Few activities are as rewarding as finishing your book and getting it published, the capstone of accomplishment. At different times, writing can be fun, cathartic, thrilling, and invigorating, but it is also hard work.
When writer’s block or rejection letters slow down your forward momentum, remember the benefits of your calling. Here are just a few of the rewards waiting for authors, whether you are a full-time writer or a weekend warrior writing in your spare time.
- Satisfaction. Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, the process of turning out well-written pages is highly satisfying. “It is a gift and privilege to be able to write,” writes author Thomas E. Kennedy, “and surely every serious writer has experienced this reward … when you are in perfect harmony with the place your words come from, the place where your stories are waiting to be told.” Writers report that publishing their work and sharing it with readers bring even greater levels of satisfaction and feelings of self-worth.
- Independence: Unlike many jobs and free-time interests, writing gives you unparalleled independence to work wherever and whenever you want. You set your own hours and can work from anywhere in the world. This reward is, however, a double-edged sword. With such freedom, you need even greater discipline and persistence to stay on track without getting distracted. Not everyone has the time management skills or the drive to sit and write for hours or days on end. The good news is that the independence brings good opportunities for an outstanding work-life balance.
- Mental stimulation. The act of writing engages your mind like no other – and that energy carries over into the rest of your life. You are using your imagination or conducting research; you are structuring plots or organizing ideas into a coherent sequences. Throughout the process, you will be improving your critical thinking and writing skills – and you are building the types of intellectual links that can keep our minds healthy and active for years to come.
- New opportunities. Having a published book opens new doors, both professionally and personally. With the credibility that your book conveys, you can enjoy have new experiences and opportunities, such as bookstore readings and signings. Conduct a class or workshop about your book’s subject and bring copies to sell afterwards. Approach your local paper with ideas for a guest column or series of articles. If you have published a book related to your business or profession, you have gained a significant competitive edge to build your client base and increase your income. Whether a local book club picks your book and invites you to join them for a night or an international trade association asks you to speak at a convention, your book will make a difference in your life.
While the above rewards come with the territory, one last benefit is not guaranteed, but very real. That’s the bonus of making money from your work. Whether your book sells a hundred copies or becomes a best-seller, you have the potential for that passive income waiting for you.
The thrill of holding your book in your hand and knowing that it could entertain, educate or influence people you will never meet is a joy few people will experience. While many people say “I should write a book about that!” and dream about making up a great story or writing about their area of expertise, very, very few will ever get to check that accomplishment off their bucket lists. When you hit a bump in the road to getting published, remind yourself that if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
Dudley Court Press works with writers like you every day. As a contemporary publishing company, we help thoughtful people write and publish books for all sorts of reasons. For more information about our Developmental Editing, Coaching, Consulting and Professional Self-Publishing options, please reach us at +1-520-329-2729 or Info@DudleyCourtPress.com.
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– Gail Woodard