It’s not as hard to achieve your author dream as you may think.
Writing a successful book in a short space of time might sound like a difficult task.
Impossible, even.
Back in the day, I might have agreed with you.
I didn’t see myself as particularly good at English, or the type of person cut out to be a writer.
But I ended up publishing several bestselling books and discovering a process to help countless others
do the same.
It all comes down to a series of steps that can help you go from aspiring author to published bestseller in a shorter time than you dreamed possible.
If you’re ready to take action and make your book writing dream a reality, read on. I’ll show you exactly how it’s done.
Step 1 – Correct
Mindset and Finding Your Why
It might sound obvious, but a huge part of writing a successful book is finding the right mindset.
Let’s face it. Achieving your author dream may not be easy. It’s worth it, but at times you might feel stressed out
and low on motivation.
When tough times strike, you need to have the right mindset and a deep enough reason for writing your book that you find the drive to carry on and get it done.
Here are some tips on finding your why when writing your book.
- Purpose. What purpose does your book have? If you are writing nonfiction, you are likely to be solving a problem. Make sure this problem is important enough to you that it motivates you. If you are writing fiction, you are writing to entertain. Be sure you
are passionate about your genre so you are motivated to achieve your author dream for your future readers. - Audience. Who are you writing for? It’s often far more motivational to think about the people we are writing our book for. This might be a specific person in your life or an archetype of your intended reader. Whoever it happens to
be, hold your audience in your mind to motivate you. - Legacy. There’s something special about putting your name on a book. It’s a way of ensuring your ideas are out there in the world, independent of you. When you find yourself running low on energy, think about the concept of legacy. Your book will speak for you, so make sure it’s saying something worth hearing.
Adopting the correct mindset will make every other aspect of writing your book easier.
Next, it’s time to get down to the practical steps.
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Step 2 – Choose Tools & Schedule Time
We live in an era of unparalleled technology.
We have access to information and writing resources that authors of the past could only have dreamed of.
However, unless we use these tools in a smart and considered way they can end up hurting us more than helping.
When it comes to the time to choose your writing tools and schedule out your book project, keep the following ideas in mind.
- The smallest number possible. You don’t want to overload yourself with different book writing tools. Choose the smallest number possible. For example, you might want to limit yourself to one tool for writing and another for editing.
- Realistic. If you’re someone who has never written for more than an hour or so a day, don’t suddenly schedule in six-hour writing marathons! Make your schedule demanding or achievable. It’s a lot better to set a plan you stick to so you see progress and feel the momentum.
- Buffer time. You don’t want to set a schedule that allows no time for delays or setbacks. Try and schedule a little extra time for each stage of your book writing plan. From my years coaching authors with their books, I know how important this can be.
Choose tools which you will be able to learn relatively quickly, or ideally have experience using.
No tool is a substitute for a great idea, but choosing the right ones can make your book writing process a lot smoother.
Step 3 – Hold Yourself Accountable
After choosing your book writing tools and setting a schedule, it’s time to execute your plan.
This is the step that many authors struggle with.
When you are writing and releasing your book, there is often no one else chasing you. You have to be disciplined and motivated as you are the only person responsible for getting it done.
The solo conditions of book creation can lead to schedules getting ignored and progress slowing down.
Given the importance of sticking to your schedule and getting your book out there into the world, how can you hold yourself accountable?
- Buddy up. One way to overcome the issue of having to hold yourself accountable is to get a buddy. Find another author who will be your mutual accountability partner. You will check in with each other regularly and ensure you stay on track.
- Consider coaching. Perhaps the most popular and valuable aspect of my Self Publishing School program is the deep relationship authors build with their coaches. Having someone to show you the ropes and help you see the big picture can make all the difference.
- Make it public. If you’re the only person who knows your deadline, it’s easy to cheat on it! Get the word out on social media, and tell your friends and family. This external pressure can be motivational when it’s close to the finish line!
Holding yourself accountable is key to getting your book out there into the world where it can change lives.
Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. Draw upon your fellow authors, experienced coaches, and the power of public pressure to give yourself the motivation you need.
Step 4 – Publication and Marketing
In the era of self-publishing, writing your book is only part of the process!
A successful publication and marketing strategy are crucial to see your book succeed.
However, for many authors, marketing their work is outside of their comfort zone.
The good news is that you don’t need to become a marketing master to see success. Sticking to a few tried and tested approaches is the best way to approach book marketing, particularly as a newcomer.
Here are some good ideas for you to put into practice when launching and marketing your book.
- Consider free. Consider offering your book for free for some time. This can attract reviews and momentum which then allow you to move to a paid offering.
- Promotion sites. Submit your book to promotion sites that have a track record of success within your genre or niche. They often have eager mailing lists of readers waiting for books just like yours.
- Lean on your network. Hopefully, you’ve taken the time to build a network of fellow authors and readers in your genre. When it’s time to launch your book, don’t be shy about it! People want to see you succeed and will happily help if given the chance.
While book marketing might seem daunting, learning it is key to ensuring your book gets the recognition you deserve.
What’s Your Biggest Challenge in Achieving Your Author Dream?
Thanks for checking out my tips on going from an aspiring author to a published bestseller.
I’d love to get your take.
What’s the biggest thing holding you back from getting started on releasing your dream book?
What’s the part of the book creation process you find the most challenging?
Feel free to drop a comment and we’ll continue the discussion!
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=”Free Workshop: How To Write & Launch Your Book in 90 Days”] The Busy Person’s Guide To Getting It Done In Just 30 Minutes Per Day
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