I had the opportunity to write a book twice and turned it down both times.

Summary

The author had the opportunity to write a book twice but declined both times, lacking confidence in their ideas and readiness to publish.

Abstract

The author describes turning down two book-writing opportunities due to financial constraints, lack of a compelling book idea, and self-doubt about their readiness to write a full-length book. Initially planning to write a nonfiction book about sneakers, the author abandoned the idea due to discomfort with interviewing and insufficient knowledge. A second idea, a fictional story, was also scrapped for resembling the Hunger Games too closely, valuing originality. The author reflects on the decision not to rush into publishing, emphasizing the importance of having something meaningful to say and a passion for the subject, rather than seeking notoriety. The post concludes by encouraging other writers not to feel pressured into book deals and to own their unique writing journeys.

Opinions

The author believes that one should not write a book unless they have something meaningful to contribute and feel genuinely ready to do so.
They express concern about the cost of publishing and the potential financial risk involved, especially when personal finances are limited.
The author values originality in writing and chose not to proceed with an idea that seemed too similar to existing popular works.
They acknowledge the fear and intimidation associated with the idea of writing a full-length book.
The author suggests that there are other ways to succeed as a writer besides publishing a book, and that a book deal is not the sole measure of writing success.
They advise against writing a book solely for the fame or status it might bring, advocating instead for passion and meaningful content as driving forces for writing.

I had the opportunity to write a book twice and turned it down both times.

Here’s why.

I never responded. A professor sent me an email a couple weeks ago urging me to pay his editor for a book project we planned to do. This isn’t the first time this happened. We initially had a deal to write a book in Autumn, but I chickened out. The only reason I did that — aside from the fact that I didn’t have enough money to pay for the book — is because I didn’t think my idea was mouth-watering enough to publish.

I’m afraid; I’m scared. How much does it cost to publish a book? Probably $1,000 or more. How much did it cost to publish a book with that professor? $250. Not bad for a book deal. My chances of publishing my first book held on to a drained bank account with a family paranoid of scammers. There was no chance from the start. Here’s the worst thing: I had nothing meaningful to say.

I could do any genre. Any style. Any format. So I chose to do a nonfiction book about sneakers. The professor told me I had to interview people — not my cup of tea (especially with my introverted self). I also didn’t know much about sneakers to write a whole 300-page book on. Scrapped it. Then I wanted to do a fictional story that sounded way too much like the Hunger Games, so I scrapped it again. Dystopias are a dry idea now. My originality is too valuable for that. Eventually, the ideas flowing in my brain stopped. The fountain got plugged.

I don’t regret that decision.

Don’t write a book if you don’t think you’re ready

There’s so much for me to learn as a writer. I didn’t think it was right to waste hard-earned minimum wage from working at a crappy movie theater to bet it all on a book with no pages. I’ve put together some scenarios in my head and that situation could’ve gone two ways if I paid to write the book.

Scenario #1

I had no idea to run with. Thought of an idea last minute right before the editor grabs me by the ankles and dangles me upside down before they say, “I need to edit your book noooow”! I scramble to finish the book in one night and congratulations! I end up with a shitty book that no one wants to read.

Scenario #2

Still had no idea to run with. I never think of an idea. Then, I sit at my kitchen table looking like an idiot that can’t get their money back with a sad episode of Friends playing in the background.

Don’t publish a book just for the notoriety, publish a book because you feel passionate about a subject and you have something meaningful to say.

My writing isn’t horrible, but a full-length book? That’s nerve-racking mixed with a side of heebie-jeebies. I haven’t even scratched the surface of my writing potential. No need to rush and write a book.

Final Thought

The purpose of this post is to show writers they don’t need to jump into a book deal. I know — we all want that “New York Times Best Seller” title to our name. For so long, writing a book has been presented as the only way to make money as a writer. It’s not.

You don’t have to force yourself into something you aren’t ready for. Will I write a book in the future? I hope so. But is a book the end all be all of my writing journey? Never.

This is your writing journey and no one else’s. Own it.