Do you have a book idea? Of course you do, or you wouldn’t be reading this post. Be prepared to experience a roller coaster of emotions: fear, doubt, excitement, and insanity. Emphasis on insanity. You will wrangle with your neurosis and you will learn more than you ever cared to know about book production, marketing, sales, and distribution. It’ll be freaking fantastic. We promise. However, if you should find yourself in need of a reality check at any moment, keep reading.
Here are the five myths you should put out of your mind about your book idea:
1. It’s original
In our business we hear new ideas daily. And we love it. It’s rare, however, that we hear an idea we haven’t heard before. If you think your idea is absolutely original and there are no competing books on the market, you’re wrong. And you shouldn’t want to be the lone voice out there anyway. Just remember that though your book idea probably isn’t original, what you compliment it with (personality, experience, voice, stories) can be.
2. It’s going to make you rich
Publishing a book is not a wise get-rich-quick venture. There are authors who make a decent living publishing books. Success stories are plentiful (here’s a link to one). But, rich indie authors are not the majority. Amanda Hocking’s story is darn inspirational. But like her, you stand a better chance to make more profit publishing several books over an extended period of time. If this is your plan, prepare for the investment of your sweat, time, money, and skills to leverage your writing as a bona fide business.
3. Everybody will love it
This is often the most difficult thing about authorship. You’ve sat behind a computer screen for months, maybe years, producing a work you hope will appease the masses only to receive less than satisfactory responses from a few naysayers. The ugly truth: The best book ideas aren’t loved by every single person who reads it. In the words of marketing guru, Seth Godin, “No one cares as much as you care.” Thus, there will be the occasional person who isn’t awed by your book idea. It’s best to know that from the beginning so when it happens you can smile about it and move on.
4. Brilliance alone makes it worthy
You’ve turned your amazing book idea over and over in your mind and deep down you know it’s stellar. But here’s the deal, a good idea needs more. It’s also got to be timely, marketable, and spreadable. The sooner you begin considering these other factors, the better. To do that, you will need a team. And you will need to know how you’ll impart your brilliance on ready readers who don’t know you. If you work this out in advance, you will be miles ahead of the average author.
5. Any of the above should stop you
Though your book will have competition, not necessarily make you millions, have a ton of moving parts and might attract the occasional hater, keep it moving. None of those reasons should keep you from pursuing your idea. It should in fact motivate you to do it right, with your eyes wide open. Your book will be better for it.
What do you think? What’s gotten in your way?
