This is a guest post by Lucy Adams of BuzzEssay.

What to Do if You Have Just Decided to Write a Book

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Every person has something to say. If you feel your “something” is worth a whole book, don’t hold yourself back. The gift of writing is invaluable, so sit at the nearest table and start writing, taking into account these tips provided by Lucy Adams, one of BuzzEssay’s writers.

#1 Keep it a Secret

No matter how enthusiastic you may be, don’t tell everyone that you’re going to write a book or have already started writing. Very often, having just made a list of tasks or planned to do something, people rush to notify all friends and acquaintances. Then, the initial enthusiasm wears off and you’ll start hiding from well-meaning friends and relatives who ask when the release is. And when the book is finally out, everyone will start asking if you’re now a best-selling author. Do you really need that kind of pressure?

#2 Have Realistic Expectations

Both writing a book and the publishing process are hard, hard work. However, that doesn’t automatically make your book brilliant. I can safely say that even the worst author believes that his book is a real treasure for the publisher.

Please, don’t raise the bar too high. Think soberly.

#3 Writing is Hard Work for Little Money

Many aspiring authors write in the hope of becoming millionaires. Works of art, however, rarely become bestsellers—at least right away. Business or niche books, in particular, almost never become commercially successful. So, if you’re writing a book with the sole aim of making money, please note that, with some 6,000 books published daily, you probably have a better chance at winning the lottery. Perhaps it’s not too late to change your mind and engage in other activities that guarantee higher earnings.

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#4 Despite the First Three Tips, you Still Have to Try

If writing is something you love, nothing can—or should—prevent you from publishing. A book may seem a too great a project, but the key is to just start writing.

However, don’t spread too thin by freelancing and cover a number of different projects in parallel. Even selling your posts to The New York Times or Atlantic won’t allow you to secure financial independence. Again, don’t try writing if the only purpose is to make money.

#5 Forget About Fame and Glory

You think people will admire you, don’t you? You may get your fair share of admirers, but you should also prepare for those who criticize you and those who envy you. So, don’t write for fame and glory. Instead, write for the love of writing. Write because it feels right. Write because it hurts when you don’t.

With any luck, fame and glory will follow.

#6 Take Reasonable Criticism into Consideration

Criticism is welcome, but all criticism is not equal. Only people with a richer professional and life experience are worth your attention. Do not pay attention to haters and know-alls, especially on the Internet. Distinguish between criticism from publishers/editors/reviewers and verbal harassment from people who have nothing better to do.

You should constantly strive to correct any mistakes, improve your writing style, and simplify your presentation. Appreciate the work of your editor (I hope you don’t expect to release the unedited book). Be sure to proofread and edit the book to create stylistically coherent, competent and easy-to-read text. Yes, editors can be harsh and abrupt at times, but the result of their work predetermines the success of the publication. So, find someone you enjoy working with and heed their advice.

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#7 Make the Reader Feel

Most fledgling writers start off with a thinly disguised autobiography. This may be because of the old rule, “write what you know.” A book’s success, however, depends on the ability to make readers put themselves in the hero’s shoes. Although no one may care about your difficult childhood, parents’ divorce, and the fact that you were the ugliest kid in the school, everyone has similar experiences. Make your readers feel the emotions hiding in their own heart, and immerse them in your story; then you will have written a good book.

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#8 Don’t Give Up

You may have already written your first book, short story, or opinion article. You may have published them. You may even have attracted the audience’s attention. Why, then, do you still feel that success eludes you?

Success is purely subjective. For some, it may mean publishing a book. For others, making a living out of writing. Whatever your definition, remember that success doesn’t entirely depend on hard work, diligence, and regular training. You can spend years slogging away at the writing table in vain, despite your capabilities and talent. Sadly enough, writing good books is no guarantee they will ever be profitable.

Just because something is hard, though, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it: it means you should try harder, experiment with different techniques, styles and genres, and listen to your readers’ feedback. That way, even if your books fail to make a profit, you’ll still have a great time writing!

Who is Lucy Adams?

Lucy Adams represents a US-based essay writing service. She’s a generalist able to cover topics related to many areas, including blogging, marketing, web design, psychology, and so on. Feel free to share your ideas with the writer and get a high-quality paper in return!

What to Do if You Have Just Decided to Write a Book

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