Here’s one of the most frequent questions I receive via email: “I’m a new writer. I wan to know how to write a book”

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the answer this question is so obvious.

But if you’re new, you may not like what I have to say.

And, I’ll add… you especially won’t like this article if you want it to be easy and not cost you any money. If this is you, stop now. Go to another web site. Please don’t send me an email! Hey, it’s all about how to write and publish a book.

Maybe I’m just different from most people, but when I’ve never done something before I’ll go to the library, devour whatever I can online, and in some cases hire a coach or mentor to get me started. That’s what I’ve done with my copywriting career, and it’s paying off in spades.

I bought all the classic books on advertising and copy. I’ve paid over $5,000 in the past 18 months alone for courses and training. I belong to several forum boards. And, I’ve paid as much as $450/month for coaching from successful copywriters.

No, I’m not independently wealthy. Most of these expenses have gone on my credit card. But I’ll tell you what… I’m a damned good copywriter now, and my clients are paying me handsomely. I figure that I’m well worth the investment in myself.

That’s what it comes down to as a writer. Are you willing to invest in yourself? Will you invest time and money in your education and in the gradual improvement of your writing?

If not, you may as well go find another web site that will sell you a magic wand or hyped-out snake oil in the guise of “The ultimate guide to writing your book in 14 days.”

So when I receive emails from this web site I’m often dumbfounded by the simplicity of the requests. For example, here’s the full extent of a recent email: “I want to know more about writing books.”

That’s nice. I receive perhaps 3-4 emails like this every week. What’s my response? After taking a few deep breaths, calming my mind, and reminding myself that these are perfectly legitimate questions by well-meaning people who are sincerely reaching out for help, I answer their simple question with simple answers.

I almost never hear back. Why? I’m asking them to work at it.

Imagine that you’d like to learn rock climbing. What’s the first thing you’d do? You wouldn’t go out and start climbing rocks without the proper gear and instruction (I hope). No, you’d probably take a class, get equipped with the best gear you can afford, and you’d slowly work your way up to more difficult rocks.

Here’s an even better example. If you wanted to fly a plane, would you ask your gardener to show you the ropes?

So why do people think that writing and publishing a book is going to be any different?

I don’t believe there are many “natural writers” who can write a quality book from start to finish without having at least a few basic skills. Most of us need a little training to get started and a humongous amount of practice to master the craft. It’s the same with any sport, hobby, or career. I won’t get good at copywriting without writing and rewriting.

By now you’re probably wondering what the hell I DO tell people who ask about writing or publishing a book. Here it is in a nutshell:

Read more about how to write and publish a book

Tags: Writing and Speaking