If you’re working on your first book, it can be intimidating to look at all the successful books out there and wonder how they managed it. If you frequent Facebook or Reddit groups of authors, there’s a new success story every day. Of course, we want to celebrate every book that makes it to market, but there’s always that little pang of jealousy that comes with it. Sometimes it can feel like they all published authors must know something you don’t. In this week’s video and post, we’ll be exploring something published authors know and a common misconception about what the publishing process is like.
Having a supportive community to be accountable to can really make all the difference to the writing process. Enrollment is open now for the next cohort of The Memoir Method. Join the dozens of women who have used our system to start, finish, and publish their memoirs. Isn’t it time you seized the opportunity to get your story out there? Click here to learn more and apply today!
This isn’t a “one neat trick” kind of blog, so if you were hoping for a magic word processing program, the password to the club house, or the unlisted number of the Simon & Schuster acquisitions desk, I’m sorry to disappoint. In fact, when we dig into what published authors tend to forget they learned along the way and didn’t know before they started, it might not seem immediately useful, but it can help disperse some misconceptions you might be holding on to. There are some common misconceptions that many first-time and aspiring writers share that get in the way of their progress and success.
Myth of the Solitary Author
The image of the lone writer, secluded and struggling, is deeply ingrained in our culture. In fact, if you google image search the word “writer,” you’ll see pages and pages of people sitting alone with a pen, at a typewriter, or or sometimes at a laptop. There’s a lot of dark wood and blurred backgrounds, as if the magical writer creature has the power to make the whole outside world cease to matter while they’re riding that creative spark. A lot of them are wearing fedoras and dark glasses.
However, this romanticized notion does not reflect the reality of how most books are actually made. Successful authors know that publishing a book is far from a solo endeavor; it is a collaborative process that requires the input and support of many. From initial concept to final publication, authors depend on a network of editors, peers, and professionals to bring their vision to life.
This myth of solitary creation often leads to frustration and burnout, as writers feel they must carry the entire burden themselves. Recognizing that every published book is the result of teamwork can transform a writer’s approach, leading to better outcomes and a more fulfilling writing experience. By seeking out and engaging with a community, writers can find the support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
When you try to go it all alone, any obstacle can become a derailment. When you’re writing, it can be invaluable to have someone you can run ideas by, brainstorm for ways to transition between chapters, or even just help you find an elusive word.
It can also be difficult psychologically. Writing a book takes a long time. When you don’t have like-minded people in your corner, people who want you to finish nearly as much as you want it for yourself, it’s so hard to maintain the momentum and clarity to make it through the incredibly lengthy process of getting your book planned, written, revised, edited, and published. You can also lose sight of what you’re trying to communicate if its months and months before you get any feedback or reactions to what you’re thinking about and writing.
The Importance of a Writing Community
Community is not just a nice-to-have in the writing process; it’s essential. Writers who succeed understand that having a support network is crucial at every stage of the journey, from brainstorming and outlining to revising and querying. The image of the solitary writer is often only shows one element of the process–sitting at a desk and producing words. But there’s so much more to the whole process, both in the work and in the psychology behind keeping you coming back to that work week after week until its done. A community provides accountability, motivation, and diverse perspectives that can help a writer see their work in new ways. Without this support, it’s easy to get stuck, lose momentum, or fall into self-doubt.
Writers are often introverts, and the idea of building a community can feel just as intimidating as writing several hundred pages. However, this resistance often stems from a misunderstanding of what it means to be a writer. Writing is not just about putting words on a page; it’s about communication. You want to write something that will be read, and you want to have a feel for how your thoughts might be received. That requires interaction with others. By actively participating in a writing community, authors can gain the insights and encouragement they need to keep moving forward, ultimately leading to a better, more polished book.
Overcoming your resistance to asking for help
Many writers struggle with the idea of seeking help. That deeply ingrained belief that you have to work through it until you have this finished, polished, ready-for-market product to give others. This resistance can be a major barrier to success. Most of us who seek writing as adults likely had some measure of success (or at least fun) in writing in school or college, and we carry from that environment the impression that writing has to be done alone. It’s true that the actual act of putting words on the page or screen is done alone in most cases. Building a community and asking for help with your writing doesn’t mean getting someone to look over your shoulder. There are many ways to engage with a writing community while still having total ownership over your work, whether that is accountability check-ins, “write-ins” where you get together in a nice environment to work on your own things, bouncing ideas of a partner or group during brainstorming phases, or even written feedback. It may take some trial and error before you find the community style that works for your process, but that community of support is invaluable to an author at any stage.
Whether it’s resisting the need for an outline, avoiding feedback, or simply not reaching out for help, this resistance can sabotage a writer’s progress. Successful authors, however, understand that seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a crucial part of the process. They actively seek out feedback, ask for help when they need it, and are open to learning from others. This willingness to engage with others is what sets them apart. By overcoming the resistance to support, writers can free themselves from unnecessary struggles and move forward with confidence, knowing that they have a team behind them.
Practical Steps to Building a Writing Community
Creating a supportive writing community is essential, and there are several practical steps you can take to start building yours. First, identify what kind of support you need, whether it’s constructive feedback, encouragement, or industry insights. Seek out writing groups, both in person and online, that align with your needs and goals. If you can’t find one, consider starting your own. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other writers; the writing community is often very welcoming and supportive. If you want a certain kind of group, either online or in your area, you can bet that there are other writers who want that same support as well. (In fact, Amanda and I met through a writer’s accountability group. She and her co-author started a group of academic writers to meet, write, and support each other’s work. I, a fiction writer, sort of crashed it, and of course was welcomed into the regular writing meeting with no hesitation.) Building a community can be as simple as that. When you reach out, you can find people willing to invest their time in you and your writing, and that can be a very powerful motivator.
We have written before about how and when to seek out feedback on your work. Building a strong writing community is about mutual support—giving as well as receiving. This network will not only help you improve your craft but also provide the encouragement and motivation you need to keep going, especially when the going gets tough. With the right community behind you, the path to publication becomes much clearer and less overwhelming.
Published authors know it takes a village
Sure, writing a book may include many hours alone at a key board, but publishing a book is never a solitary task. Whether you’re on a traditional path through a publishing house or self-publishing, there are editors, designers, distributors, and any number of others you will need to work with in order to bring a book to market. When you have developed a writing community, that support continues through that whole process. You can learn from each other’s experiences, develop contacts, and share research and resources about the industry.
Stop telling yourself that you need a polished manuscript before you reach out and network to other writers. The time is now–no matter what stage in the process you are. Even if you haven’t really begun. Google writing groups in your area. Explore Subreddit forums for online communities that appeal to your vibe. If you are a woman in the early stages writing a memoir, you may consider joining our Memoir Method group, which has an open enrollment period right now. In our group, we have weekly calls to answer your questions and encourage your progress, quarterly events like workshops and discussions with industry professionals, and direct feedback on your outline and plan. It’s a supportive and positive community focused on getting writers from beginning through to the publishing stage.
Whether you write with us or find or even make your own writing community, it’s never too early to seek out support and community in your writing journey. After all, you want readers for your book and the very first are often those who help along the way. The image of the solitary writer is a myth, so start looking for your writing community today.
