I’ve recently embarked on writing my fourth book. In fact many of you helped give me your thoughts on the cover design which you’ll see below. It was a close call between the top two which also happened to be my favourites but it turns out the other design has been used often in other forums, this one is unique.
Anyone who writes books knows this is a long process, well after the words hit the page as a first draft manuscript. It’s a process I learn more about each time I publish a new book and hopefully improve as I go. One of the tricks I’ve begun to employ for the last couple of books is to schedule in a launch date as I put pen to paper. I don’t just mean in my diary in pencil so I can cross it out. I mean publicly on Facebook, booked venues and informed the editor and print team – a real commitment. Why?
I find that starting with the end gives us something to aim for, a deadline to work to but also helps me visualise success. I can see the launch now and me signing the new book (which I’ve not finished writing yet).
I don’t pick a date that’ll put undue pressure on me, it leaves a month flex in case of emergencies (launching in lockdown this year taught me the value of that lesson!) having that date means I’m less likely to procrastinate. I can work back from that date knowing my deadlines for the manuscript to be at the editor and then the printer, when I need the cover design signed off and when the PR campaign should commence. Starting with the end often helps us work back and highlight key milestones along the way.
Otherwise it can be a big job and sometimes hard to put one foot in front of the other to progress unless we have some direction. It’s also one of those jobs that can take 3 months or 3 years depending on what else gets in the way, how much we procrastinate or the flexibility we allow ourselves. If I don’t put a deadline on this it’s too easy to push it out and let other stuff get in the way. It becomes less of a priority when there’s no deadline attached. This helps keep me honest and on track.
It also helps me see the finish line. When I look in my diary I can see my goal being achieved. When people begin to book I can visualise the reader and my book being a finished product. All of this mentally helps me feel the goal is more achievable and experience the success well before I’ve hit the finish line. It’s the same reasons athletes visualise themselves winning races or standing on the podium. Once we image it and live it through our minds it’s so much easier to recreate in real life.
So what goal are you procrastinating on, have you set a deadline? What does success look like and can you visualise your finish line?
And just to prove I’m true to my word and take my own advice. You can book your space on the forthcoming book launch (for this book I’ve yet to finish writing!) here.
