What Every Author Hates to Do, But Should Do: And You Should Too

Authors like to write. Or at the very least, enjoy having written. The process of writing is an emotional rollercoaster filled with days of excitement and anticipation, and moments of dread and discouragement.

But to be a writer, you have to embrace the writing process.

After months or years of hard work put into a manuscript, most authors wish the writing process was finished at, “The end”.

But it’s not.

Once the manuscript has been written and re-written, edited, proof-read, formatted and designed cover to cover, you’d think the work is over.

But it’s not.

What most authors hate to do, is ask people to buy their book.

That might seem strange because most people don’t write, only to keep it to themselves. Deep down, they want others to enjoy their writing, benefit from it or grow and improve because of it.

For that to happen, people need to buy the book. And for people to buy the book, they must hear about the book…typically, over and over again before they decide to make the purchase.

No one wants to come across as a pushy or sleazy, but an author needs sales.

Hence the dilemma.

Hey I get it. I struggle with the same challenges.

But this is what motivates me to keep going…

I believe each one of us has been created and uniquely designed to do things that benefit other people. 

This includes writers. So if you’re a writer, do it to the best of your abilities and figure out who will benefit from your efforts…then ask them to buy your work.

This principle applies to those of you who don’t write as well. You have been created and uniquely designed to do things that benefit other people.

So no matter what you do, whether you are a school teacher, doctor, sales clerk, barista, or any other role, lean into your strengths, do it with excellence and do it to benefit other people.

There is meaning and fulfillment in this.

I read a study that suggested that over 80% of people want to write a book, but only 3% ever complete a manuscript. Apparently there’s a lot of you who want to write, but are afraid to start, or finish.

There’s nothing pushy or sleazy about bringing what’s inside you, out, and sharing it with the world. In fact, I would argue that’s one of the reasons you’re here.

The saying, “Don’t die with the music still inside you” applies here. The worst thing you can do is not follow through on what you truly want to do. Someone needs your contribution.

So in keeping with that idea, if you’re…

looking for more out of life

feeling stuck

going through the motions

but not sure where to start

I hope you will consider my book, Vantage Point: Five Perspectives to Live a Better Story, coming out September 8, 2023.

It if helps just one person, then all the effort will be worth it.