Last week I had the pleasure of doing an author event and book signing at the University of Penn Bookstore. It was a decent turnout considering I am not a local celebrity. Some attendees posed questions outside the realm of my book’s topic. A Temple student was thinking about writing a book and had some specific questions.
Using the philosophies that I share below, I wrote the first draft of my book over a period of seven months, or roughly one chapter every few weeks.
If I can do it, so can you. Here is my advice for writing a book:
1. Do not cut back on your workload.
Do not drop scheduled assignments to write a book – you will regret it later. Keep plugging away at your regular work because it keeps money coming in while you are working on the book. Find time to write during what would normally be non-work hours if you have to. That includes early mornings, evenings or weekends. I found my peak writing time to be in the early morning before the kids woke up. I hit the computer with coffee in hand between 5 and 6:30 a.m. most days, even on weekends. Find a writing time that works for you and run with it.
2. Write about a subject that you are passionate about.
If the subject of your book is unfamiliar, you may hit a wall. Instead, write about a topic you are entrenched in. When I started writing my book, my kids were ages three and one. I was in the thick of diaper changes, toddler tantrums, picky toddler eating habits – and I still am. It was easy to write about the challenges facing moms who juggle work and raising kids because I was experiencing them.
3. Set a schedule and stick to it.
Write a chapter every few weeks. Do not miss deadlines. As an employee or small business executive, you understand that if you miss deadlines you could lose your job or client. Treat your book deadlines the same way. Even though you might not have a boss or client breathing down your back for every chapter, pretend they are.
4. Expand the type of work you do.
If you offer a few different services, it will help you bring in more income, income that you will need as you are working on a book. When I started a consulting business in 2001, a business coach suggested that I offer a few different types of services. I opted to offer writing, editing and public relations. If you are setting time aside to write a book, think about what else you could sell besides writing–perhaps social media or event planning services?
Important points to consider: Do not expect the book to be a moneymaker. Most authors cannot quit their day jobs. The sad reality is that advances from publishers are shrinking. Before you sign a contract with a publisher, review it closely and make sure you are okay with the terms. Get feedback from others on the publisher’s distribution channels and marketing capabilities. If you decide to self-publish, you will have to educate yourself on the best options available and commit some funds upfront to get it published.
Regardless of how you decide to get your book out there, you will have to spend time promoting it. Set up a virtual book tour and as many author events and book signings as you have time and energy for. My book came out in the Fall, but I still pitch it to select media and bookstores when I have free time. You cannot sit back and expect your book to become a bestseller. You will have to spend time pushing it out there, and if you do not have time to do it, hire a reliable person or firm who can help. Good luck!
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
