As a follow-up to my March 9 post “Reality Checks from Wally Bock & Alex Lazarow for Writing Your Book,” and the February 3 post ”Writing Your Book in 2022,” I’m offering 22 questions to ask yourself no matter what stage you are currently in for your book’s writing and/or research.
These questions are not in any particular order and perhaps not all will be applicable for you. Some items may take on greater or lesser importance as the year goes on. But I believe that they will all be valuable to you at some point, and worthy of continued reflection and revisiting throughout the process.
- What is the status right at this minute in terms of writing and/or research?
- Do I need to revise/revisit my goals regarding any particular aspects of the book?
- If I have a book contract, am I in touch with my editor and any other points of contact at the publisher and aware of all deadlines, either set by others or self-imposed?
- If my book is to be published within the next 12-18 months, where do things stand with current or potential publicists, marketers, attorneys, and related intermediaries?
- Where am I finding my inspiration for writing, especially if the process has had its rough spots?
- If I have interviewed people who will be featured in the book, have I secured permission, or made plans to do so?
- If I am using photos or graphics made by others, do I have permission, and do the people involved expect any form of compensation?
- Do I need to revisit the structure of the book, in terms of chapter sequences and related elements?
- Do I have time and the inclination to attend in-person and/or virtual presentations, seminars, classes, workshops, and conferences?
- Have I developed a social media strategy for the book, either on my own or working with others?
- Am I also working on a book proposal, and if so, what is its current status?
- If I don’t have a publisher, am I at an appropriate stage in the process to reach out to potential publishers and/or agents?
- If the answer to the above is yes, how will I find and contact these people and organizations?
- In terms of potential readership/audience, who do I see as likely readers for my book?
- Am I keeping a journal or notebook related to the book writing process, and if not, should I start now?
- Do I need to travel to do research, or meet in person with people who are or could be crucial to the book’s success?
- If the answer to the above question is yes, have I made definite plans and blocked out time as necessary?
- Do I have readers who are critiquing my manuscript in progress, or do I need to reach out to people who might provide valuable feedback?
- Am I thinking about how my book will be marketed and promoted and who will be involved?
- Am I looking at this book holistically and systematically, in terms of where it fits in to my life and personal/professional goals?
- For multiple aspects of my book and the writing process, am I aware of the resources provided by public, academic, government, and organizational libraries and archives?
- How is working on my book fitting in with my other writing commitments, including for work and/or writing blogs, articles, and related material?
Finally, through all of the difficulties and disappointments, don’t let your book consume your life. Keep your eyes on the future, and enjoy the process!