5 Myths That Hold First Time Authors Back From Writing Their Book

by Jesse Krieger | Oct 18, 2016 | Author Training, Jesse Krieger

There’s no way around it.

Unless, you’re able to overcome the mental blocks that prevent you from writing your book, your dreams of becoming a best selling author will remain… a dream.

After publishing multiple best selling books, I’ve talked to a lot of first time authors along the way.

They seem to have the same internal issues that they struggle to overcome.

They doubt themselves and have limiting beliefs that hold them back.

I can totally relate to these. I’ve encountered myths, limiting beliefs and doubts throughout my journey as well.

That’s why I’m here to help.

Here are 5 myths that hold first time authors back from writing their book and how to overcome them.

Myth #1 – I’m Not An Expert

This one of the most common myths I hear all the time.

But the truth is, most people don’t really care what your credentials are.

You don’t need to be an expert to write a book. You just need to solve an urgent problem for a specific group of people.

What’s more important than your credentials is how you deliver the information.

People like to do business with other people they like. The more personal stories you share, the more your readers will be able to relate to you.

You just have to be a curator of good information. Take the best advice out there on your particular subject and add your personal experiences.

Your ability to provide real value to your readers is more important than being an expert.

Myth #2 – I’m Not A Good Writer

If English wasn’t your best class back in school, don’t worry about it.

In fact, I want you to forget everything you learned about writing. A book isn’t about a collection of facts and data. That would be really boring and you might put your readers to sleep.

The best books out there are conversational. It feels like your reader is just having a conversation right in front of you.

You don’t need to be a great writer to become a best selling author.

In fact, you don’t even need to write your book. You can have someone interview you and transcribe the recoding. Think of yourself more as a storyteller rather than a writer.

Not only will this simple process will give you all the content you need for your book, it will also make your writing more engaging to read.

Myth #3 – I Don’t Have Enough Time

We’re all given the same 24 hours per day. How you spend it is what makes the difference.

Most aspiring authors who say they don’t have time to write just means their book is not a big enough priority.

If you truly look at your schedule, I’m confident you can find a few hours here and there to sit down and put words on paper.

If you spend at least 30 minutes a day, you’ll have your book draft done in a month or so.

Remember, writing is just like a muscle. The more you do it, the better you get at it.

Myth 4 – I Don’t Know If People Will Like It

Here’s the reality of your situation: you can’t please everybody.

That statement applies not just to your book but in all areas of your life. You want your book to be appealing to your ideal audience only.

Imagine that you’re writing for one specific person – your perfect customer. And if your message resonates with them then that’s all that matters.

Myth 5 – I Need To Make This Perfect

Don’t let your perfectionism hold you back.

This is by far one of the worst mindset that prevents so many aspiring authors to even get started.

Remember, done is better than perfect. You can always go back and make things better.

Experience is always the best teacher. You’ll learn from about writing and publishing a book from actually doing it than just thinking and talking about it.

Now, I’m not saying put out a crappy book out there. What I’m saying is do the best you could with what you know with the time you have.