Chapter 1: My Early Struggles with Writing

Let me share my journey into the realm of writing books, starting from my own experiences...

Photo by Rumman Amin on Unsplash

As a child, I had a strong aversion to writing and school. During my college years, I studied education but struggled with my writing skills. I was referred to a writing center due to my challenges. I attempted to improve my grammar and spelling, completing various exercises they suggested.

However, everything changed when the director of the center encouraged me to write about any topic of my choice. This was a liberating concept—I could write freely, without the constraints of coursework. I chose to express my frustrations regarding college life and my professors, and that initial essay unleashed a torrent of creativity.

Lesson 1: Write about what you are truly passionate about.

I graduated with decent grades, often joking that my wife graduated with honors while I just got lucky. Surprisingly, I emerged from college with the identity of a writer.

Continuing my education, I pursued a doctorate and became a professor, which involved extensive writing. Over the years, I authored around 60 academic articles and contributed to two book chapters, all while focusing on topics that genuinely interested me.

My son, Aaron, often took on the role of my editor. I believe every writer develops their own unique style; mine leans toward a conversational tone. While I write about academic subjects, my style remains informal, much to Aaron’s annoyance, as he prefers a more structured approach.

In addition to academic writing, I engaged in more personal projects. As a minister in a smaller denomination, I was tasked with conducting a study on small congregations, which I later transformed into a 160-page book aimed at general readers. This work explored the challenges faced by dwindling congregations and offered some comforting advice.

To my surprise, I self-published this book, and it became quite successful, topping the sales charts in the denominational resource center. However, I faced challenges with self-publishing, and although it sold well, the costs associated with print-on-demand services left me at a loss financially.

Sadly, many self-published works struggle to gain traction, and a quick search reveals that the majority of self-published books do not perform well in the market. In fact, the average book, regardless of how it is published, sells fewer than 300 copies. (For a deeper dive into this reality, check out this informative article.)

I resolved not to self-publish again and wrote a second book addressing the topic of leaving fundamentalism. It was a subject many could relate to, and I felt it showcased my best writing. When I submitted it to a traditional publisher, they expressed interest but requested extensive revisions.

Realizing I had to adapt, I reached out to a self-publishing service and invested in a comprehensive marketing package, including hiring a marketing firm for additional reviews. Although the reviews were positive, the sales did not reflect that success, and I ended up with only a modest return on my investment.

Lesson 2: Be prepared to collaborate with editors and revise your work if you aim to publish with a reputable publisher.

My next attempt at publishing was met with a firm resolve: no more self-publishing! I authored a straightforward book on mysticism and meditation, submitted it to a mid-sized press, and was thrilled to receive an acceptance letter. This time, the process involved significant revisions and editing, but the outcome was rewarding—my book received excellent reviews and even won an award.

Nevertheless, the financial outcome remained disappointing. Despite the accolades, my last royalty check barely crossed the $100 mark.

A well-established reviewer once told me that writing books rarely leads to wealth; instead, it might only afford you a six-pack of beer.

Lesson 3: Most books do not generate substantial income.

While some reviews suggest authors can earn thousands, others reveal the harsh truth that many earn little to nothing. A friend of mine, an exceptionally talented writer, has faced even greater challenges with her work.

So, what steps can you take to increase your chances of writing a successful book? Summer Land offers valuable suggestions:

• Hire a competent editor.
• Build an audience through social media platforms (such as Medium).
• Consider starting with a free e-book to attract readers.
• Explore freelance writing opportunities, which can also be lucrative.
• Find the right literary agent or publisher.
• Craft an effective pitch for your book to potential publishers.
• Ultimately, you must market yourself.

Indeed, publishing a book requires significant effort.

In today’s publishing landscape, authors are often expected to handle much of their marketing. Only about 1% of published books achieve commercial success, while self-published authors can expect fewer than 50 sales per title. Publishers are increasingly budget-conscious.

Yet, there remains a small percentage of authors who achieve remarkable success. You will never know if you could be among them unless you take that leap.

Lesson 4: As my wife wisely stated, I wrote these books because I felt a compelling need to express something significant, even if it was just for myself.

I believe she is absolutely right.

Chapter 2: Navigating the Publishing Landscape

In this video titled "How to Write a Book: 13 Steps From a Bestselling Author," you will discover essential steps to guide you through the writing process.

The second video, "So You Want to Write a Novel," provides valuable insights for aspiring novelists on their writing journey.