From Bucket List to Book

Plotting out your author career strategy.

- BY PAULA RIZZO

If “write a book” is on your bucket list, you're not alone.

A ThriftBooks survey found more than half of Americans want to write a book—but only 15 percent actually start, and six percent get halfway through.

You know why? Writer's block keeps 33 percent from writing their books, and having no free time is why 26 percent of the 2,000-person survey do not write.

Or—raise your hand if you're one of the 16 percent who say perfectionism is what's keeping you from your book?

But never fear—turning your goal into reality is totally possible if you have the right tools and structure to guide you.

I’m an author of two nonfiction books about productivity, and a novel too. I know what it takes to go from brainstorming to publishing. That’s why I’m excited to share these actionable tips and tools to help you finally check “write a book” off your bucket list.

WHAT'S YOUR WHY?

Before you start outlining chapters or thinking of a title, it’s important to get clear on your motivation. This is your why—and it’s going to be important throughout this process.

Are you writing to establish or boost your authority in your field? To share your life experience so others can learn? To entertain your readers with an engaging story?

Whether you want to write the next great novel, share your expertise, or use a book to land speaking engagements and more sales for your business, your why is unique to you and your book.

This might seem simple, but it’s essential to be clear on this because it will guide lots of decisions moving forward, from the genre you write to the kinds of publishers, agents, and editors you seek out. It’s also a key source of motivation for you to return to throughout the process. Publishing typically takes a long time, so it’s important to have a reason to come back to and keep you going.

TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING VS. SELF-PUBLISHING