5 Ways to Check Yourself as an Aspiring Author
In this article Porsché Mysticque Steele—a renowned book coach and independent publishing expert—presents "5 Ways to Check Yourself" for aspiring authors
Porsche Mystique Steel, an award-winning book coach and independent publishing expert, presents "5 Ways to Check Yourself" as a crucial guide for aspiring authors. The core purpose of this discussion is to help individuals determine if they are prepared to transition from merely "thinking about writing a book" (part of the 93% of adults who desire to write) to actually "completing and publishing one" (the 3% who succeed). She aims to address the mental blockages and objections that often prevent people from moving forward in their publishing journey.
She outlines five critical considerations for aspiring authors:
1. Are you telling this story for you or for the world?
◦ Steel emphasizes that if your primary motivation for writing is personal healing or self-expression, journaling might be a more suitable outlet than publishing a book. Not every personal story needs to be shared with the public, as some are meant for individual transformation.
◦ For a book to be impactful for readers, simply telling your story is often not enough; it must be combined with a framework that encourages action and provides tangible benefit to the audience. As an example, Steel recounts an author who decided not to publish her powerful story of leaving an abusive marriage because she realized she had written it for her own healing, not for the world, and publishing it might have caused more trouble than it was worth.
2. Do you have 3 to 6 months to dedicate to your book?
◦ Contrary to the common belief that writing a book takes years, Steel asserts that with proper accountability and seriousness, the entire process—from writing to production and launch—should take no more than six months (three months for writing and three for production/launch).
◦ If an aspiring author is unwilling to dedicate this specific timeframe, she suggests they might remain in the 93%. For busy professionals, time can be intentionally carved out, or alternatively, money can be invested to hire ghostwriters.
3. Are you solving a problem with a framework?
◦ Steel states that "the world's most impactful books are simply solutions to the problems that people have".
◦ Beyond just identifying a problem, it is essential to provide a "sexy framework that is easy for us to understand, easy for us to follow, and easy for us to repeat". This replicable framework is what truly transforms readers' lives.
◦ While this is critical for non-fiction, even fiction authors need to consider their target audience and what "takeaway" or entertainment value readers will gain, as readers are "selfish" and want something for themselves.
4. Are you prepared to fully learn the industry?
◦ Successful authorship, particularly in independent publishing, extends far beyond just writing. It requires understanding the entire industry, including production, publishing, launching, and marketing.
◦ Authors must learn about elements like ISBNs, BISAC codes, search engine optimization (SEO), keywords, category selection, and achieving bestseller status.
◦ This knowledge is crucial not only for success but also to avoid being scammed. Steel uses the analogy of a home cook needing to learn about permits and licenses before selling food to highlight the necessity of understanding industry regulations.
5. Are you prepared to hire professionals to get it done right?
◦ Steel strongly advises that self-publishing is not synonymous with "DIY" and authors should be willing to hire experts. These include editors (who perform developmental, copy, line, and proofreading), formatters, cover designers, book coaches, and marketing specialists.
◦ She stresses that authors should "be willing to invest at least $5,000 the first year of your book if you want it to be successful," noting that many successful authors invest between $5,000 and $10,000.
◦ Attempting to spend less may result in a book that looks unprofessional and only sells to friends and family, ultimately being a "waste of time". Using friends or family for editing or relying on basic tools like Canva for covers can lead to "budget friendly results," underscoring the importance of professional investment.
Ultimately, the overarching message emphasizes that overcoming self-imposed obstacles and being intentional are crucial for successful authorship. Authors should aim to leverage their books as assets for their business, beyond just direct sales, by exploring opportunities like podcasts, courses, or even TV deals, which makes trademarking their book title a strategic, long-term investment for their legacy
Frequently Asked Questions for Aspiring & Published Authors in 2025
What is the most effective type of book to publish in 2025?
Non-fiction books are currently at an all-time high in popularity, especially those focused on self-improvement, personal development, business development, and "how-to" guides. Readers in 2025 are actively seeking solutions to problems in their lives, careers, and finances, making solution-oriented non-fiction highly impactful. While personal stories can be included for connection, the core of the book should be to provide a framework and actionable solutions rather than just a memoir.
How has the perception of self-published books changed, and what are the implications for authors?
The negative connotation previously associated with self-published books has significantly diminished, and self-publishing now offers authors credibility and recognition as experts. However, this positive shift has led to incredibly steep competition within the independent publishing space. It's more competitive than traditional or hybrid publishing. With a growing percentage of adults actively publishing books, authors must ensure their work is exceptional and stands out to capture readers' attention and sell successfully.
What are the key considerations and risks associated with using AI in book creation?
Publishing platforms and the US Copyright Office are increasingly scrutinizing the use of AI in books. While AI can be useful for brainstorming ideas or outlining, directly generating content with AI carries significant risks. The US Copyright Office currently maintains that content generated entirely by AI is not eligible for copyright protection, as copyright applies to human authorship. This means such content falls into the public domain, making it vulnerable to unauthorized use. Authors are advised to write their own material and use human editors to avoid potential legal issues and ensure full ownership of their work.
Why is traditional publishing facing an "uphill climb" in 2025, and when might it still be a viable option?
Traditional publishing is experiencing a decline due to several factors: the rise of accessible self-publishing platforms, the revelation of gatekeeping practices against authors of color and female authors by major houses, and the unfavorable financial terms for authors. Traditional publishers often provide an advance that acts as a debt to be repaid through book sales, and increasingly, authors are responsible for their own marketing. However, if a self-published book achieves significant success and a traditional publisher proactively approaches the author to acquire its rights, it can be a beneficial opportunity, as the author has already proven market demand and can negotiate from a position of strength.
What are the financial expectations and investment recommendations for self-published authors?
Self-published authors are responsible for investing in the success of their books, with recommended investments ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 in the first year to ensure professional quality. This investment covers essential aspects like editing (developmental, copy, line, and proofreading), formatting, cover design, and marketing. While some authors fund their projects through savings or credit cards, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have become popular alternatives, offering financial support, validation of the book idea, and built-in marketing and audience building.
How important is understanding your target audience and marketing in selling books?
Regardless of the genre, successful book sales heavily depend on a clear understanding of the target audience and a strategic marketing plan. Readers are increasingly selective and are looking for a return on their investment, even in leisure reading. Authors must clearly articulate "what's in it for them" to potential readers. Brain-dumping content without intentional marketing research often leads to books that don't sell well, as they fail to meet the specific needs or desires of a defined readership.
What are the fundamental differences between copyright and trademark for authors, and why are both important?
Copyright protects the original expression of ideas in your book, including the written words, illustrations, and unique creative elements. It is the legal proof of ownership for the content within your book and is obtained by registering with the US Copyright Office. A trademark, on the other hand, protects your brand, including your book title (especially if it's part of a series), publishing company name, logos, and taglines. While copyrighting your content is crucial for legal protection against direct copying, trademarking your title is vital for building a lasting brand and leveraging your book into other ventures like courses, podcasts, or media productions.
What is "thought leadership" in the context of authorship, and how does storytelling and a framework contribute to it?
Thought leadership is defined as sharing an innovative way of thinking, doing, or being that effectively changes the lives of those who receive it. Storytelling is a crucial element because it creates an emotional connection, allowing readers to resonate with and trust the author. However, a story alone is often insufficient for lasting impact. To truly transform lives, authors must embed their innovative "gem" within a clear, understandable, replicable, and easily shareable framework. This combination of personal story, profound wisdom, and a practical framework is what empowers readers to apply the insights and achieve their own desired changes, making the book a powerful tool for legacy and lasting influence.
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