Writing a Book: More Than Meets the Eye

I recently finished a long, intense, fascinating ghostwriting project. The book has been published, and it’s not only timely and interesting, it’s a handsome, elegantly designed two-color work. And it’s selling like hotcakes. Although I can’t divulge my workmanship, I’m awfully proud to have worked on this book.

The photograph is me when I was in college, pounding out a paper on William Blake or Frank Norris or some other author. I’ve always loved books, and loved writing papers about them. I recall one day saying [wistfully] to myself, If I could only see a book with my name on the cover before I die. Well, I made it. I’ve written a bunch of my own, and now spend most of my time helping business authors write their own books. It’s incredibly satisfying.

I was putting some new books on my bookshelf the other day, which once again made me start thinking about how much blood, sweat and tears go into writing a book. The typical author spends several years writing and editing, shaping their book into something enlightening and unique. It’s truly a labor of love that’s worth a moment – or two – even three – to reflect on how much thought and work go into writing a book. A lot more than meets the eye as you turn its pages. My thanks and highest regards to the business authors whose long, hard work inspires our creativity, innovation, leadership and best practices.