Have you been staring Manuscripts at a blank page, waiting for inspiration and motivation to take over? Well, you are not the only one. Millions of people around the world want to write a book but do not find the right motivation to act on their wishes.
If you are struggling with your manuscript, it does not simply mean that writing and publishing a book is not just your cup of tea. Many ways can help you on your journey of writing and publishing your manuscript successfully.
If you are not sure where to begin, you can use the following tips to become successful in your endeavor.
- Set Realistic Goals
One of the biggest reasons why writers are unable to complete their manuscripts is because they may have set unrealistic goals for themselves. For example, you cannot expect to complete the first draft of your book within just a few days with a full-time job or a newborn to take care of.
While setting your goals, remember that you do not have to impress anyone. You are setting these goals to keep track of what lies ahead for you and what you must achieve within a certain time limit.
Do not hesitate to break the writing process down into several small and manageable tasks. You can neatly divide your daily, weekly, and monthly goals to achieve them effectively and track your progress.
- Establish a Routine
Any author who wants to ensure the completion of their manuscript must believe in the power of establishing a routine. A foolproof writing routine is as important as setting realistic writing goals. Both of these factors go hand-in-hand.
You must establish a writing routine that works the best for you. Ask yourself whether you are a morning person or a night owl, and establish a writing routine accordingly.
Of course, you also want to consider a time of day that works best for you. It is best to choose a time when you are not called by work or have visitors.
- Consider a Ghostwriter
Writers’ failure to complete their manuscripts is not always due to lethargy. Sometimes, aspiring authors simply lack the time or resources to bring their vision to reality. If you are stuck in the same problem, it is not the end of your dream to become a published author.
Busy people such as business entrepreneurs and showbiz celebrities often hire a book ghostwriter to write on their behalf.
Ghostwriters are professionals who offer their expert writing services with the promise of confidentiality. It means that they will write your book, but you will get all the credit for it.
These professionals have satisfactory experience, expertise, and in-depth industry knowledge to help you feel confident about the successful and timely completion of your manuscript.
- Eliminate Distractions
If you are adamant about completing your manuscript by yourself, one of the best things you can do to make the journey easier for yourself is to eliminate distractions while writing. Being distracted by different factors may be the biggest reason for your inability to complete your manuscript.
To minimize distractions during your writing sessions, find a quiet space where staying focused is easy. Try setting up your writing desk in a quiet corner of your house where you can be alone for part of your day.
In addition, do not forget to turn off your notifications for this duration. Cell Phone distractions can be the biggest reason for you to stray away from the writing routine. Hence, it is best to keep them at bay.
- Reward Yourself
Completing your manuscript is not just one big task. It is a combination of several small tasks that come together to form your strong manuscript. You must take some time to celebrate every step as a milestone in your writing journey.
Take some time to pat yourself on the back and reward yourself. These rewards can be anything that you like, such as dining out, treats, or a relaxing break.
A reward can help you not only stay determined to complete the current tasks but also motivate you to achieve the next milestone. Rewarding yourself can create a chain of events leading to the successful completion of your manuscript.
- Edit Later
One of the biggest mistakes you can make to hinder your writing journey is to write and edit your work side-by-side. While it may sound like a great idea to do both at once, this approach may just hinder your success.
Instead of getting caught up in perfecting each sentence as you write, focus on expressing your ideas first and saving editing for later. It is the approach that even the famous authors of all times, such as Ernest Hemingway, followed and paved their path to success.
When you are writing, you must only stay focused on that aspect. Do not look back after you have completed every sentence. Instead, leave revision and editing for the end. You can even ask a professional editor to take care of this aspect for you.
- Find an Accountability Partner
You may also be struggling with completing your manuscript if you do not have an accountability partner. After all, staying motivated all by yourself can become very challenging. You need someone by your side to push and motivate you.
You can ask your friends or family members to become your accountability partners and help you keep track of your progress. However, it would be even better to choose an accountability partner who understands your struggles.
One of the best ideas you can explore is joining a writing group. In a writing group, you will find many people who may be on the same journey as you and struggle with the same issues as yourself.
Finding an accountability partner who understands your challenges personally can help keep you motivated and on track. As you create small victories along the way, they can keep your motivation even higher and remind you of the bigger picture every step of the way.
