Many of you must be aware that I recently published a book titled – “Entrepreneurship – The Mega Opportunity”. (Click on the link to know more).
I have been asked over and over again what my experience was of writing and publishing the book. I wanted to take this opportunity to share the learnings from my experience of writing this book.
This is a fact, and I have told my family members, friends, and a few students already: “If there was no pandemic and there were no lockdowns, I would never have become an author.”
I have always had a lot of ideas in my head but then I never sat down to pen them because I was always occupied with my routine work of consulting, mentoring, and teaching. COVID – 19, the consequent lockdowns and being at risk at my age of 73 forced me to remain indoors. This proved to be an opportunity for me to give shape to my ideas into a book.
#Learning 1: Self-Confidence
The first and the foremost learning was gaining self-confidence. This process reaffirmed my belief in my capabilities to articulate my vision on the vital subject of entrepreneurship and enterprise promotion. Of course, I have taught this subject for many years, but to see all my hardwork transform into a tangible product appreciated by all was a big boost of confidence. It adds another feather to my cap. I am now a published author.
#Learning 2: Write with audience in mind
The second important learning that I would like to share with fellow aspiring writers is that one should write while keeping the target audience in mind. In the process, I found myself wondering who do I sell my book to? To businessmen who want tips to do better, or new entrepreneurs thinking about how to start? One may write anything, but it has no relevance unless it strikes the right chord with the customers. Since I decided that my target audiences are young people, I learned to write in a way that would interest them. I created the book in the style of a workbook, where one could make notes, and reflect in the pages immediately. Also, telling anecdotes and stories makes crucial business concepts more relatable to possible readers. I also learnt the art of storytelling while writing this book.
#Learning 3: Editing is the most important
I personally feel that this third learning was an important one! I would like to give the highest importance to the editing phase of the book. While an excellent editing may make an ordinary book highly successful, below average, or poor editing may ruin the prospects of even an excellent book!
#Learning 4: Writing is a group effort
Last but not the least, like many other endeavors in life, writing a book is also a team effort. You must rope in many competent persons from multi-disciplinary backgrounds to ensure that the final product is a good balance of both creative and commercial aspects. Unless you strike this balance – your product may not do well in the market. You need proofreaders, editors, designers, publishers… all of whom have to work with you to build your vision. Writing my book has taught me this crucial lesson: Books are not written alone!