You’ve heard the saying, “Everybody has a book inside them.” Well, Shelby Foote, Christopher Hitchens, and many others have added to that as follows, “Everybody has a book inside them, and in most cases that’s where it should stay.”
If you bristle at that, hear this. That book inside you may have great potential, but if you’re not in the situation or willing to do the work to turn the book inside you into a book in your hands that people will buy, read, and tell their friends about, the juice is just not worth the squeeze.
Let’s assume that you’ve got a good idea for a book. It should stay inside you unless you can answer the following questions with a cold-eyed “Yes.” A “Hell, yes!” would be even better.
Are you willing to do the work?
Writing a book is hard work. You’ll need significant chunks of time on a regular basis for over a year. If you think writing a book will slip easily into your life, you’re probably wrong.
Are you willing to pay the price?
If you intend to write a book you’re proud of, it comes with a price. Are you willing to pay the price in time, money, and attention to get the job done?
Are you ready and willing to get lots of help?
Forget that idea about the author working alone and creating a masterpiece. Writing a book is a team sport. You’ll certainly need editors and designers. You’ll probably need beta readers. You may need a book writing coach or ghostwriter. Are you ready to find those people and listen to their advice?
Are you willing to market the book?
There’s no use going to all the effort and expense of writing a book if the only people who buy it are people who know you. When writing the book is done, your work goes on. Are you willing to hire helpers and do your part to market your book?
Writing a book isn’t easy or quick. If you can’t justify it with a strong “Yes!” to these questions, you’re probably better off devoting time, treasure, and effort to something else.
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I’m Wally Bock. I’m the author’s player coach. I use a mix of coaching, developmental editing, and writing to help you create a book you’re proud of that accomplishes your goals.
