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. And 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 who asked, “Do you like making lots of money?” I stammered a non-answer 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 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 a good 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. And 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 which 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 writer’s entire attitude toward this business change when money began to flow their way. And I’ve seen many writer’s lose all contentment when their unit book sales deviate from the norm. (And if you think I’m writing about you – see “Yes, This Post is About You.”) But I have also seen many writers who have handled success with grace and humility. Success does not have to destroy people!
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 our definition of that success is in line to our calling as a writer and to a set of reasonable expectations. It is there, in that place, where true success lies.
For more thoughts on the topic of success read:
“Success, Are You Ready?” by Tamela Hancock Murray
“How Do You Measure Success?” by Steve Laube
“Two Important Ingredients for Success” by Karen Ball
“Elect to Be Successful” by Dan Balow
For me, success is more than contracts and numbers. Success is ably communicating God’s message to another person who turns from a former mode of thought or action as a result. That’s the only success that means anything to me. If I do what God calls me to, He will provide whatever else is necessary: contracts or sales or agency representation. Success means that I do not only what is “good enough” but what is best, and if I fail along the way, then I will only work with more prayer, more study, and more reliance on God..
For years, I have embraced Earl Nightingale’s definition of success: “the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” But this post gives me cause to dig deeper.
All four of your points for “Defining Success” not only do that, but are listed by priority. After all, if one’s values are cock-eyed (point 1), true contentment (point 2) will always be a mirage.
Thanks for such a thoughtful and challenging post.
Great thoughts here, Joe! I love the quote, and I love what you end with. Keeping our values in the right focus enables contentment to be our companion. 🙂
I great way to begin this morning. With this post. Thanks.
Good post. One of my author friends suggests keeping a motto at one’s writing desk as a reminder of priorities and the reason for writing in the first place.
Your list made me smile, and then I really considered what you’re saying. A few years ago, I felt like God gave me permission to follow my dream of writing. He is my primary audience, and I hope one day others will read my stories and draw closer to God from reading them.
Thanks for the reminder of why I’m writing.
Steve, you’ve got me thinking. I’ve not really tried to define what success looks like for me. I guess it’s time to do this. My biggest hope is that my stories will encourage others to grow in their understanding of God’s love for them and in their relationships with those around them. Of course, if people are going to read my stories, they first have to be published. So that plays in there too.
This isn’t my final answer, it’s probably the first step in defining what success looks like for me.
I think I need some coffee now to wake up the brain cells some more. 🙂
What I love about this is question is that if you ask a hundred different writers, you’ll get a hundred different answers.
I’d love to have some very intelligent, thoughtful spiritual answer to that question, but I’m pretty simple at heart. Success is selling well enough that my publishers keep wanting books from me. I’m a writer, so I write. Period. The reasons I write may be more complex, and might even encompass those intelligent, spiritual thoughts depending on the day and the amount of coffee already consumed, but it really comes down to having gratitude for the fact I get paid for what I would be doing anyway.
Wonderfully put, Steve!
Success is doing His will, whatever that is for each of us. For me it is the act of obedience. I want to do what He says and be content in every situation.
We have all seen success in it’s destruction. It is all around us. Look at the child stars and weep, the lottery winners who commit suicide….
But God’s version of success is to be content and you could never be rich in worldy wealth because you would be giving it away as fast as it came.
Matthew 6:19-21
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
My definition is writing what I’m called to write and what I love to write.
Thanks for this post, Steve. To me, a successful writing career is a journey in which my personal relationship with God is continually deepened and my motivation to write remains focused on honoring Him.
Although I realize numbers matter, I write as an expression of worship to God and trust His timeline. Success is feeling His delight when I write with Spirit-empowered courage, obedience, wisdom, and confidence. When He uses my writing to minister to one person, even something as small as a Facebook post or a handwritten card to a friend in need makes me feel like I’m successful as a writer.
Sometimes, I realize a writing project is for my heart, and eyes, only. He often uses my writing to help me process as He prunes me.
You taught me, years ago, to remember that writing is a tool for ministry. You reminded me how important it is to remember God can use our smallest offerings for His big works. You inspired me to continue writing articles, short storirs, devotions, blog posts and even Facebook posts with the goal of honoring God and pointing people to Him.
Ever since our chat at Mount Hermon, I have felt successful as a writer. I may not have an agent or a book deal, but I see God using my small offerings for His glory.
I pray the Lord helps me remain focused on honoring Him, obeying Him, and trusting Him to determine my value as I follow His lead and use writing as a tool for His glory, not mine.
Thanks for the refreshing reality check, Steve.
Short term goals work best for me. Keeping my focus on the present.
Right now, success for me is finishing my current WIP AND being 100% satisfied with it. I can tell where the story is lacking, I feel where there could be more depth and I won’t settle. So for me to be able to give myself a high five and shout “It’s done, woohoo!” is a small success and one worth celebrating.
Steve, thanks so much for this wise post. Your voice always seems to resonate with sound thinking, strength and courage.
I so appreciate your closing statement, “Today, let’s take a moment to make sure our definition of that success is in line to our calling as a writer and to a set of reasonable expectations. It is there, in that place, where true success lies.” I will indeed work to define success in line with my calling in context of reasonable expectations. 🙂
The way I define success, in anything, is to consider whether my Father, in heaven, would approve of or even hopefully delight in the way I did or did not conduct myself while here on earth.
The ultimate answer of whether or not I was “successful” here on earth will likely not come until after I am gone. When called to final account at the throne of our Father I will receive my answer, which I pray will be favorable.
As a communicator (writer, painter, speaker, blogger etc.) my wish would be that upon asking our Father “who are these people that I don’t recognize that are here witnessing on my behalf” may he answer “these are the ones who would not be here but for you”. That will suffice as my answer.
Deuteronomy 1:17
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
1 Chronicles 16:12
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
1 Chronicles 16:14
He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
Psalm 9:7
The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
Psalm 94:15
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
I consider spiritual success first and foremost, it is all that matters.
A far second would be worldly “success”. Relationships, abounding. Wealth, abundant. Fame, shunned. Comfort, excessive, Improvement from younger days, miraculous.
God Bless!
Thank you for a very balanced and grounded perspective. I used to dream about success as being an overnight sensation, at the beginning of this journey.
Now I’ve learned it’s appreciating where you are and achieving the small victories and learning the lessons along the way. Much more valuable and causes me to appreciate each step!
What a well-laid out definition of success. I would add that our definition of success changes as our life circumstances change … and that’s okay in my opinion.