Editors (ahem, like me) can do a lot for you. They can teach you structure, edit your grammar, and fix your typos. But they CANNOT help with the one big, surprising skill it takes to write a book.

And that, my friend, is… thinking.

 

I know it sounds dumb. We all think. (Well, most of us, at least.) Why is the ability to THINK some magical writing secret?

Because a good non-fiction book is, in essence, a well-thought out conversation.

Yes, one of the conversation partners—the reader—is pretty quiet. Yes, the chatty one—that’s you, the writer—has to guess what the other is thinking to answer their silent questions.

But that’s what’s going on: a well-thought out conversation.

The more thoughtful, profound, helpful, entertaining, and interesting the conversation is, the better the book is. (Assuming that’s what you’re going for. Replace any of those words with your desired effect as needed.)

The good news is I would bet my Christmas Baileys you already have this nailed. (And you better believe I ain’t giving up Baileys for any old thing.)

  • Have you already spent time thinking on your subject?

  • Can you talk about your ideas for hours?

  • Is this a conversation you’ve had out loud or in your mind before?

I ask because…

If you can think deeply on your subject, you can write on it.

You might not know structure or grammar, or where to use commas, or how to even start with this book thing. But an editor can help with that.

You DO have the most important skill, which is the ability to have a thoughtful conversation with your reader.

So, as we go into Christmas, I want to give you the best gift I can imagine (and cheapest—lucky me!): The gift of self-belief.

Please accept it.

Please accept that you have what it takes to write a book.

You might not know every step required and you may need help along the way. But you have the most important skill already. You CAN write a book.

Cheers to that.

 

Thanks,

Liz “Baileys!” Green
Editor and Book Coach
Green Goose Writing

P.S. Know someone who's wondered if they can write a book? Be a pal and forward them this blog.

 
 

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