Written by: Mags Thomson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I speak to so many people who want to write a book, so many! There is a high probability that you do too. The statistic that's usually quoted is that around 85% of people want to write a book, and only anywhere between 1% and 5% make it happen.
If you want to be among the 1-5% (and you do), then keep reading!
You probably have an amazing idea for your book. You know exactly what story you want to tell and how it is going to help people. You can about see yourself talking on the local radio about, or in your wildest dreams, Oprah is inviting you to her Soulful Sundays. So, let me ask you? How many pages have you written yet?
I've heard every excuse in the world, from bad grammar to the time not being right, and from nobody would be interested in what would be the point? Let me tell you. I guarantee that you have a story to tell that can inspire others. You have something to say that has value to other people. You are full of stories and experiences that will make an amazing book!
So, let me reframe some of your most stubborn limiting beliefs around publishing your book and get you on your way to your Soulful Sundays' interview.
Limiting Belief 1: It Only Counts If It's a REAL Publishing House
Some people seem to believe that being a published author depends on being in the good graces of a traditional publishing house. As if being self-published is cheating somehow because you didn't have to convince other people of the validity of your book idea.
As a recovering validation junkie, I get it. It feels good to have someone else tell you that you are good enough or special enough. The truth is, though, that you already are exemplary and special enough. Plus, that a traditional publishing deal is not all it is cracked up to be. It certainly doesn't mean that your book idea is or isn't good or that you somehow have more or less value. All it means is that you are a safe investment. They look at your experience, at the size of your audience, and of course, they also look at book trends. But, you might be the next trendsetter. Have you ever considered that?
An investment in yourself by self-publishing may feel scary, but it is also the most empowering choice you can make. Consider that a traditional publishing deal often means:
You have no right over your writing.
You still have to do most of the marketing and adhere to the publisher’s guidelines on that.
You still have financial risk because if your book doesn't sell enough, you are often required to pay back some of your advances or buy up unsold books.
You only earn a small margin on the sales of your books.
Limiting Belief 2: The Timing Just Isn't Right.
Newsflash! The timing is never right for anything. So, stop waiting for the bloody timing to be right and do it already!
Oh, you were hoping for more? Okay!
We are all busy entrepreneurs and looking to make the best decision about work-life balance. The truth is that this isn't going to change. Six months from now, you are still going to have a to-do list, your kids still need loving attention, your pets still need walks, dinner needs cooking, and your social media scheduling still needs to get done. The same is true for next year and the year after. I always say, time management isn't about time; it's about priorities.
Writing a book doesn't have to take as long as you think it might. The authors who join our House of Hives co-authored books generally take about two to three hours to write their 3000-word chapter. Free up about an hour a day, and you will be more or less done with your first draft in two months.
Writing your book isn't really about time or timing. It is about the priority you give it and what value you attach to it. Besides a potential source of passive income, a book can create many opportunities for you and your business. In my previous article in Brainz Magazine, Five Reasons Every Entrepreneur Should Write a Book, Now.
Limiting Belief 3: I'm Not Expert Enough
You are likely much greater an expert than you give yourself credit for, but even if you're not. That's not a problem! The most successful books are the ones that tell personal stories of transformation and overcoming. Talk about your experiences and how they shaped you and your business. Share the lessons you learned and how people can apply them to their own life's challenges.
You are an expert on you and your business, and the most effective way to get that expertise across is by telling the stories that helped you gain these insights. I've said it before (here), and I will say it again, stories are one of the most effective ways to engage your audience.
Limiting Belief 4: I Write Bad
That's what editors are for, my dear! Get a good editor to help you structure your writing and take care of your spelling and grammar (and for all the grammar fanatics out there: Yes, I know this subtitle is grammatically incorrect, it's for effect).
I heard someone say recently, "It's called best-selling author, not a best-selling writer!" and I agree. Although your book needs to be written well, the most important part is taking your audience on an emotional journey with you. You are full of stories that will do just that. So long as you have that, it's a question of hiring the right experts to help you out.
Limiting Belief 5: What If Nobody Is Interested?
There are billions of people on this earth, and you think that none of them are interested in what you have to say? That is highly unlikely!
Getting people to read your book is about getting visible. That can be a little daunting, but that's a limiting belief that is important to overcome in general, especially if you are an entrepreneur. You, your business, and your book will not be everyone's cup of tea, but you can pull in the right people by being deliberate about your packaging and promotion. You've found endless numbers of inspiring people and books in your life experience, and by that same principle, people will find you!
Limiting Belief 6: I Don't Have the Skills to Publish and Promote a Book!
Skills can be learned, and experts can be hired, so don't worry too much about the nuts and bolts of this thing; your stories, energy, and vibe. Those are the elements that truly matter. Everything else is just the dressing-up.
This is exactly what we help our authors with at House of Hives. Whether they join a co-authored book or work with us on a solo project, we help with the editing, design, marketing, and even work with the visibility and imposter syndrome aspects of this journey.
Are you ready to make your book a priority in your business? Book a call with me here to discuss our co-authored titles or the possibility of working on a solo book.
Mags Thomson, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
Mags is a story coach, impact co-creator, and the founder of House of Hives. She helps female entrepreneurs and change-makers use their personal stories in their business, bridging the gap between emotive storytelling and strategic marketing. Together with developmental editor Karina Asti and event strategist Ana Gallo, she helps women co-create books and collaborative online summits to empower themselves and their brand.
