So, you have this really great idea for a book. Whether it's a novel, a memoir, or a how-to book, you're absolutely certain that you are going to have a runaway best seller and that Hollywood will soon be knocking on your door. I hate to break it to you, but you're experiencing a phenomenon that I call The Author Myth, and suspect that most new authors, or prospective authors, experience it. I know that I did. We all like to think that the idea we've come up with for a book is unique or so good, that no one in human history has ever conceived it before. We all like to think that we're going to appear on Oprah, and that we're going to become rich, famous, and live the good life.
This myth exists because there is, in fact, some basis to support it. We've all heard of J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and James Patterson. However, the reality is that the vast majority of authors out there, regardless of their talents and abilities, will never come close to achieving that kind of fame or financial success. Even if their names become a household word, it is rare indeed, for any author to become successful enough to be able to live entirely off of their royalties, regardless of how well their books were written or how many awards their books may have won.
This is not to say that writing a book isn't a worthwhile endeavor. There are few things in life quite like the thrill of seeing your idea or story published in a book and listed on Amazon.com with positive reviews. But, if your motive for writing a book is to become rich and famous and to see your story on the silver screen, the odds are extremely high that you will end up being very disappointed. For most authors, book royalties are a income supplement, and for some, it's not much more than beer money.
There is one reason and only one reason, to ever write a book: You have something that you want to share with others, whether it's a good story, help or advice to make their lives better, or something heartfelt that will inspire them though difficult times. If that is your motivation, the odds are good that you will be rewarded, perhaps not with fame and fortune, but with the joy of knowing that your words may have changed someone's life for the better.
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