March 12, 2025
Three things to consider as or before you begin writing:
1. Expectations
Manage your expectations. Is your goal in writing and making a book to make money? If so, you may be disappointed. Most people don’t get rich writing and making books. You may, and that is great if you do, but if your goal is financially driven, you are putting the result before the process. The process of creativity is what is formative to you. The process is the creative act. Prioritize the process and you will never be disappointed by the results.
It is difficult not to fall into the money-mindset, and there are publishers and programs out there that will take advantage of that (more on this in the future section on “vanity publishing.” Keep your expectations in mind from the start and make sure you are comfortable with the process. If something is causing you discomfort about the publishing process it is either 1) because something about the situation is off and your instincts are there to protect you, or 2) you are pushing up against an element of publishing that is a blind spot and it is a chance to learn. Learning is rarely fast. If you are feeling pressured into something, it is probably the first. Go at your own pace, know your goals, don’t be afraid to ask questions or to acknowledge what you don’t know, and keep your expectations realistic. If anyone is promising you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Having the proper mindset, expectations, and clear goals before you begin your publishing journey will help you avoid disappointment down the line.
2. Vocation
What are you good at? What do you find joy doing? These are not always the same thing. If they are, great! “When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” as they say. The creative act can stem from something you are good at, something you aspire to be good at, or something you find joy in. Find your calling—your vocation. You will not write well if you are trying to write for someone else. You will not write well if you are writing about something you know nothing about. Write and create something you know, enjoy, and love.
3. Skill
If you plan on writing a book, you’ll need skill in writing. Assuming you are interested in writing a book, you probably already have some skill. There are ways to develop skill in writing. Reading books is a great start. Writing as often as possible gives you practice, even if you are writing things that nobody will ever see. Focus on perfecting your everyday communication skills in writing—like text or email—if you are finding it difficult to write creatively. Get outside eyes and input on your work. Whether that means paying an editor or asking friends, family, and colleagues to read your work, the more eyes on something and feedback you get, the more polished your writing will become, the more likely you will be to catch mistakes, and the easier it will become to tell when something you’ve written is good or not. Writing is communal, not solo. Don’t isolate yourself or your writing will suffer. Writing, above all, is communication.