We all know how many people are writing books these days—well, we have an idea how many there are. I remember when I didn’t know another writer. Now I know hundreds and hundreds of you. Of course, we all know why so many more people are writing books. Because they can.
We have the technology. We’re retiring healthier. More of us feel we have something to say or to contribute to the world of literature. And we have more viable options for getting published—either online or otherwise.
But how many authors actually finish their books? I don’t know of any way we could keep such statistics, do you? I can tell you, however, that there is a fairly high percentage of my clients who never see their books through to completion.
Some simply don’t finish writing their books. What seemed like a good idea at the time, has lost its appeal—its importance. In many cases, life gets in the way. There are family needs or financial needs that require their intervention, time, energy, attention. Some may actually finish the writing and the editing, but get stopped when it comes to publishing their book. They can’t overcome the sense of overwhelm that sneaks up on them when they begin the search for a publisher, for example. And some are turned off by the fact that the author must get involved in the promotion of the book.
Sure, if they have been paying any attention at all, they hear the words, “The author is responsible for promoting his or her book.” But the reality doesn’t click in until they are at the brink of publishing. Some hopeful authors take one look at the big picture of publishing and run the other way. They are the lucky ones. Then there are those who dive in anyway, believing that things will be different for them,
• “Because my book will sell itself.”
• “Because everyone I showed it to loves this book.”
• “Because I have a fabulous website.”
• “Because I don’t mind doing a few book signings.”
• “Because I have connections at a bookstore.”
These authors pay the price to publish and then pay the price of failure.
I don’t mean to paint such a bleak picture for authors this morning. But sometimes it takes a shocking scenario or statement to make a point. And I can tell you that some of the most stubborn people I meet (including myself) are authors or wannabe authors. I guess that stubbornness comes in when we consider our manuscripts our babies. As we all know, parents can be stubbornly protective and, sometimes, quite unrealistically biased about their children. And, oh my, so can authors.
It doesn’t really matter whether you finish or ultimately publish your book manuscript. That is your personal decision. I just urge you to base that decision on the reality within the publishing industry. It is important to your dreams of success that you make the right decisions for your particular project.
What is the right decision for your manuscript? Should you move forward with it, go back to the drawing board or shelve it, altogether? Most first-time authors are not well-prepared to make this determination. That’s why I suggest that you study (I mean study) my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
This book will help you to determine whether or not you are even cut out to be a published author. It will give you a clearer understanding of the publishing industry and your responsibilities as a published author. It’s all much larger than most authors believe at first. And the only way to get involved with successful results is to educate yourself. This book is an excellent place to start!
Order your copy of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book today. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Yes, you can order this book from Amazon, but there is absolutely no profit in it for me if you do—something you will learn more about as you become more involved in your publishing project.
Catscapades Update
Our shipment of the new Catscapades, True Cat Tales is scheduled to arrive on our doorstep TODAY! Of course, we are eager to see that the printer did the superb job that we expect—especially with regard to the 40 color photos. Learn more about Catscapades here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html
All of those who ordered copies of this book for yourself and your friends will receive yours somewhere between March 23 and March 26, depending on where in the US you reside. Thank you for your order. I think you will enjoy the heartwarming, humorous and harrowing stories.