The Unwritten Chapter: How Co-Authoring a Travel Book Helped Me Conquer My Writing Hesitations

Did you know that about 81% of Americans feel they have a book in them, but less than 1% actually write and publish it? The path to authorship is often filled with unfinished manuscripts and unfulfilled dreams. Up until recently, I was among those statistics, harboring a professional book idea for almost two years, yet never progressing beyond extensive research and countless topic revisions.

My professional life as a marketing expert always took precedence, conveniently masking my deeper concerns and overwhelming feelings. The thought of authoring a book seemed very appealing at first, but as time went by, it became a colossal task leading to self-doubt. However, everything changed unexpectedly this summer when I joined a multi-author book project about travel. This adventure, less daunting than a solo endeavor, became the catalyst for overcoming what was holding me back.

The Dream and the Hurdles

My initial ambition back in 2021 was to write and publish a marketing book to share my professional insights and experiences with a greater number of startups than the ones I can take as clients. However, the journey was anything but straightforward. So much to share, so little time. I needed to find an angle but each time I settled on a topic, I came up with a different idea, leading to a change in direction. The cycle of endless research and revisions, coupled with a demanding career and full life, made it easy to postpone the actual writing. In the back of my mind, I was also battling the fear of whether my book would be good enough, adding to the delay.

The Turning Point: A Multi-Author Book Project

The game-changer came in the form of an invitation to contribute to a multi-author book from my friend and colleague Janene Niblock. Twelve authors, one chapter each, that could work! We would all write about travel and how it changes us. It was meant to be something deeply personal yet writing just one chapter in a collective effort seemed far less intimidating than penning an entire book on my own. The shift from a professional subject to travel was also liberating. It allowed me to write with less pressure and more creativity, making the process enjoyable rather than daunting. And worst-case scenario, it would be a failed attempt at a fun hobby on the side, nothing too bad looking professionally.

The Journey Through the Book Creation Process

Participating in this project exposed me to the entire book creation process. From strategizing the chapter's angle to the final edits, each phase was a learning experience. Unlike my marketing projects, where precision and a clear-cut approach are paramount, writing for a book demands flexibility and personal introspection. We met one hour every week for two months, discussing details and brainstorming with all the authors and the publishing team. It made everything feel less scary and more achievable as I wasn't on my own. The feedback from co-authors and editors was also invaluable, providing perspectives I hadn't considered before.

The Book Launch: A Day of Success

October 3rd was the longest day of my life! Our collective goal was to achieve bestseller status on launch day, a daunting yet thrilling challenge. Unlike the prolonged campaigns in B2B marketing, this was a concentrated effort: all our eggs were in one basket on that day and there was no room for failure. Sharing the stress and workload with a team of authors created a sense of community and shared purpose. Relying on my launch squad was also an amazing experience as I felt supported by so many wonderful friends, students, and professional connections. It was truly refreshing even if the stress was palpable all day long. Until we finally reached that bestseller status in no less than four categories and celebrated remotely together! This unique experience taught me the power of collaboration and mutual support in achieving a common goal.

First-Time Experiences and Lasting Impacts

Participating in the book promotion event two weeks ago was another first for me. Flying to Austin to meet my co-authors in person was surreal. Despite it being our first physical meeting, the bond we had formed over our shared journey made it feel like a reunion of old friends. And sharing our stories in front of so many strangers during the panel was also a teaching moment I'm so glad I experienced. This project not only gave me a taste of the publishing world but also boosted my confidence. The fear that once loomed large over finishing my book has dissipated.

Looking Ahead: New Projects and Goals

Fueled by this success, I am now committed to completing my professional book by the end of 2024. But that's not all – I am also contributing to a new multi-author book project in spring 2024, titled "Point Taken: Brilliant Business Advice from Women at the Top." This book will feature chapters by accomplished female executives, founders, and leaders, sharing strategies and lessons that propelled their careers forward. It's an opportunity for women to share their wisdom and inspire the next wave of female leadership.

I invite you to be a part of this exciting new project. If you are a woman with insights and experiences that can empower others in their professional journeys, your voice is valuable. Together, let's create a resource that not only shares profound business wisdom but also celebrates the achievements and aspirations of women in leadership.

For more information or to express your interest in joining, reach out to the publishing company Sulit Press or ask me questions in the comments below.