In Part I of this article, the common excuses would-be authors have about why they cannot get their book written were identified. Procrastination is the common denominator. So how can an author overcome procrastination?
Being curious by nature, we have studied the small percentage of authors we have worked with who are successful in making progress, writing on their blogs, organizing their book content, and who are getting published.
Profile of Successful Authors
Here’s the typical intellectual profile of a successfully published author:
1. He/she writes almost daily on a blog.
2. S/he frequently writes about what other experts are saying.
3. She is meticulous about citing sources.
4. He sees the common thread in situations and content, and how that relates to real people.
5. She has a keen eye for synthesizing and summarizing concepts.
6. He is able to see the practical application of ideas in real world situations.
I’m not sure which of these characteristics are the most important when it comes to turning writers into published authors.
This is not scientific research but anecdotal in nature, so perhaps the list is incomplete. Maybe the defining difference is related to something else not on this list.
When it comes to non-fiction books, most of our authors are not waiting for contracts from the big publishing houses. They are going the self-published route or using print-on-demand. They will use their books as marketing tools, for back-on-the-room sales, and for creating credibility for their services as consultants, speakers and other professionals.
It would be easy to say that those writers who post almost daily on their blog end up with enough content to turn it into a book after time. But quantity isn’t enough, obviously.
The Defining Edge
I’m inclined to think that writers who can synthesize and summarize concepts from reliable sources have an edge to completing a book. Those that can see the practical applications of theories and ideas to everyday work and life also have an edge.
When an author makes the connection from theoretical, abstract idea to practical advice for living and working, he or she speaks to the reader, and what’s in it for them. This connection breeds energy for the writer. When you write to deliver valuable content to the reader you are no longer thinking about yourself and your excuses.
The Dirty Little Secret…
Back to the title of this article series, The Dirty Little Secrets of Published Authors…in my opinion, those who succeed at finishing their books know that they don’t have to know everything. They use the ideas of other people, look at them from a fresh perspective, and write in a clear voice that shows their passion.
Are they original authors? Of course they are. They tell it like it is, from their point of view.
Those writers who believe that what they have to say is precious, original, and so important that it has to be perfectly delivered, will stay mired in procrastination. Who can take a risk to make an error, when so much ego is wrapped up in their writing?The pressure is too great, the fear of failure too real.
Those writers who believe that they are simply messengers who are able to organize and synthesize concepts previously invented by other experts will have the edge. They will write, publish, write, publish, and they will be heard and read.
