You would think that book writing would come easily to someone who has written nine books (5 still available) and supported countless others to pen theirs. There is no such thing as an absolute expert. As soon as you fall into that trap, you are lost. Learning no matter your perceived level of experience is an imperative. Without learning and accepting feedback, there can be no personal growth.
Book writing is a classic example of an activity that is a bit like a sharp stick in the eye when it comes to growth. Don’t be fooled writing a good book is not easy.
It takes courage to put your words out there as well as committing to the process that you have to go through.
From those first few ideas to being published there are many steps go through and each one can potentially raise issues and areas for feedback.
Book Writing Mistake 1 – your ideal reader is everyone or has a rigid profile
When I worked in IT and manufacturing marketing, I would analyse our potential markets according to wise and tested marketing wisdom. It was relatively straightforward. Book writing clients often struggle with these fixed and rigid parameters.
Instead, we explore where their readers might find themselves in life. Your ideal reader could be a women of either 35 or 55 more likely she will be at a point where a particular kind of change is paramount. I find that we are tapping more into readers values rather than say their disposable income. If someone wants your book or services, they will find a way to pay, providing they believe you have the same / similar values and you will deliver the value and outcome they are expecting.
For you to explore: Consider instead your ideal reader’s values, opinions, interests, where she hangs out, likes and benefits sought (behaviourial). Start with you and consider these things for you, how close is your ideal reader to who you are? I bet they are very close. Review books and blogs you love – what is it about them that resonates? Keep asking what is it about this author I admire?
Book Writing Mistake 2 – you think you do not need a structure
You will have heard the term pantser, which is typically applied to novel writers. It’s certainly something I’ve tried for my creative writing. Big mistake for someone like me. Why? While I am extremely intuitive and creative, I love process and strategy. I need everything chunked down so that it is easier to write. Some of the clients struggle at the start of writing their book because their heads are full of ideas, as they cannot work through the confusion to articulate them. Once we find the flow of the book, their voice and have a chapter framework – wow the difference is incredible.
For you to explore: Find a way to create a structure that works for you. My process starts off with a big picture, which is then transferred to a hand drawn mind map, then a computer based one and finally it’s structure logically. My reasoning is if we can work with all of the senses we will get the best outline. We are all whole brained. However, we typically put ourselves in a box that restricts this. When you allow every aspect of you to get involved the outcome is fabulous.
Book Writing Mistake 3 – you fail to put the time and effort in
Writing my current book has been a trial. Not because I am not engaged with the content and my message, but because of pain. Trying to find a place to sit comfortably has been incredibly hard. I could easily give up, and I have taken weeks off. However, I make myself put the effort in, just in short bursts. In the past, I have worked for hours on end getting to the first draft. Then after a short break, I have made myself edit and edit until I couldn’t look at it anymore. I have had to dig deep to do this. If you want your book to reach the streets you have to find time. So many things eat up our available time, families, friends, TV and plain old procrastination.
For you to explore: Look at Covey’s time management matrix, where you create time to focus on what is important before it becomes urgent – when you will be firefighting and stressed. Also, consider the concept of doing one thing. That is, you put everything that is bright shiny and not important on the back burner. By focusing on one thing, you will reduce overwhelm. Think about how the time management matrix and one thing would give you the permission to write your book.
That’s it for now, look out for the next blog on book writing mistakes. If you are thinking of writing a book, make sure you are committed to not only writing it but how you will use it once you have published.
While having a book may seem like an incredible marketing tool to have, it requires your commitment at every part of the process.
Good luck and do let me know how you are getting on.
