Have you ever sat at your acim writing pad and your mind is blank? Writing a book has its challenges. The words just won’t come. You had a great plan to write a book but you are stuck. Or maybe you are feeling a little insecure and wonder if you will ever finish writing your book. You begin to feel that writing is such a lonely profession.
Fret no more! Did you know that you could have a cast of characters to draw from to help you finish writing your book? With this team you not only will complete your book but it will be the best book you have ever written because of the feedback you received while your were writing your book.
To get you started, below is a list of people you can include on your list. This cast can help you write and market your book.
Cast of Characters
Writing Buddy: This person is awesome. A buddy that agrees to listen to your story as you write it, ask you questions to help you move the story forward, and agrees to follow up when you make an agreement to finish a part of the book by a specific date. Also, gives you support and encouragement.
Book and Publishing Coaches: These experts can save you a lot of time and grief. They know the field and can move you quickly through writing and publishing your book. However it is important that you are ready to write and commit to this endeavor. Don’t waste your money if you cannot commit some time on a regular weekly basis to write a book.
Cheerleaders: Family, friends, co-workers, clients, and prospects can help you market your book. Ask them if they would be willing to tell their friends and customers about your book when the time comes. Or on a casual basis you can tell them how your book is coming along. People love to be in on the beginning of a book idea. They will cheer you on if you let them in on the progress of your book
Interviewer: This is someone who agrees to listen to each chapter idea and then interview you on the chapter topic. Ask questions. Once a week you two will work together on a chapter of the book and record the session. Then you can take the recording and use the information in your book.
Researchers: College interns or library assistants can help you with any research you need. For a reasonable fee you can let someone else do this grunt work for you and you will stay on the creative side of writing.
Your Bookstore: Go to the bookstore once in awhile. Search the shelves for books like yours. Buy a book. Sit and have some coffee and enjoy the moment. You will feel more like an author every time you go to the bookstore. Read the Acknowledgment page of books that will be similar to yours. Write down the names of editors and literary agents mentioned in the book. You may want to contact them when part of your book is done. Or ask one of your cheerleaders or research people to do this for you.
Reviewers: Make a list of people — no more than five — that are willing to review your book once the manuscript is done. Have a set of questions ready for them to answer — Is there anything that needs more clarification, is the continuity okay, etc. These are the people that review the book before it is in its final stage. You will want to implement some of the suggestions they make in your final draft.