An excellent way to take action is to write a book. It doesn’t even have to be good. It just has to be about something you are interested in. This series is the progress of my first book and the journey all the way to its publication. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride.
I need help
I need help…professional help. Editing help more precisely. Thankfully, I have a sister-in-law who is a guru when it comes to editing. She works at Microsoft. She’s brilliant and is helping me edit my fiction/fantasy novel. Without her assistance, my book would not get to the level of quality it needs. And this brings me to a good point for those of you taking action in your lives – and not just in writing books.
GET HELP!
Seriously, find someone who is better than you in an area. You might be saying, “Well why would they help me if they are better, wouldn’t that be stooping down a level for them?” My answer to this is very simple. If you can show that you are dedicated, passionate, and driven in what you are doing, there is no substitute for that. Spend the hours working on what you are doing and then find people and ask for their help. You’ll be surprised at that point what happens.
I believe real leaders take the hard road. As a leader, you are working through the night when others are sleeping comfortably. As a leader, you are proactively putting yourself out there and facing rejection and criticism. As a leader, you are taking your thoughts and making them real. People who excel in areas you can use will see this. I firmly believe Wendy (my awesome sister-in-law) is helping me for a few reasons.
- She’s awesome (that’s a given)
- She sees the potential in my book
- Her valuable insights and input are helping refine the story – she is making a difference
- She will be compensated appropriately for the book’s success.
Notice ONLY the last reason is related to money and compensation. I believe she sees herself being able to make a difference and do something she loves, which is editing fiction novels. Through my book, which I busted my behind writing, she now has this opportunity. It’s a win-win. I get to use her awesome skills, and she gets to have a finished book to help edit, that she didn’t have to think of. I love it!
Who can you get to help you?
If you are finding yourself plateauing, don’t be afraid to get help. Not only is it a good test of your leadership skills, but if you can find someone who is really good and you can work something out together, you will have another force of momentum helping you (and them) move forward and make progress.
To celebrate the journey of publication, I’ve created a poll for a character who is getting a name change. I’ll have a poll on the right for a few weeks as well. The only clue I’ll give is that he is strong, well-built, assertive, and sometimes arrogant. The possible names for him are:
- Albion
- Quintus
- Ellis
- Aenar
- Kern
- Merril
My Friends: How has another helped you in the past? Is it worth getting professional help? What are some ways you could use your valuable skills to help another?
image by ~Brenda-Starr~
6 Responses to My Journey As An Author Part 3 – Getting Professional (Editing) Help
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It’s A Pleasure To Meet You
I'm Jeremy N. Johnson. I'm one man looking to make a difference. What can you expect here? A look at my research, results, and journaling as I strive to advance at a public Internet company and work on side businesses in writing, game development, and niche websites. If you have a philosophy of success, let's connect. GFree Updates
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Good luck in writing your book! It’s a long road to hoe, so just stick with it!
Perhaps I will join you before this decade is over!
I like Albion.
Sam
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..The White Cloud of Happiness =-.
Hey Sam. I like Albion too! But it looks like Quintus is winning the majority of votes. It’s definitely a long road. Sticking with it is the main thing I can see as the hardest thing. Good thing I don’t quit like the ant :)
Thanks for stopping by Sam.
Hi Jeremy,
I enjoyed your sense of humor with, ‘I need help…professional help.’ :) It’s wonderful that you have your sister-in-law’s skill on your side. Reaching out to people who can lift you to the next plateau and doing the same for others who are passionate about their growth, is what the realm of personal development is all about.
It helps me to keep in mind that I don’t need to make the road harder than it is. I set my positive intention for the day and know I MAY experience rejection, negativity, being misunderstood, etc. So, going easy on myself and staying true to my goals, serves me.
Cheers — to enjoying the journey!
I’m sticking with Albion.
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Courage: Not Just for Superheroes =-.
Hi Kim,
I am definitely thankful to have some help with the editing. I can’t imagine going at everything solo, even if I could. It’s nice to have someone to help and get some credit and reward for using their skills as well.
You’re right about setting the intention and not making the road harder than it is. You’re a good example of staying true to your goals.
I like the name Albion too! I wish more people were voting for it. But I am writing the book, so I could do an executive over ride and not use Quintus, but instead use Albion :)
Great advice here Jeremy! I totally agree that, we will be surprised what happens when we take the step out and get help. I commend you on your hard work and good luck with your book.
Oh and I like Albion too. It has that strong sound to it, I guess it just rolls off the tongue better too.
Thanks for sharing, take care my friend!!
.-= Jarrod@ Optimistic Journey´s last blog ..Are You In Indifference Mode? =-.
Thanks Jarrod – I’m a big fan of Albion as well. Thanks for your support and keep up your good work.