Secrets to Success for First-Time Authors
Congratulations! You’ve summoned up your courage and made the life-changing decision to finally write that book you’ve been thinking about. Now what?
Virtually every new author I’ve helped—from young entrepreneurs to senior memoirists to mid-career researchers and thought leaders—has faced this question with the same combination of excitement and trepidation and the same set of concerns. I’d like to share some of their common concerns and experiences as well as the pro tips that enabled them to successfully complete their projects and put their vision into print.
While the tips below are aimed primarily at nonfiction writers, some will also be useful to aspiring authors of fiction and more literary and personal works, such as memoirs.
1. Don’t panic!
For almost all new authors, the idea of writing a book is intimidating. It’s normal for new authors to feel like climbers at the foot of Mt. Everest on a foggy day: How do I start? Which way should I go? How am I supposed to get through everything that needs to be done? What happens if I run into roadblocks or screw up?
Your first plan of action is to stay calm. If you’re an active adult, you’ve no doubt tackled other complex long-term projects with multiple moving parts—be it starting a business or planning a wedding or a cross-country relocation. Think of your book as a similar endeavor. Yes, it’s a lot of work and will require serious footwork and focus—but it’s all doable, and with the right knowledge and tools, well within your capabilities. Break your project into steps, focus on one step at a time, and you’ll do fine.
2. Know your readers
Your next step is to determine who you’re writing your book for. No matter how much your story means to you, not everyone will find it interesting, and that’s to be expected—so don’t worry about making it universally appealing. Instead, focus on identifying the core audience who really wants and needs to hear what you have to share: Who are your ideal readers? What’s their professional/personal background? What pain points can you help them alleviate?
You might want to take a page from the marketing and business development playbook and envision an “avatar” or “persona” who represents your ideal reader. For instance, if you’re writing a book on estate planning, your avatar may be Janet, a 55-year-old, college-educated married homeowner with college-age kids who’s looking ahead towards retirement and ensuring her family is protected. Thinking of your book as a one-to-one conversation with your avatar will help you identify the right content to include and make a stronger and more compelling connection with your readers.
3. Know your story
Once you’ve identified your target audience, focus on what they want and need to learn from you. Draw up a list of the questions you’re most often asked about your area of expertise, and identify the problems you’re most often called to address. You should also think about any common misconceptions that you often need to dispel. Use this information to structure an outline that walks your reader through the learning process they’re looking for. Answering these questions and helping your audience navigate these problems should be the core mission of your book.
4. Decide how much help you need—and find a partner who can provide that help
Even if you’re not confident about your writing skills or don’t enjoy writing, you can still create a meaningful and impactful book—all you need is a dependable partner who can give you the right level of support. If you have a lot of knowledge to share but don’t have the time or interest in writing yourself, a ghostwriter can work with you to put your ideas into print and create a book that reflects your unique voice and vision. If you want to write your story yourself but aren’t sure about your skills or ability to stay on track, a coach or developmental editor can keep you accountable, give you direction, and ensure your book is polished and readable. If you’re comfortable writing, you might only need an editor to serve as a second pair of eyes once you’ve completed your draft.
5. Stay the course!
Writing a book, like any big project, takes time and can be an unpredictable process. It’s common to experience writer’s block or a sense of overwhelm when things don’t go as planned. Don’t give up! If you feel blocked writing one chapter, switch to another chapter or topic that’s easier for you—there’s no rule that says you must write your book in the order in which it will be read. If writing is not already part of your daily routine, you should also consider setting up a fixed time each day to write—block this time off in your calendar for writing only, and if possible, find a quiet place where you can work uninterrupted.
You should also enlist a support team to cheer you on and hold you accountable to finishing your book. Your team can include your spouse, friends, and/or professional mentors, as well as your editor or writing coach. Let them know what you’re planning to write and share your successes and roadblocks.
For extra support and accountability, you might also want to consider joining a writers’ group or enlisting a beta reader to review and critique your drafts as you write. Having sympathetic but objective readers waiting to see what you write next is a great way to keep yourself motivated and on track.
Of course, there’s way more to say about book-writing than a single blog post can cover. In future posts, I will dive a bit deeper into some of these topics. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments or by contacting me directly—I’d love to discuss your questions in a future post!