3 Obstacles to Finishing Your Book
How many are you facing?
TL;DR Version:
Launched the “Everything Is Storytelling” podcast this week. First two episodes are out (see links below) and in Episode 2, guest Jordan Ring discusses 3 common obstacles to finishing your book:
#1. You’re trying to go it alone. Instead of self-publishing, you need to be squad publishing, bringing professionals along with you.
#2. You’re trying to create a perfect outline. You need a 70% good outline, not a perfect one.
#3. You’re not using feedback. See #1. You need to know how to both take feedback and give it to the professionals helping you out.
(P.S. If you’re a paid subscriber, you get early access to next week’s episode. Just scroll on down.)
Regular Version:
Officially launched the “Everything Is Storytelling” podcast on Wednesday. In case you missed it, you can go subscribe on your favorite podspot of choice.
But I want to focus on the sage wisdom of my guest Jordan Ring in Episode 2. As a fellow ghostwriter, he sees a lot of the same obstacles that I do for people struggling to finish their books.
The most commonly cited obstacle I hear from people is “time.” But we’re going to ignore that for now because, ultimately, we all have the same 24 hours, and you can choose to see those hours as an obstacle or an opportunity.
Instead, let’s look at how Jordan frames the 3 biggest obstacles he sees—and the solutions to them:
#1: You’re Trying to Go It Alone
Self-publishing doesn’t actually have to be done by yourself. Jordan uses the term “squad publishing,” meaning you bring along a team of professionals in your journey. This could include:
Developmental editor
Ghostwriter
Beta readers
Copy editor
Designer (for cover and layout)
Marketing support
Is this more expensive? Sure. Is it more likely to lead to success? Absolutely.
#2: You’re Trying to Create a Perfect Outline
With nonfiction in particular, it’s a huge mistake to skip the outline. But it’s also a mistake to think you can’t start writing until the outline is “perfect” (whatever that means).
Instead, Jordan says you should shoot for a “70% good outline.” He defines the outline more in terms of being your research and brainstorming document that allows you the flexibility and space to still be creative during the writing process.
Don’t skip the outline. But also, don’t get stuck on the outline.
#3: You’re Not Using Feedback
Feedback is a double-edged sword. But in publishing a book, you need to be able to:
Give feedback (to professionals in your squad)
Receive feedback (from your squad)
In other words, not all feedback is equal. But if you’re going about it write—I mean, right—then you’ve got to open yourself up to what others think. By taking feedback, you’ll be more confident in moving forward with your message and sharing it with the world, rather than suffering from Page Fright and Imposter Syndrome.
And if you want more thoughts about how to finish your book, Jordan has an entire book coming out about it called Nonfiction Alchemy, releasing in October, so be on the lookout.
And if you’re wondering who you need in your publishing squad, then book a free 20-minute Q&A and let’s chat about it.
Until next time, keep telling your story.
If you’re a subscriber, you get early access to next week’s episode. Just keep scrollin’ to find it below.
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