Have you ever watched “American Idol,” or the “X Factor,” or any show where contestants compete to win the big prize?
I remember watching American Idol with a friend and she was rooting for her favorite singer to win. We got caught up in the drama and the suspense of it – would the singer win or lose her big chance?
She worked so hard for the spotlight, what would happen if she didn’t make it?
Why do you want to write a book? Is it a deep desire or just a “nice to have?” Are you hoping to promote your business, or tell your personal story?
The great thing is that you aren’t competing with anyone else to tell your story. That applies even if you’re writing a book to promote your business. Your business might have competitors, but your book won’t.
Why?
Because no one can tell the story like you can. No one else can have the same life experiences or point of view, no matter how similar your businesses are. Even if your dream is to write a novel or memoir, no one else’s story will ever be exactly the same as yours.
And you know what else? Readers want great, well-written stories, ideas that they can learn from or that help them to stretch beyond their everyday thinking. When I read your book, I’m getting your perspective and (hopefully) I’m learning something about myself as well.
Even when it comes to marketing – you are not competing. Really. If your marketing is truly reflecting your story and your brand – you won’t look or sound like anyone else. (And that’s the catch – you have to publish a book that’s as real and authentic as you are – instead of being a copy of what everyone else is doing.)
So what do you need to get started? An idea, a plan and persistence.
Your big book idea describes what you want to say, your plan (or outline) will give you the roadmap on how to say it and persistence will get you through the process. It’s not about competing to be chosen as “the one.” It’s about stepping up and believing that your idea is worth sharing.
Copyright © 2016 – 2018 Deborah A. Bailey
