How to Get Your “But” in Gear

Writing a book isn’t easy. As the wise Ernest Hemingway observed, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, even children’s books can be grueling endeavors. If you’ve experienced any setbacks in your book project at all, nod your head. I knew it! 😉

Way too often, one or two blocks is all it takes to give up, throw in the towel, say, “I’m DONE!” and leave that manuscript to sit on your hard drive for years and collect virtual dust.

Now let’s say you’ve pressed through and finished writing your manuscript. Yay! Now you start to research publishing options and get thoroughly confused. You know you need a cover, and possibly an interior layout. Editing is a must, too. But where do you start?

One of my customers, Rahna, was stuck for months. She had her cover design almost finalized, her interior was laid out, the manuscript had been edited, but when the interior came back from the designer, it was full of so many formatting errors she got overwhelmed and stopped in her tracks.

All the issues that crop up during the course of a big project like publishing a book are “buts” to completion:

“But,” I’m confused.

“But,” I’m overwhelmed.

“But,” I’m too busy.

That’s it! It’s time to kick your “but” to the curb!

Remember Rahna? Within a couple weeks of asking her coach for help, her book was re-edited and set to be released about 30 days later. She went from being completely stuck in the publishing mud to cruising along at 80 miles-per-hour.

How did she do it? And how can you get unstuck in whatever part of the publishing process you’re in?

Here are three easy steps to get unstuck and see real results with your writing, publishing and book marketing endeavors:

Step 1: Talk to your friends.

Open up to someone you trust. Tell them where you’re stuck. Post on social media that you’re writing a book. People will instantly get curious, ask you what it’s about, and cheer you on. This little action can result in the fresh boost of motivation you need to take that next step!

Can you post about your project on social media? Can you write a blog post about it? (Hint: say, “Yes!” and enthusiastically nod your head, because I know you can!)

Step 2: Meet with an accountability partner.

Accountability is hugely important to seeing your goals take flight. A good friend of mine asked me if I’d like to meet once a week to share goals, tips, brainstorm, and hold each other accountable. Of course, knowing the power of accountability, I jumped at the idea! We chose one day and time each week that works for both of us and unless one of us is traveling, we meet at that time every week.

We chat via Skype video, sometimes in our PJs, catch up on life and check in on the projects we’re working on. We set goals and hold each other accountable to complete those goals in the next week. And you know what? Both of us saw dramatic results in our businesses in the first few weeks!

You can do the same thing! Ask a like-minded friend to meet with you once a week. If they’re too busy, ask someone else. You will find somebody willing to take the time, because I guarantee at least one of your friends is struggling exactly like you right now!

Step 3: Hire a coach.

If you’ve been doing steps 1 and 2 and are ready to take things to the next level and really see huge results, it’s time to hire a coach. I hired my first business coach within a few months of going full-time in my business. I instantly recognized the value and need. As I’ve grown, I’ve moved through various coaches to meet my needs. I’ve had business coaches, a life coach, speaking coach, PR coach, and more. And I can definitely say the reason I built a multi-six-figure business is because of my coaches.

One of my business coaches challenged me to write and publish a new Kindle book every week for 18 weeks straight. I did it because she was holding me accountable. I knew if I didn’t follow through, she would love me anyway, and she would be disappointed. Not because I quit, but because she could see the results I wouldn’t get. And you know what? Thanks to the Author’s Quick Guide book series and her coaching on my back-end programs, I sold $67,682.36 in products in only six months! (Here’s proof:)

I’ve been able to hire more staff, travel, and give like I’ve never given before. I’ve been blessed and now I’m able to be a blessing – a calling I wouldn’t trade for anything.

So here’s the deal. You can keep doing the same thing you’re doing and hope for different results. (That’s called “insanity,” by the way.) Or you can take action on these steps and reach your book goals and business income dreams.

You’ve read this far. And it’s been scientifically proven that if you don’t take some sort of action on the above 3 steps in the next 5 minutes, you’ll remain exactly where you’re at.

Are you ready to take action?

I encourage you to take all 3 steps. Post on social media about your project. Write a blog post about it. Ask a friend to hold you accountable. And hire a coach. Yes, you can hire me, and I have a limited amount of openings and time. The important thing is that you work with someone.

Click one of the following options to work with me:

Kristen On Demand – Need a booster session to get unstuck, find your direction and take action on your dreams? This option is for you. One 30-minute session when you need me most.

Monthly Coaching – If we both feel we’re a good fit to work together on an ongoing basis after an “On Demand” session, you’ll get a special invitation for one-on-one access to me every month with ongoing coaching. This program is limited as I graduate students and have openings.

Ask yourself this: What is it costing you to not have someone guide you through the confusing industry of publishing and business? How much time, energy, frustration, and money could you save by having someone who’s been neck-deep in the publishing industry for over a dozen years guide you along your journey?

Whatever option you choose, choose something. Take an action – any action. Tell me what action you’re going to take in the comments below. I want to see you and your book as an amazing success!!