Hello Reader—

Writing a book that doesn’t sell is nauseating.

I didn’t set out to write a flop.

I figured I’d a great idea for a book readers would love.

You see…

For a few years, I wrote a popular productivity column for Forbes.

I interviewed dozens of entrepreneurs, CEOS, authors, executives, and thought leaders for my column.

These included people like Michael Jordan’s mentor, Howard H. White, and James Clear of Atomic Habits fame.

When my column came to an end, I decided to turn my articles and interviews into a business book.

If people read my column… they’d surely buy my book!

The Seven Habits Of Highly Successful Writers Discover the writing habits of highly successful writers and become more prolific. Read article

The Essential Guide to Knowledge Work for Content Creators A professional author considers all of their ideas for a book and what will sell. Read article

I spent most of 2019 rewriting my articles into book chapters.

At the time, I was employed as a copywriter for a large corporate company.

So, I also leaned heavily on my experiences on the job.

I included insights and advice about managing your time and getting stuff done at work.

Personal stories + research.

And I published a book called This is Working: Focus on What Matters and Get the Results You Deserve.

I even commissioned an audiobook using ACX (Amazon’s audiobook self-publishing service for indie authors).

So, did all this pay off?

I earned about $1000 from my book that first year.

Today, the book sells a few copies each month.

It has a few reasonable reviews, too.

One guy said my book was “a treasure trove” of good ideas.

But those minuscule Amazon royalties are hardly enough to justify the hours and money I invested in the book.

I could have earned much more by creating something else.

Sure, I felt sick about the book not selling.

But do I regret writing a book about productivity and time management?

How to Find Beta Readers: A Practical Guide Introducing beta readers. They’re like angels that help you find errors, plot holes, and inconsistencies in your book. Read article

10 Different Types of Editors: Learn Who To Work With Many different types of editors exist, and selecting the right one depends on your needs and abilities. Read article

No.

I was geeking out about productivity and time management back in 2019.

I enjoyed writing my book.

Not every creative project works out. Even Stephen King had to get past writing The TommyKnockers!

After a failure, I re-read this quote from the Bhagavad Gita:

“You have no right to the fruits of work. Desire for the fruits of work must never be your motive in working. ”

That said…

Here’s what I’d do differently:

I’d spend more time validating my idea with an audience of ideal readers.

I’d spend a week or two writing a few draft chapters.

Then, I’d send these early drafts to beta readers.

I’d ask them to pre-order the book at a discount.

I’d only write the book… if enough people spent money telling me they wanted it.

Spending money is key.

Many people will say they want something but then put off buying it.

That way, I’d invest a week or two into a potential creative project… and not months of my life.

I’d also engage a development editor sooner.

And I’d invest more time in marketing my book before publishing it.

If you want to pick up the book and take charge of your time, it’s still for sale on Amazon.

You can also buy it directly from me.

Tomorrow, I’ll tell you what writing a best-selling book feels like.

Sponsored by...

I use Grammarly's AI writing assistant and grammar checker daily–it's powerful and fast. Claim 25% discount

Write on,

—Bryan Collins

© 2024 Become a Writer Today
Miley House, Main Street, Naas, Naas W91 VR6A

​Unsubscribe · Preferences​