Where Would You Like To Go As An Author?
Whatever you behold, you become.
When I was a child, I remember hearing a speaker say those words.
Whatever you behold, you become. In other words, you become whatever influences you subject yourself to. The books you read, the music you listen to, the friends who surround you—they all deeply influence
you.
Even deeper, the beliefs you choose to believe about yourself, ultimately
become true in your life.
If you believe you’re a screw-up, you’ll keep screwing
up.
If you believe you’re not worthy of being loved, you’ll gravitate toward
destructive relationships.
Wise King Solomon wrote many years ago, “Whatever a
man thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Our thoughts and beliefs are
powerful.
Last week I introduced the Six Beliefs of Every Effective Author. Click here if you missed it.
Let’s pick up where we left off.
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Effective authors know where they’re going and take positive steps to get there. They may not
sell millions of books, but with laser-like focus, they hit the intended target.
Last week we looked at two
beliefs that serve as the foundation to the rest of the six.
Belief #1. I believe in my book.
Belief #2. I am not my book.
Let's continue...
Six Core
Beliefs of Every Effective Author
Belief #3: I am a business, not a non-profit.
Actually, you’re not just a business. As an author, you are a business owner. Owning a business has strengths and weaknesses.
You have freedom. You can write whatever you want, whenever you want.
Unless you’re a professional freelancer or you’re under contract with a traditional publisher, nobody is telling you what to do. You are your own boss.
But freedom has a downside. Many authors show up late for work. Sometimes they just don’t show up. Some should be fired, quite frankly.
Thomas Edison once wrote, "We often miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work."
The writing life isn't butterflies and unicorns. It's hard work
that requires self-discipline. Usually, the joy of writing hits you after you're finished writing.
As a business person, you need to keep normal business hours. You write not only when you feel like it, you write when you don't feel like it, because you’re a writer.
As a businessperson, you need to know what you’re doing—or your business will go belly-up.
Sharpening the tools of your craft are important. These include writing skills, platform-building habits, and the business of being a writer. Read books and blogs (like the Power Writers Report!), attend writers groups and conferences, even get some coaching if necessary.
Despite writing 20+ books, I’m constantly looking for fresh perspectives and insights on my profession.
There’s so much I need to learn about this business.
As a business person, you need to know your market. What do they like? What do they not like? What are their pain points? What books do they read? Where do they hang out?
As a business person, you need to get paid. Or at
least work toward getting paid. A worker is worthy of his hire.
Now, I believe in living generously, but it’s important that you operate your business in such a way that you generate a return on your investment of time and money.
Even if making money isn't your goal, making money means people are buying what you sell. You're actually reaching your audience.
When you start out, you won’t make as much as you will when you get more experience.
Belief #4: I know who I am.
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
What promotional activities do you enjoy?
What promotional activities do you excel at?
Do you enjoy public speaking?
Know yourself and know what you’re good at and what you’re willing to do. Then do it well.
Trying to fix your weaknesses is a waste of time and energy. You’re better off surrounding yourself with people who are strong where you’re weak.
There’s no shame in that.
I appreciate good art, but I know better
than to trust my artistic skills in creating a book cover. I’m a nonfiction writer, not a fiction writer.
At Illumify, I try to work to our team’s strengths. Debbie, our cover designer, is never asked to market books. Jen, our Operations Director, is never asked to create author websites. And I NEVER volunteer to copyedit a book.
If public speaking terrifies you, employ other ways to promote your book.
Don’t try to do everything. Surround
yourself with people who can compensate for your weaknesses.
Without professional guidance, authors who (try to) do everything,
inadvertently produce books that lack focus, clarity, and appeal. This undermines their credibility and ultimately drives readers and business away. In the end, it defeats the purpose of writing the book.
And no, you're not the exception to the rule.
I believe in my book.
I am not my book.
I am a business, not a non-profit.
I know
who I am.
Next...
Belief #5. I know my definition of success
When meeting with authors, at some point in our discussion, I ask them, “What is your definition of success?”
“To appear on the NY Times bestseller list,” some answer.
That’s a tall order. Like I say over and over, there’s no formula for creating a bestseller. If that’s your definition of success, you’re setting yourself up to fail—and we probably aren't a good fit.
“To get rich and famous.”
You’re delusional. I guarantee you’re going to be frustrated and disappointed.
“To build my counseling practice.”
That’s easy peasy.
“To pay off my investment.”
That’s workable, too.
“To make a difference in the
world.”
We’re a perfect fit.
A few years ago, I created a simple definition of success for Illumify: to publish transcendent books that make a difference in the
world.
Sure, I need to make a living. But I don’t need to get rich publishing
books (that’s why there’s Powerball!). What gets me up every morning is the opportunity to help our authors make a difference with their transcendent books. Seriously, this is my laser-focus.
What's YOUR definition of success?
I believe in my book.
I am not my book.
I am a business, not a non-profit.
I know who I am.
I know my definition of success.
Finally…
Belief #6: I can achieve my
definition of success
Do you believe you can fulfill your definition of success? If so, then you need a strategy to get there.
You want to set SMART goals:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time frame
Right now, I'm ghostwriting and publishing an autobiography that needs to be printed and ready for distribution in South Sudan by July 9, 2023. It's a pretty tall order.
Here are my SMART Goals:
- December 1: Finish 28,000 words (40%) of writing
- January 1: Finish 52,500 words
(75%) of writing
- February 1: Finish 70,000 words (100%) of writing
- March 1: Book cover and typesetting complete, ready for printing.
Just so you know, my
copyeditor will be editing the manuscript as I finish each chapter. That shaves a month off the timeline.
The above
timeline gives me four months to print the books and deliver them to South Sudan—which isn't easy!
Where Do You Go From Here?
Let's look at the Six Beliefs of Every
Effective Author one last time:
- I believe in my book.
- I am not my book.
- I am a business, not a non-profit.
- I know who I am.
- I know my definition of success.
- I can achieve my definition of success.
Let's explore how you can make this a reality. Click here to schedule a no-obligation strategy session with me.
Let’s bring your book to life!