Why do we expect books to pay us back? ROI vs. Eternal Impact -- Which means more to you?

 

There is something I see over and over again, and it quietly stops people from ever writing their books.

Aspiring authors often treat books like investments that must pay them back in order to be a valid endeavor.

They ask questions like:

• Will this make money?

• Will I get a return?

• Is the work worth it, financially?

I understand those questions. Producing a high-quality book isn’t cheap. However, I always want to ask a couple of questions in return (pun intended).

1. Do you ask for a return on investment from anything else you love?

2. Many people spend thousands of dollars each year on things they enjoy and never expect a financial return. Why is writing a book treated differently? 

For fun, I researched the top 10 hobbies for American adults AND how much we spend on them. Interesting. Here are the results:

• Gardening, up to $1,200 per year

• Arts and Crafts, up to $1,500 per year

• Gaming, up to $1,500+ per year

• Fitness and Wellness, up to $1,800+ per year

• Music (learning or playing), up to $2,000+ per year

• Fishing, up to $2,500+ per year

• Golf, up to $3,000+ per year

• Home Improvement and DIY Projects, up to $5,000+ per year

• Hunting, up to $5,000+ per year

• Travel, up to $8,000+ per year 

Think about where else friends, family, and you spend money. Is anyone paying for what you produce, create, or accomplish?

These are still meaningful pursuits. I am in the Smoky Mountains, where thousands of brown trout and rainbow trout dodge flies atop Little River daily. I have never met a fly fisherman who spent eight hours wading and casting, expecting to make a profit. That said, I bet every fly-fishing enthusiast will tell you that the time and financial investment are worth every minute and penny. 

People invest in passions and hobbies because those experiences bring joy, growth, and fulfillment. They may also create multigenerational memories, but when it comes to writing a book, something shifts. The expectation becomes transactional. I don't like that.

Here is what I believe.  A book is not just a creative outlet. Your book is an evergreen contribution to the world, starting with your family and community and, most importantly, readers who will benefit from what you have to share.

Let’s revisit that list and think about how this all plays out financially over a decade so we are comparing apples to apples, if you will. This is something that people don’t usually think about: Most of these hobby and passion project expenses repeat every single year.

• Gardening, up to $12,000

• Arts and Crafts, up to $15,000

• Gaming, up to $15,000+

• Fitness and Wellness, up to $18,000+

• Music (learning or playing), up to $20,000+

• Fishing, up to $25,000+
  Golf, up to $30,000+

• Home Improvement and DIY Projects, up to $50,000+

• Hunting, up to $50,000+

• Travel, up to $80,000+

• Don’t even get me started on AAU basketball and travel baseball!

I recently read that Americans spend an average of $3,000 per year on IMPULSE shopping for non-essential items out of boredom, consumerism, and maybe "retail therapy." Did you know that writing is one of the best forms of self-care?

When it comes to investing and returns, a book is different. The majority of the investment happens only once, during the writing, editing, design, publishing, and early marketing phases in Year 1.  Then the book continues to serve. Your book reaches people you will never meet. Your content influences conversations you will never hear. In some cases, books shape families, stop damaging cycles, launch and serve businesses, and set in motion positive, eternal consequences. The return is profound and immeasurable.

You may never fully understand the effects your words have. That does not make the impact any less real or the effort any less worthwhile.

Instead of asking, “Will this pay me back?”

Ask, “What message has been entrusted to me, and how will it serve others?”

Then ask, “What is the cost of keeping that message to myself?” 

Jody Dyer
Founder and CEO, Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media

What Most People Miss About Book Design

I keep talking to writers who wait until their books are almost finished before they think about cover and interior design.

Actually, in my experience, most people do not think about book design until the very end. That’s a mistake.

They spend months, sometimes years, writing and refining their manuscript. Then, once the content is finished, they turn their attention to the cover and interior layout.

That approach is understandable, but it can create problems.

Book design is not just about how a book looks. It shapes how the book is experienced. A well-designed book guides the reader through the content with ease. It supports the message, rather than distracting from it.

