When you decide to have a child, you make all sorts of plans about how you will raise it and care for it. You consider housing, schooling and other things that will influence him or her.
Many authors consider writing a book as similar to giving birth. There’s the labor, anticipation, hopes, dreams and then the responsibility of authorship. It’s important to think ahead, when you are expecting a child and to be prepared, even though you can’t plan for every possibility. And the same is true when you are writing a book. While there are unknowns in the future of any book, the author really should put a lot of thought into his or her book project beyond simply, “I want to become an author,” or “I must write this book.” Here’s what I suggest:
• Get in touch with the reasons why you are writing this book. Are they valid or frivolous?
• Determine the core purpose of this book? If it is to change minds, you may be on the wrong track. This generally means that you are writing the book for the wrong audience. In fact, if you have determined that you have written and are attempting to promote a bulldozer book—one designed to change minds and hearts—order my book right away: The Author’s Repair Kit, Heal Your Publishing Mistakes and Breathe New Life Into Your Book. It’s an ebook (PDF), only $5.95. http://www.matilijapress.com
• Identify the audience for your book: who are they, how widespread are they, where are they and how will you approach them?
• Keep your audience in mind the entire time you are writing the book.
In order to make these determinations, you really must look at your book as more than simply your art or your gift to humanity or your therapy. View it, instead, from the point of view of your audience.
• Are you giving them what they want/need from a book like this?
• Is the writing clear and easy to follow?
• Is the organization logical?
• Have you written into the book some promotional prompts?
• Do you have a marketing plan in place?
• Have you had the book professionally edited?
• Have you given thought to your publishing choice?
There’s a lot to think about when you decide to write a book—much, much more than simply telling your story or offering advice, for example. A book should be viewed as a product and you should never lose sight of your audience and their needs and desires.
If you’re working on a book, you have finished a book or you are attempting to market a book, it is time now for you to purchase my new book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. http://amzn.to/oe56Ia
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