You’ve decided to embark on the thrilling, yet challenging, journey of writing and publishing a book. Congratulations! You’re about to dive into a world of creativity; perseverance; and, let’s be honest, a fair share of self-discovery. As a Christian communicator and agent, I often find myself surrounded by aspiring authors eager to master the intricacies of the publishing process. However, what’s often missing in the conversation is an exploration of the driving force behind the desire to publish.
Writing a book isn’t only about crafting words on paper; it’s a commitment to patience, endurance, and a journey of self-reflection. The process of developing a concept into a well-thought-out book idea, curating a book proposal, and crafting a polished manuscript to pitch requires a tenacity that goes beyond mere technical skills.
In the vast sea of how-to resources, workshops, and online courses that focus on mastering the nuts and bolts of publishing, there’s a significant void when it comes to resources that encourage writers, especially Christian writers, to examine their motives.
Why does this matter? Your motive shapes your writing journey, from the first word you put on paper to the moment you pitch your proposal.
I once had a conversation with a woman who, on the surface, seemed to be doing everything right. She generated abundant social-media content about her journey, attended numerous writers conferences, and meticulously produced a compelling book proposal. However, during our meeting, it became evident that her motive for pursuing publishing was rooted in a deep-seated need for validation and approval.
Her pitch centered predominantly on her belief that her story was transformational and that she needed to tell it. (And I respect that desire!) She painstakingly shared the tremendous amount of effort she had spent on curating multiple types of content on multiple platforms into the wee hours of the morning. And yet she was discouraged and about to quit. I’m not questioning her heart or questioning whether she should write a book. What I am trying to point out is that your motive in writing will permeate your thoughts, actions, behaviors, and decisions throughout your journey. Your motive will be communicated in your content, your proposal, and your pitch.
Whether you are consciously aware of your underlying motive or not, it will be apparent to the people you pitch to and the audience you hope to reach. So, I’m advocating for you to take a moment and reflect upon your motive for pursuing publishing. Here’s the hard, but honest, fact: As Christ-followers, we acknowledge that, even on our best day, our motives are mixed. Yes, we work toward the noble goal of communicating Christ and Him crucified, but there’s often an additional desire for the stage, the book title on the spine, or other personal aspirations.
Do the work of examining your motives.
Your motives are clear when you write, speak, teach, or pitch. They shape the narrative you present to the world. Now, you might be wondering, why is it crucial to scrutinize your motives? The answer lies in the authenticity and impact of your message.
Are you writing solely to share the transformative power of the gospel, or are there other desires like money, fame, or validation intertwined with your pursuit of publishing? Acknowledging and understanding these motives is your first step toward taking the work of publishing seriously– committing to the tough work of self-examination and authentic communication.
Here are a few practical tips to help you develop some introspection.
Pause and reflect. Take a moment to pause amidst the frenzy of writing and publishing. Reflect on why you’re pursuing this path to publishing. What are your true motives? Be honest with yourself.
Ask for feedback. Sometimes, others can see aspects of our motives that we might overlook. Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or fellow writers. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights.
Get really honest with yourself. Evaluate whether your motives align with your core values as a Christian communicator. Are your intentions rooted in a genuine desire to share the message of Christ, or are they veering off course?
The decision to write and publish a book is not only a commitment to a process; it’s a commitment to understanding and aligning with your motives. By examining your motives, you pave the way for an authentic and impactful writing journey that resonates with your audience and, most importantly, reflects the message of Christ you aim to communicate. So, as you embark on this exciting adventure, remember to not only master the technicalities but also to introspect and ensure your motives are in line with your higher calling.
