Have you ever tried to write a book?
A few years ago I started writing a tech book. I planned all the content and topics, wrote about 5 of 20 chapters then abandoned to focus on my startup.
Write a book is not as writing blog posts. Although I like to write blog posts, I always thought it is harder to write a book.
After 2.5 years writing and procrastinating, @levelsio recently launched his MAKE book. This is one more example of how hard it is.
So, I have a few questions for the community:
- Have you ever tried or wanted to write a book? Did you manage to launch it?
- What were your biggest challenges?
- Were you planning to sell it? How were you planning to distribute and promote it?
- In your opinion how it is different from launching a startup?
PS: it would be great if @levelsio shared his experience here :)
I've tried co-writing a short novel with my best friend's wife by it never really went anywhere. I started writing movie scripts not too long after and began with a Bad Boys 3 script but stopped again. I love the movie series so I'm super excited they're in the process of filming the third one.
Writer's block and prioritizing other personal commitments
Planned on posting it on several sites for free to get our "names" out there. Many authors have a pseudonym.
This is difficult to compare but if I have to say, there's no difference. You still have to do marketing and business development. You have to go to where your target audience is. There are many forums you can post on and hardcore readers love to try something from a new author so it's easier to grow your following. You do have DCMA protection with a publisher than going indie. It's simpler in the product production by having 1 to 3 SKUs(hard, soft, digital copy).
However, as a beginner see it as the same hustle as a what indie rap/hip-hop stars do: start with selling from your trunk/coffee house/beach/etc..., get people talking about you and/or your book and make appearances (public reading/signing) where your audience hangs out.
Wow, then you write movie scripts. It's interesting. Is it as a hobby or you wanted to make it your daily job?
It's interesting to see that even if you have someone with you it's still hard to launch a book.
For me, manage the time between writing your own book and your personal commitments or job is the harder part. I know you should set a daily routine and stick to it, but since I don't have a "good place" in my house to do it, it's still hard :/
Thanks for your answers :)
This comment was deleted 7 years ago
So many valuable recommendations. Note taken!
BTW, you should write a book on "how to write a book" :)
Thanks for your contribution!