Publishing 3 Books In 1 Year Was 50% Process, 50% Mindset

Today’s newsletter is for you if you:

A) Dream of writing and publishing a book

B) Are already in the process but feel stuck

2023 was the year that I decided to become an author.

I signed an accountability agreement with myself and decided to take the steps to make it happen.

The result was 3 books: 2 self-published and one with Earnshaw Books.

The most interesting part of the publishing journey was the lessons I learned along the way and the mindset tips and processes that helped me cross the finish line.

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1. Find clarity: 1 message, 1 reader.

Be crystal clear on your intention, your messaging and your ideal reader.

What is your key message?

Who are you targeting?

What do you want them to take away from your book?

The Lemon Tree Mindset is a roadmap for people who want to reinvent themselves and start a new path.

2. Create a sense of urgency

Set an ambitious timeline to keep your motivation and project on track.

Pick a date on the calendar to make it real and honor your commitment to your time.

For The Lemon Tree Mindset, I set a 28-day timeline to write my first draft.

It’s intentionally ambitious so that I laser-focus from day 1.

3. Write the book for your ideal reader

Once you have your ideal reader, write the book as if you were talking to them. Imagine what they are going through and how your words will land. Put yourself in their shoes.

I wrote Conquering Your Burnout, talking to someone who is feeling lost in a dark tunnel and needs a friend to show them the light.

I wrote The Flight Home, talking to a good friend who needs inspiration to overcome whatever life throws at her with positivity and resilience.

4. Break it into smaller parts

Writing a 60,000-word book is daunting, but writing one chapter is not.

Once you have your book outline, focus on the next step, the next chapter, the next part. Just like if you were running a marathon, break the project into smaller milestones.

I usually aim to write 10,000 words a week as an estimate. That gives me enough structure to create discipline and enough flexibility for creative freedom.

5. Share your goal in public

When you build in public, the accountability threshold is immediately raised. You now take your commitment into the outside world.

I wasn’t a fan of this approach until I realized how powerful it is. When you give your word to the world, you try your best to make things happen.

I recently announced here and on LinkedIn that I will finish my new book, The Anti-Procrastinator by end of 2024.

6. Celebrate the small wins

Nurture a winner’s mindset by celebrating the small moments: choosing the title, finishing the first draft, designing the book cover, etc.

Create small victory moments and share them with your community.

I always invite my readers and subscribers to be a part of my journey. For The Flight Home, I did an exclusive book reveal on Substack 2 weeks prior to the launch.

7. Embrace the writer’s block

Hitting a wall is a natural part of writing. It happens to athletes and creatives, entrepreneurs and writers alike.

Instead of fighting it and getting frustrated, acknowledge what you are going through. A writer’s block is usually the result of a lack of clarity. Take a step back, zoom out and go back to your why.

I usually take some distance from the book, go for a run outdoors and come back to it with fresh eyes.

8. Take healthy breaks

Breaks are necessary to avoid burnout.

Do what it takes to reset and get back into your creative zone. Don’t feel guilty for taking breaks: resting is not procrastinating.

When does your best writing happen?

How do you usually get inspiration?

Chances are, after a good night’s sleep, once you are rested and you find yourself in the mental zone of creativity and flow.

9. Tell people you are a writer

Don’t be afraid to tell the world you are a writer. Claim your identity and own it. By telling others who you are and what you do, you reinforce it and build confidence.

I changed all my social media bios to author/ writer.

10. Tell yourself you are a writer

The most important person to bring on board your dreams is yourself.

Embrace who you are, give yourself a vote of trust, and enjoy the ride. Don’t just tell others that you are writing; tell yourself you are a writer.

Build your identity and the behaviors will follow.

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Most things you want to do in life are 50% process, 50% mindset. That’s why this newsletter is about both 😉

If you need help with your first book, check out my ebook, From Zero To Amazon Bestseller, a roadmap with examples and proven tips. Paid subscribers get it for free.