesitations? Listen to your gut and trust your instincts. Choose the instructor that feels right for you and your writing journey.
Yes! Don't ignore what you feel. While working together, you will be able to discover their skills. Remember that your first choice is the correct choice.
When evaluating the credibility of an author, it is important to consider various factors beyond just their credentials or prolificness. Credibility can be determined through the content itself, such as a writer who contradicts themselves, does not provide strong arguments, or lacks supporting evidence. Additionally, a writer who relies heavily on ethos rather than logical reasoning, who is not open to other opinions, or who includes lies, ignorance, or prejudice in their text can also raise doubts about their credibility. Taking these aspects into account when evaluating an author's credibility ensures a more comprehensive assessment.