By Jennifer S. Wilkov
www.yourbookisyourhook.com
As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences. Today let’s talk about the potential of you becoming a writer.
So many times I hear people of all walks of life, net worth and occupations say: “Who would want to listen to me?”
They wonder if what they have to give is worthwhile to someone else. Oftentimes, we have so much to contribute to others but we hold it back for fear that others will think what we have is not good enough.
I hear it all. For example, I get told by aspiring authors that someone else already wrote their book so why should they write theirs? I say, well, if there was only one book for each category in the bookstore, they wouldn’t have so many books in the same category on the shelf, now would they?
When you don’t put your book out there, you are the one who takes the chance away from yourself. You create the obstacle for the exact opportunity you want – to share what you have with someone else and make a difference for them.
If you never take the leap to put it out there, you’ll never know who you’ll benefit and how many people will appreciate what you have to give. More than that, you never know who’s really watching and listening to what you have to share. You may end up meeting people you never dreamed you’d be talking to.
A book is a gift of your passions that you give to the world. Now this may sound a bit out there – but think about the time, energy, effort and money you are going to put into that beautiful book.
Yes, it’s a brand builder for you and extends your marketing platform and your credentials. No question. It may showcase your care for kids or your imagination for the characters you create and craft.
Ultimately, any of these are your passion and it is this passion that drives the quality of your book.
Becoming a writer is for everyone – everyone who wants to be a good writer. It’s not about your grammar, spelling or punctuation or even how well you can express it. If you want to get it out, get it down on paper and enroll some great editors and ghostwriters to help you clean up the English in your writing so it follows the rules. The message is still yours – and it’s probably a great one.
Just like other occupations, if you want to be a writer, then you have want to be one and make the personal investment to make your book great.
A book is a journey of creation and creativity – and it doesn’t happen by yourself. You will need a team to help you get from the idea to the bookstore. But it all starts with the spark in your head and heart and the desire to do it.
Become a writer and author for the right reasons and dedicate a part of your life to it. Whether it comes from your heart and imagination or whether you interview others and stitch their input together, your readers will appreciate you for it and become your loyal fans.
The courage you have to do it is priceless and it will become a part of your legacy.
Most of all, we all win when you do.