From Aspiring Writer to Product Shipsman: Insights from a Self-Published Author

Many believe writing is a romantic and solitary activity, but it is, in fact, a business that requires a comprehensive approach. In this article, we explore the lessons learned by a professional author who transitioned from a traditional job to self-publishing a book, revealing the mindset shifts necessary for success.

Understanding Writing as a Business

For professional authors, writing is more than just a craft; it is a business. The common misconception is that success comes easily if one has a talent for writing and access to great English literature courses. However, the reality is starkly different. Professional authors understand the importance of marketing, business basics, and product development.

I, a former professional writer, embarked on my journey without a clear understanding of the business aspects of self-publishing. My romanticized vision of sipping lattes in cafes and writing chapters was quickly shattered. Reality showed a more complex and challenging path, filled with loneliness, difficulty, and long hours. It taught me that to be successful in writing, one must adopt a product mindset.

The Product Mindset: From Writing to Shipping

Self-publishing a book is akin to shipping a product. Just as with building a product, writing is not enough; one must take responsibility for all aspects of the project. This includes market research, audience identification, content development, design, pricing, and marketing. Here are some valuable lessons that can benefit anyone shipping their own product:

1. Own the Problem and the Results

Writing requires more than just the act of putting words on paper; it is a process that involves ownership and accountability. Self-publishing means taking on all tasks—from writing to marketing. Just as with shipping a product, it’s crucial to own the problem and the results. Identify what needs to be done and take action.

2. Conquer Your Fear of Feedback

Fear of feedback can hinder progress, leading to delays and suboptimal results. I initially waited too long to seek feedback on my book, delaying valuable changes and insights. To succeed, one must be open to constructive criticism and honest self-evaluation. Early and frequent feedback is crucial for improvement.

3. Seek the Shortest Path to Feedback

Developing a product should involve creating a minimal viable product (MVP) to validate it before investing too much time. This similarly applies to writing. Instead of polishing and rewriting entire sections, create an outline and ask for feedback on it. This can save time and ensure that the final product meets expectations.

4. Turn Your Progress into a Habit

Consistency is key in achieving long-term goals. By establishing a daily routine, one can maintain momentum and make consistent progress. My daily writing habit, even on weekends, helped me achieve significant progress over the 22-month period. Turning progress into a habit can prevent procrastination and help you stay on track.

5. Do the Hard Tasks When You Have the Most Energy

Mental energy is a finite resource. Creative tasks, such as writing, require intense concentration. Scheduling challenging tasks during periods of high energy ensures you make the most of your limited mental capacity. This approach helps you avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

6. Seek Out Mentors and Experts

Learning from experienced individuals can save time and effort. Connecting with mentors and experts in the industry can provide valuable insights and advice. My journey was enriched by seeking advice from authors who had successfully self-published books. Their guidance undoubtedly saved me months of trial and error.

7. Build Traction and a Relationship with Users

Building a mailing list and engaging with potential readers is crucial for success, even when a book is being written. Early engagement through articles and questions answered on platforms like Quora and Quora helped me build a relationship with potential readers and laid the foundation for future sales.

My book, The Effective Engineer, is the culmination of these lessons. It's not just a product but also the start of a larger mission to help others be more effective engineers. If you are an engineer, equip yourself with the insights from this book and interviews to shortcut some of the lessons and mistakes that top tech companies have faced.

By adopting a product mindset, facing your fears, and consistently working towards your goals, you can turn your passion for writing into a successful business.