A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Why writers (especially first-time writers) fail to complete their books and what they can do about it
It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.
This week, we share some of the reasons we've seen why would-be authors never get their first book out the door. We also look at what could be done about each of these reasons.
Lack of Focus
The problem: Many new authors try to cover too much ground, making their subject too broad. They end up feeling overwhelmed and directionless.
A possible solution: List a narrow group of people you want to address and then, in one sentence, write an overarching summary of what you want them to come away from your book knowing, thinking about, or feeling. Then use only related details, no matter how tempting to throw in your entire expanse of knowledge and experience.
Poor Time Management
The problem: Too many responsibilities -- work, family, social, medical -- get in the way of writing. Something has to give when juggling all these things, and writing is typically the ball that hits the floor.
A possible solution: Use time to your advantage. Pick a time that is usually a little open and flexible, even if it is short. Schedule that time is priority. Write something during that time period. Even if it is only one sentence, it is one sentence more than you had the day before. Michener actually wrote his magnificent tomes in this manner.
Lack of a Clear Plan
The problem: You are not sure where you are going with your writing project. Everything is new to you, and so you flail in shallow water because you do not know how to swim out to that raft or the other short.
A possible solution: Set up a time schedule and put it in a planner. Work backward: (1) when do you want to see the book on sale? Give publishers a year or two after receiving your final manuscript. Seriously. A good publisher will invest the time to make sure your book looks good and has adequate pre-publication promotion. Some may work faster than that (we do), but 1-2 years is a good rule of thumb, especially since some may take longer. (2) When do you want to deliver the manuscript to the publisher? That would be1-2 years before you want to see the book in print. (3) When do you want to finish each chapter? That depends on how many chapters you have. Be sure to allot more time for the more complex chapters. Of course, you can and will adjust those timeframes based on realities that happen, but having something to adjust will move you along faster than just aiming down the field with no target in sight.
Fear and Self-Doubt
The problem: Many first-time writers struggle with concerns that their writing is not good enough. They worry that people will not respect it or that it will not sell. So, they procreastinate.
A possible solution: This is not a bad position to be in. Really. I have run into far too many of the other type of writer. They scribble things down quickly, think they are brilliant, and wonder why no publisher wants to have anything to do with them. Their hubris shines so brightly that no publisher can get past the eye pain. Humility is much better in writing. Just use the self-doubt to keep you humble. Get an honest opinion from a writing club, another author, an English literature teacher, a journalism professor -- wherever you can. Learn from their feedback, and keep on going if they are positive in their response. If that fails (because you are afraid to do that), hire a publishing coach; coaches are on your side, they will support you, and they will provide guidance through each step toward being a published author.
Perfectionism
The problem: As they say, the perfect is the enemy of the good. While it is essential to rewrite to get the best version possible, seeking perfection will put you in an endless rewrite loop.
A possible solution: Enlist some friends or join a writing club and share your work as you produce it. When they understand it, like it, and approve of it, leave what you have written alone and move on. It may not be perfect; it may never be perfect. However, when honest critics say it is good enough, believe them.
Bottom line: Identify your target audience; prepare a work to entertain, inform, or wow them' develop a plan of how to get from the first word to the last word, write at least one sentence each day, and kick perfectionism out the door.
See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.
Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.
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The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 18 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
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Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
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