If you are writing a book, it’s probably something you’ve been working on for a long time. Some authors can crank out a book in a few months. For others, it may take years, or even their whole lives, to get their story down on paper.
No matter how far away you are from getting your story written, your ultimate goal is to get it published and out there in the hands of readers. Many authors start out with a goal date for when they would like to have the book finished. Often times, it can be difficult to meet that original date, and it can be frustrating to see your goal slip away.
Getting your story just right takes time. First you get your ideas down, maybe write an outline. Then you write a first draft, go back and write some more, and then rewrite. Finally you start editing your writing and realize you need to rewrite again.
Every author has a unique writing process and every writing process takes time, often more time than the author originally planned. Maybe you hit a snag with writer’s block and have to find inspiration for your story or motivate yourself to get started again. Or you discover that books can have a way of taking on a life of their own and often end up much longer than you imagined. The editing process can also stretch on for months, especially if you trust your editing to a friend or family member who has a job and life of his own and can only work through 10 pages of your 300 page manuscript every week.
And then, of course, life can get in the way. One day, your manuscript is coming along at a swift pace and the next day you have a new obligation that takes priority. Whether you are taking on a new family responsibility, a new project at work, or a new position in your church or community, your book can get put on the back burner very suddenly. The trick is not the let it stay there.
Too often I talk to authors who are passionate about their story and excited to finally become a published author. They are ready to get started and then one thing or another gets in the way. One month passes, then two, then three, and their goal slowly slips away.
I want to encourage you to keep your dreams alive. Make your publishing goals become a reality. You can become a published author.
Here are a few ways to help you keep on track:
1. Write at least 20 minutes every day. It can be soothing after a long day and every little bit counts.
2. Make a timeline for your writing goals. Make sure your goal dates are realistic and give yourself a little wiggle room.
3. Start building a social media presence to market you book. Make a Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and GoodReads profile.
4. Check out these blog articles for writing tips:
5. Review Infinity Publishing’s How to Become a Published Author guide book and learn more about our publishing process and options.
6. Give us a call or tell us about your book! We would love to talk to you about your book and help you through the process.
7. Remember these quotes for inspiration:
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C.S. Lewis
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. – Henry Ford
We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success. – Henry David Thoreau
A good goal is like a strenuous exercise - it makes you stretch. – Mary Kay Ash
Lindsey Huckabee is an Author Advocate for Infinity Publishing. You can email Lindsey at Lindsey@infinitypublishing.com or call her at 610-628-4304.