When someone discovers that I help people write books, she usually asks me how to get on track and stay focused until the book is finished.
Before I can respond, I have to ask them some questions. I never want to make assumptions about the author’s motivations.
If you’re considering writing a book, take some time to write your answers to my coaching inquiries. This will help clarify your motivation for any major project. Your answers will help you decide whether you should do it or shelve the idea.
- What’s important for you about finishing this book?
- Who is this book for, specifically?
- What impact do you want this book to have on your readers?
- What impact do you want for you and your work?
- What kind of help do you need now to get started and stay on track?
Self-publish or traditionally publish?
Based on your answers, you can look at the self-publishing possibility. This is a very personal decision and is largely based on whether you have a large enough platform to attract the interest of an agent and publisher. If the word ‘platform’ is not familiar to you, it’s likely self-publishing will be your route.
That’s a generalized statement. Each author has to choose her own path based on her answers to the questions I pose above. I love helping my clients sort out which direction is right for them.
I did this drill. Helpful to think through what someone would get from reading my story/memoir. It can’t just be upgraded journaling. I still have work to do in finding the themes that will make someone want to take the ride with me.
Thanks for going through the drill, Bobbi! 😉 I’m glad you found it useful.
We’ll touch on this in the Paris Stories class, so you’ll be able to continue this line of inquiry. It’s a good one – how to choose our stories that will resonate with readers?
I look forward to discussing it more with you in class. 🙂
Will you be doing the Paris stories next year?
Perhaps, Leona! At this moment I do not know. But thanks for asking. 🙂