A couple of years ago, I wrote about “Six Types of Books in My Library.” In summary, this is how I view my books on my bookshelves:
- Books Worth Keeping: I enjoyed them once, and I’ll read them again.
- Reference Materials: Books with the information I want to keep.
- Books I Plan to Read: I really do intend to read them—someday.
- One Reading Was Enough: I enjoyed these books, but once was sufficient.
- Books I Started But Never Finished: Despite initial promise, I gave up on them.
- Books That Seemed Like a Good Idea: I’ll never get around to reading them.
Running out of space and wanting to downsize, I gave away all my books in the last three categories. Some of those books will be read, many will be thrown away, and the rest will be dismissed—again. At some point, my books in category 3 will likely go, too.
With self-publishing options so prevalent today, anyone can publish a book. The question is, what category will these books end up in? Too many will fall into category 5 and 6. Some may not even rate that high. That’s because too many writers are impatient with the writing and publishing process, cutting short the honing of their work.
While we can’t guarantee that the books we write will end up in the “worth keeping” category, we can increase the likelihood through:
- Careful writing and rewriting
- Listening to feedback from critique partners and beta-readers
- Hiring a copy-editor
- Paying for professional cover design and interior layout
May your next book be one that people actually read and then keep to read again.
You love words, so now build a writing life that lasts. Successful Author FAQs answers the questions new and growing writers ask most, with clear advice on craft, publishing, and staying encouraged.
It’s time to start calling yourself a writer. Unleash your writing potential with Successful Author FAQs.
Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is a full-time, career author. He’s published scores of books, hundreds of articles, and thousands of blog posts, with experience as a publisher, editor, and commercial freelance writer. A passionate wordsmith, his goal is to change the world one word at a time. Learn more at PeterLyleDeHaan.com.
Get your copy of Successful Author FAQs today!