The Coaching Compass certificate in writing coaching

Completing The Coaching Compass Certificate in Writing Coaching

To gain the certificate you must collect 20 points. There are a variety of ways to do this, with one mandatory element. The idea being that students can choose the parts that best suit their lives, available time and budgets. Coaching Compass members can apply to the certificate program now. I’ll accept applications twice a year. There are limited places due to a marked element (details below). Please only apply when you are working with at least one client.

Element one: Courses

(CIEP) Coaching Skills for Editors (5 points)

(CIEP) Coaching Skills in Practice (5 points)

Coaching Authors From Scratch (7 points)

Element two: Webinars

Any Coaching Compass webinar (1.5 points)
The Anatomy of a Coaching Session
Coaching Authors Through Imposter Syndrome and Confidence Issues
Coaching Authors Through Writer’s Block and Motivation Issues

Element three: Mentoring and supervision (capped at 7 points)

One supervision session (1 point)

Three mentoring sessions (2.5 points)

Element three: Reflective Coaching Case Study ( 3 points, mandatory)

In order to gain the certificate you must complete the reflective case study to show evidence of having coached and having learned during the process. The case study will follow your practice with one client (at least three sessions, six would be preferable). More information about the content will be provided on successful application to the programme.

Example pathways to completing The Coaching Compass Certificate in Writing Coaching

Pathway 1
2 x CIEP courses = 10
1 x Coaching Authors from Scratch = 7
1 x Reflective Case Study = 3

Pathway 2
1 x CIEP course = 5
1 x Coaching Authors from Scratch = 7
1 x Reflective Case Study = 3
2 x Webinar = 3
2 x Supervision sessions = 2

Pathway 3
1 x Coaching Authors from Scratch = 7
1 x Reflective Case Study = 3
3 x Mentoring sessions = 2.5
3 x Webinar = 4.5
3 x supervision = 3

FAQs

1. What will the certificate cost?
   This depends on the pathway you choose. Having webinars/mentoring included will spread the cost but likely take longer than simply doing three courses. I estimate between £1000 and £2000 (taxes etc differ depending where you are).
2. How long do I have to complete it?
   It should be possible to complete within a year. You will have two years from application to complete the whole programme. Please only apply if you have at least one client.
3. How do I know which webinars can be included?
   When announcing a webinar, I’ll make it clear it is included in the programme (like the recent Anatomy of a Coaching Session). The information webinar about the certificate isn’t included!
4. Does it matter what genre or authors I work with?
   A lot of my case studies are fiction based because of my own practice, but this shouldn’t be detrimental to non-fiction editors. Please contact me if you aren’t sure.
5. Is the certificate accredited?
   I can’t promise any certificate-holder work and the programme isn’t accredited – it is for CPD and developing skills. However, having the certificate will show a commitment to gaining skills, professional development and working ethically with clients. I will be much more inclined to refer work to those who have it.
   
6. Why is the case study mandatory?
   It’s of great importance to me that anyone who has a Coaching Compass certificate has worked with clients and reflected on their practice. The case study will allow you to pause and reflect on that work: what you did well, what you learned from that client, and what you could have done better. Courses can only teach the theory – transferring that to real people is when the real learning happens!
7. How do I apply?
   Please email me to register your interest and tell me a little about your work or ask for a quick Zoom to discuss. Because of the marked element there are a limited number of places but more will become available twice a year.