The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book
The Proper Expectations For Writing Your Book
“The art of good decision-making is looking forward to and celebrating the tradeoffs, not pretending they don’t exist.”
— Seth Godin
Writing a book is one of the most rewarding things you can do—but it’s not without challenges. Before you dive in, it’s important to set proper expectations for your journey.
At Scribe, we’ve helped over 1,200 authors write and publish their books (as of summer 2019). What separates those who succeed from those who don’t? It’s not talent or connections—it’s having the right mindset and realistic expectations.
Let’s walk through what you should anticipate when writing your book and how to prepare for the road ahead.
Why Expectations Matter
Writing a book is hard work. Without the right preparation, you’re more likely to feel stuck or overwhelmed. But when you anticipate the challenges and understand what’s coming, you can navigate those obstacles with confidence.
Here are five key expectations every author should have before starting their book.
- Expect Writing a Book to Be Hard
There’s no shortcut, hack, or magic trick to make writing a book easy. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or trying to sell you something.
Great books take time, effort, and dedication. Expect hard work—and embrace it. The effort you put into your book will directly impact its quality and success.
- Expect to Feel Tired
Writing is mentally and emotionally draining, especially if you’re doing it right. You’ll need to stay energized and take care of yourself throughout the process.
Here are a few tips for self-care while writing:
- Take breaks to recharge.
- Get plenty of rest to stay sharp.
- Find activities like walking or meditating that help you reset.
Recognize when you need to pause and recharge so you can come back to writing with fresh energy.
- Expect Confusion Along the Way
Writing a book isn’t a linear process. Positioning your ideas, structuring your chapters, and even crafting sentences can feel overwhelming.
You might encounter advice in this guide that feels counterintuitive or unfamiliar, but trust the process. Much like The Karate Kid, where Daniel learned karate through seemingly unrelated tasks, the exercises in The Scribe Method are designed to build your book step by step.
Follow the instructions, even when they feel unusual. Every step is intentional and builds toward your end goal.
- Expect to Feel Overwhelmed
Writing a book can feel like drinking from a firehose. There’s a lot to process, and at times, you might feel like it’s too much.
Here’s the good news: overwhelm happens when you don’t know what to do next. The Scribe Method eliminates this by providing a clear, step-by-step roadmap. Follow it, and you’ll always know your next move.
- Expect Emotional Discomfort (and Maybe Fear)
Writing a book is a deeply personal journey. It will challenge you emotionally and force you to confront fears and insecurities.
Fear of failure, judgment, or not being good enough can creep in—but these emotions are normal. Expect them, face them head-on, and don’t let them derail you.
In fact, fear is such an important topic that it’s covered in the next chapter of this guide.
A Final Word: Celebrate the Effort
As Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.”
Writing your book is no exception. While the process will challenge you, the rewards—personal fulfillment, professional growth, and the ability to share your story—are unmatched.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
With proper expectations and the right guidance, you can write a book that leaves a lasting impact. Dive into The Scribe Method to start your journey today.
Read the full guide online or Order your copy here to take the next step.