How do you know if your writing coach or mentor is helping you write better?

1 Your writing improves

The most obvious sign that your writing coach or mentor is helping you write better is that you can see and feel the improvement in your writing. You might notice that your writing is clearer, more engaging, more persuasive, or more creative. You might also get more positive responses from your readers, clients, or editors. To measure your progress, you can compare your current writing with your previous writing and see if there are any changes in your style, tone, structure, or content.

2 You learn new skills

Another sign that your writing coach or mentor is helping you write better is that you learn new skills and techniques that you can apply to your writing. Your writing coach or mentor might teach you how to brainstorm ideas, outline your projects, edit your drafts, or use different tools and formats. They might also introduce you to new genres, forms, or audiences that you can explore and experiment with. To evaluate your learning, you can reflect on what you have learned from your writing coach or mentor and how you have used it in your writing.

3 You gain confidence

A third sign that your writing coach or mentor is helping you write better is that you gain confidence in your writing abilities and decisions. Your writing coach or mentor might encourage you to overcome your fears, doubts, or blocks and to trust your voice and vision. They might also challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and to try new things. They might also celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your strengths. To assess your confidence, you can ask yourself how you feel about your writing and how you handle feedback, criticism, or rejection.

4 You have a good relationship

A fourth sign that your writing coach or mentor is helping you write better is that you have a good relationship with them. A good relationship means that you respect, trust, and communicate well with your writing coach or mentor. You feel comfortable and safe to share your writing, your goals, and your challenges with them. You also listen to their advice, feedback, and suggestions and consider them carefully. You also appreciate their support, motivation, and accountability. To examine your relationship, you can ask yourself how you interact with your writing coach or mentor and how they make you feel.

5 You enjoy writing

A fifth sign that your writing coach or mentor is helping you write better is that you enjoy writing more. Writing can be fun, rewarding, and fulfilling, but it can also be stressful, frustrating, and boring. Your writing coach or mentor can help you find the joy and passion in writing and remind you why you write in the first place. They can also help you balance your writing with your other responsibilities and interests and avoid burnout or fatigue. To check your enjoyment, you can ask yourself how you feel when you write and what motivates you to write.