Most Writers Quit Before They Publish Their First Book. Don't Let This Be You.

There's something holding you back from publishing your book. 

Do you know what it is?

Most of the time it's a combination of things from fearing failure to lacking support in your writing career. 

Whatever the reason is it's time for you to take a seat, get comfortable, and get ready to hear the pep talk you need to get your book into the hands of readers sooner rather than never. 

Fear Of Failure?

Are you afraid that you won't be able to get an agent or that a publisher won't want your book? Are you afraid that even if you manage to publish your book nobody will buy it?

 Well, you might fail - there's always going to be that chance. 

But this also means that there is a chance that you won't. There's a chance you'll succeed, become a best seller, and become the most wished-for book on everyone's wishlist. 

The odds may be stacked against you - but it's better than the 0% chance it's going to be if you don't even try. 

Perfectionism?

Do you want your book to be perfect before you publish it?

Are you aware that perfection doesn't exist in writing? 

You can write the best fantasy novel in the world with everything in it that anyone would love - but there is going to be someone out there that doesn't like fantasy and they're not going to like your book no matter how perfect you try to make it. 

You can also go over any book on the market with a magnifying glass or even just a leisurely glance and you can find something wrong with it. 

Spell check makes mistakes, editors make mistakes, authors make mistakes. 

Your book doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be the best that you can do. That's all anyone has the right to ask of you. 

Laziness? 

This section was originally called discipline, but we're being serious here. Choosing to watch TV or scrolling through your phone saying you'll write tomorrow isn't anything but procrastination and laziness. 

If you wanted to work out at the gym, scrolling through Instagram trying to find workout ideas for inspiration - is laziness. The same as it is when you scroll through looking for something to inspire you to write. 

You have the inspiration, it's there in your head where that story idea is already trying to build itself a home. 

Get off your phone, get away from your TV, and go write. 

Imposter Syndrome? 

Do you feel like you don't deserve to publish? Like somehow you're a phony and if people read your book they're all going to know that?

Did someone else sit down at your computer and type up the words for you? Did someone stand behind you and dictate to you each and every sentence for you to copy down? 

Did you copy and paste sections of another author's book into yours?

No?

Then you are not a fraud. 

Lack Of Support?

It's a cold fact that your friends and family will not support your writing career until they see the money. 

That's it. That's the fact. 

Until the money starts rolling in everyone around you is going to think it's just a dream you're eventually going to give up and join the real working class.  

Sometimes you won't be supported by your family even if you make enough money to pay your bills. (Thanks for nothing Mom.)

If you need support to move on to the next step in your writer's journey look no further than here. I support you. I'm rooting for you. I am sitting here waiting for you to publish your book so we can pop the virtual champagne together and celebrate. 

You are also in one of the best places to find a writing group that will be there for you, online or in-person, every step of the way. 

A writing group will celebrate with you, cry with you, and just be there for you every step of the way from when you first get that idea for your novel all the way until it reaches the shelves and beyond. 

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The hardest part of publishing a book is writing it so if you've already gotten through the hard part the next step is a piece of cake. 

It may be a long process and it may have its ups and downs. 

But it will be worth pushing aside whatever it is that's holding you back and just going for it. 

You've got this! 

Best of luck!

B. xo xo

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This story was originally posted on Medium.

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