2017 is the Year to Publish Your Book
By Sylvia St.Cyr

As a Publishing Consultant, when I talk to authors who have written a novel, non-fiction book, or even children’s book, I often hear the same thing. “I’ve been writing my book for many years now.”

Whether it’s been 2, 3, or 10 years, writing is often a long process. Most authors write on their own time, with their own inspiration, at home. I know that was the case for me when I wrote my book.

Let me say from personal experience, that when you are in the flow of writing, it is easy to get a lot done. It is just as easy to stop writing because life is busy, or a loved one got sick, or you haven’t been inspired for a while now. Then what happens? Your manuscript just sits there, collecting dust, and not doing anyone any good.

If you’re looking for inspiration to start writing again, I find it’s helpful to go back to your foundation. Why did you write in the first place? It could be for a myriad of different reasons.

Maybe you wrote your book in memory of a loved one.

Maybe you wrote your book to inspire others to live a better life.

Maybe you wrote your book about your life story and the triumphs that you’ve enjoyed, despite the trials and tribulations.

Maybe you found a new way to be close to God and you’d like to share that with the rest of the world. Or you’ve gained new wisdom and insight, backed with the written Word, and want the world to know what you know.

Maybe it’s a children’s book that has an endearing message that will reach the hearts of children and adults alike.
Or maybe it’s simply a really captivating novel that you’ve wanted to write for years.

Whatever the case, ask yourself why you wrote the book in the first place. Ask yourself why you want to publish it. Have you prayed about it?

“Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come.” Phil. 4:6 (The Voice)

There are many different excuses we use as adults to tell ourselves that now may not be the best time to publish our book, but it often comes down to the basic fear that it may not be good enough, that you may not be a good enough author to have a published work out there.

How do you know this though? Especially if you’re the only one who’s read it. Even if you have one opinion from a loved one, that’s still only one opinion.

If you’re serious about getting your book published, then get a few opinions. There are many wonderful writing groups out there that can give excellent feedback and encourage you to keep writing. Maybe the first book you wrote needed a lot of work, but after you’ve learned from those mistakes, you’re second book has benefitted from this experience.

The point is, if you’re serious about writing, then write! Take a step everyday towards completing it; Take a step every week and get people in your corner who will encourage you to keep going.

You do not need a perfect book before you publish. When the day comes that you have a completed manuscript, take the next step of getting it reviewed by us! Then comes editing and so on.

Take the leap of faith and put yourself out there! With all the options out there, this may very well be the year that you publish your book; you won’t know until you jump.

About this Contributor:

Sylvia St.Cyr is a Publishing Consultant at Word Alive Press. She is also a journalist and the Arts & Entertainment Coordinator for her local paper, The Citizen. She lives with her husband and two kids just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
For more info, check out her blog.