Why 9 Out of 10 Writers Quit (And How to Be the 1 Who Finishes)

Nobody goes into writing intending to quit. Certainly not you.

It’s probably the last thing on your mind—at first. You don’t want to give up your dream. You have ideas, ambition, a vision of your future as a published author.

The idea of abandoning that for any reason makes you sick.

But nine of ten would-be writers don’t even get close (and that’s being generous—in truth it’s closer to nine and one-half).

In fact, they don’t even get as far as having their work evaluated, let alone rejected.

They quit before they finish a thing.

What to Avoid at All Costs

How does it happen? Why do so many who start out with such enthusiasm—surely as much as you—seem to give up so easily, and in droves?

Here are 6 common denominators I see in wannabes destined to become won’t-bes:

1. They ‘took their own counsel’

That’s a quaint way of saying they thought they knew best. They wanted to become an author in such a bad way that they convinced themselves they were experts on publishing. And that led to more mistakes…

2. They went rogue

Rather than displaying humility, doing their homework, getting counsel from editors, publishers, agents, veteran writers, people in the know, they plunged ahead. Their decision had been made.

They had an idea and were ready to write, and so they made another rookie mistake…

3. They followed a trend

It seemed like such a good idea at the time. Books on a certain subject were selling well, maybe even phenomenally. Why not get in on the action?

The mistake? Writers like that don’t know the business and don’t realize that books in the market now were written and edited more than a year before. By the time their book gets released, the trend is likely to be long over.

Publishers know this. They are not buying books on that subject anymore.

4. They believed in overnight success

Notice how this fits with all the above. Too many beginners read a story or two of first-timers who strike gold, and they believe that will happen for them too.

They don’t realize it’s a one-in-a-million shot and that the stars have to be aligned just so. When their proposal or synopsis doesn’t create buzz, let alone enthusiasm, they quit in disappointment.

5. They started their career with a book

If this mistake surprises you, beware. A book is not where you start, it’s where you finish. You have skills to learn and hone and polish and a quarter-million cliches to get out of your system.

You accomplish that by writing and selling short stories and articles as you develop as a writer.

6. They were imitative

One of the most common traits of destined quitters is that they tend to imitate famous writers. That’s a hard road to navigate, and when you realize you can’t keep it up, you quickly grow discouraged and quit.

 

How to Be a 10-Percenter

Simple. Not easy, but simple.

If you want to avoid being part of the 90%, do the opposite of the above.

1. Seek counsel

Get proven advice from writers’ groups, online forums, and author blogs. These days, you can find all the answers online if you just look. Sorry, but the Internet took away all your excuses.

2. Welcome community

Join a writers’ group. Find a mentor. Be open to criticism.

Trust me: You can’t do this alone. Lean on those who have gone before you.

3. Stay on the cutting edge

Don’t become just a student of writing—become a student of the writing markets. Productive writers know what’s selling right now, but they don’t bank on trends.

You want your book to be relevant long-term, not embarrassed by its high school pictures.

4. Recognize that success takes time

Yes, my Left Behind series has sold over 60 million copies. But that came 20 years and 125 titles into my career.

Ask me again about becoming an overnight success.

5. Pay your dues

Before attempting that book, why not try selling your first article or short story? And maybe your second, third, and fortieth while you’re at it?

Spend time developing your skills in the minors before you throw a pitch in the major leagues. You’ll thank yourself later.

6. Be yourself

If you try to be Ann Voskamp, you’re depriving the world of your voice. Besides, there’s also only one Ann Voskamp, and it’s not you. (Unless it is you. In that case, sorry, Ann, and hi!)

Real writers invest the time it takes to hone their true writing voice. And when you’re able to write what you love in your own voice, your confidence soars.

Confident writers don’t quit.

How determined are you to not be a quitter? Tell me in the Comments below.

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