Success.
It is a word that has a “sweet smell” for some and is the “gold ring” of achievement for others.
But in order to appreciate success, we must first define it. And there is the rub. Each one of us defines success differently, especially writers.
Here are some definitions I’ve heard or seen:
- Getting an agent
- My first book contract
- Selling 20,000 copies of my book
- Selling any copies of my book
- Producing my own book as an indie author
- Getting my second book contract
- Making the bestseller list (which bestseller list?)
- Earning enough money over expenses with writing that I owe income tax!
That list illustrates a bit of the diversity of the definition. I’ve had an author say their book was quite successful when describing one of their previous works. When I asked for specifics, they enthusiastically said, “I sold 800 copies!” I’ve had an author also say, “My book didn’t do very well; it only sold 20,000 copies.”
I remember one man calling me asking about our agency’s services. “Do you like making lots of money?” I stammered a nonanswer and replied, “Why do you ask?” “Because I won’t accept anything less than a $100,000 advance for my book, so if you can’t get that amount, I don’t want you representing it.” Needless to say, I admitted my defeat, and we ended the call. His definition of success was unrealistic. (His book was also completely unsellable in the commercial market.)
I have been told that success, as I’m describing above, is actually a series of achievements or goals. Granted. That is one way to view it. But I have to ask, “What happens if you don’t achieve your goals?” or conversely, “What happens if you do achieve your goals?”
Defining Success
Take a moment and think about success and what it means to you. At the same time, remember that your definition is not necessarily pertinent to the next person. This can be a problem when dispensing advice to others because they can use your definition as their own when it doesn’t fit their situation.
1. Make sure you have your values set first. Otherwise, wild success could destroy you (Proverbs 16:18).
2. Also define “contentment.” Or another way to put it is to define “good enough” (1 Timothy 6:6).
3. “More” is not a goal. This is a red flag for any measurable activity. Think of businesses that care more about profit than people. Or churches that lose their way in an attempt to “grow numbers.”
4. Be very careful about using money or unit sales as your measure. (See #3 above.) I’ve seen many writers’ entire attitudes toward this business change when money began to flow their way. And I’ve seen many writers lose all contentment when their unit book sales deviate from the norm. But I have also seen many writers who have handled success with grace and humility. Success does not have to destroy people!
Lately, I’ve been putting it this way:
Today, and I mean right now, define success for yourself as a writer. But remove publication from the definition. Now, define success. If publication is in the definition and it is achieved, you might take the credit. But if publication is a gift, not a goal, then it is God’s doing, not yours.
I believe that writing is obedience. Obedience to a calling. Thus, one writes because they “must.”
Sure, many writers write for a living, so the “must” is related to being paid. I don’t dispute that. I’m trying to make a different point.
Too many writers set unrealistic expectations for their work and suffer from feelings of failure. Often, they quit. And when that happens, the enemy wins.
I want you to be successful. All of us at the agency work hard to help you achieve that goal. Today, let’s take a moment to make sure your definition of that success is in line with your calling as a writer and to a set of reasonable expectations. It is there, in that place, where true success lies.
