The 9 (Nine) Biggest Reasons Most First-Time
Writers Fail to Become Published Authors
Writing a book and becoming a published author is a
common dream. As Harry Beckwith wrote in The Invisible Touch, “If
you want to change your life, write a book.” But writing a book
is no easy task. There are few people who can just sit down and crank
out a few hundred pages. Most of us have to work hard at becoming a
writer and published author, often taking months or years before completing
our first book. So what differentiates someone who eventually does become
a published author from those who only write for a short time before
giving up?
Following are the nine biggest reasons most first-time writers fail
to become published authors.
Unrealistic Expectations
Don’t expect to get rich off your book or writing,
even if your book or writing is considered a success by publishing standards.
The vast majority of books fail to earn out their advance, and the vast
majority of writers don’t make tons of money. Instead, develop
a personal marketing plan to leverage your career off your book or your
writing. Rather then trying to make money on the book or writing itself,
use your book and writing to open doors, promote your credibility, and
build relationships with readers.
Writing Without A Contract
Never write a book, essay, or article without a signed
contract. Instead, prepare a polished proposal and two sample chapters
or a query letter. Publishers are increasingly selective about the titles
they accept. Often, less than 1 in 20 titles proposed are published.
Writing a book or article that isn’t accepted is not a good use
of your time.
Weak Titles
Titles sell books and articles. The title of your book,
essay, or article is like the headline of an advertisement. The title
represents your one and only chance to attract the attention of acquisition
editors, publishers, or readers. One important point to remember is
that successful titles often stress the benefits readers will gain from
reading your book or article. Successful titles arouse curiosity and
offer solutions. They often include consonants and alliteration (repeated
‘hard’ sounds like G, K, P or T).
Title Versus Series
Focus on a series of books, articles, or essays rather
than an individual title. Publishers want concepts that can be expanded
into a series rather than individual titles. Likewise, readers often
want to read more if they like the writing, so it is important to have
more ready or on the way.
Going It Alone
Successful writing careers involve a nurturing support
group of readers and peers. Your quest should include the support of
your friends, other authors and writers, book coaches, readers, and
others who will help you maintain your enthusiasm while providing ideas,
assistance, and feedback.
Event Writing
Write a little each day rather than “going away”
to write or work on your book. Stress is an author’s biggest enemy.
When you attempt marathon writing, you’re putting an unrealistic
burden on yourself. “What happens if I come back and my book isn’t
written?”
Self-editing
Avoid unnecessary self-editing; at least at first.
It’s far more important to complete the first draft than to agonize
over the perfection of every word.
Editors will ensure that grammar is correct and ideas appear in the
proper order. But they can’t do anything until you submit the
final manuscript.
Failure To Promote
Publishers are not promoters. Publishers are skilled
at editing, manufacturing, and distributing books, magazines, or other
media. But they are not set up to give your book the marketing attention
it deserves. A single publicist may represent over 100 books; they can’t
possibly do yours justice. If you want your book to succeed, or your
writing career to take off, you have to promote yourself and your writing.
Failure To Plan For The Future
Before writing your book or beginning your writing
career, create a marketing plan. Sales of your writing or books should
be just the first step in an ongoing relationship with your readers.
Your plan should identify opportunities for future interactions with
your readers. A few ideas include: consulting, newsletters, audio/video
recordings, seminars, speeches, releases of new writing or finished
works.
Writing, and especially writing a book, can change your life. But you
must take charge; take a proactive role in promoting and leveraging
its success. Doing so will ensure that your book(s) get published and
that you have a long and successful independent writing career.
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