When design is rushed or treated as an afterthought, even strong writing can feel harder to read and less engaging.

This does not mean you need to make design decisions before you begin writing. It does mean you should understand, early on, what kind of book you are creating and how it will function for the reader.

A thoughtful approach to design considers:

• How the book will be read

• What kind of tone it should convey

• How the layout can support clarity and flow

These decisions do not have to be complicated, but they should be intentional.

If you are working on a manuscript or thinking about starting one, this is something worth keeping in mind. Good design does not draw attention to itself. It quietly supports the reader and strengthens the overall experience of the book.

If you would like guidance on how your book should look and function, I am always glad to help you think that through. We have a short guide that I can send you, too, so if you'd like it, reply to this email (a snippet of it is pictured below to show you how cover design can vary).

If you are an existing client looking for help with a current or new project, schedule a call here: Next Steps Call for Existing Clients

If you have not worked with my team before, you can schedule a call here: Publishing Pathway Call

Books live forever!

XOXOXO
Jody

P.S. If you know someone who is or should be writing a book, please introduce us:)

About the Author

Jody Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media, two publishing companies that help writers turn meaningful ideas into professionally published books.

Jody and her team guide authors through writing, editing, publishing, and marketing so their books create impact, credibility, and long term legacy.

If you are thinking about writing or publishing a book and want thoughtful guidance before making decisions, you can schedule a free Publishing Pathway Call to explore your next step.

Before You Tear Your Book Apart, Read This.

A client sent me what I would call a “talk me off the ledge” email this week, and I have a feeling many of you will recognize this moment when it comes.

He had just printed his manuscript and started reading it on paper instead of on a screen. Up until that point, he felt like he had made strong progress. Then, within a few chapters, his entire perspective shifted.

He told me the book suddenly felt unfocused. He felt like he was saying a lot without getting to the point. Some of the content seemed to drift away from the core topic into broader ideas that, while related, were not as directly connected as he wanted them to be.

He also shared that the writing did not feel as engaging as it had before. What once felt relevant and lively now felt heavier and less clear.

By the time he finished his initial review, he was questioning the structure of the entire book. He wondered if he needed to remove large sections and significantly tighten the manuscript, possibly saving some of that material for future projects.

Underneath all of that was something I see often at this stage.

He was tired.

He had been working on the manuscript for a long time, and the combination of fatigue and a fresh perspective made everything feel more overwhelming than it actually was.

I am going to share my exact response to him below, because I think it will help you, if not now, then at some point in your own process.

MY RESPONSE:

DON'T JUMP! As Stephen Hawking said, "Where there's life, there's hope." That applies to a living, breathing, book and to YOU as the author!

This is not a situation that you should even think is any teeny tiny kind of failure. This is, though, a chance to refine your manuscript, IF you want to. It is okay to publish it as is. My team and I agree. \

Keep reading:)))

Your reaction is not alarming. Actually, this is a natural moment in the publishing journey.  Almost every author who is really committed to his/her work reaches a point where the manuscript suddenly feels flat or unfocused. That doesn’t mean there's a problem with the book. What this means is that you've naturally lost your initial excitement and energy for it, and you are tired of the whole dang process, probably, especially given that you are building the complex funnel and launching a business at the same time.

With any book, I call this the “panic before publishing” or “ledge” moment. Maybe I should have warned you! I am so sorry that you are feeling ledge-y and stressed, at all. I am here to support you, for sure. 

Keep reading:)))

Also, I totally relate as a writer.  With every book I write or big project I complete, at some point, I think, "Why in the hell did I even start this?" This also happens when I paint a room in my house, decide to host a big party, expand a flower bed, etc. The way you are feeling is a strange part of human nature and just evidence that you CARE, which is great but exhausting, right? Also, Pat Conroy had multiple breakdowns while writing some of his books. He shared that openly in one that I read a few years ago. Pat Conroy was a genius. He finished his books, too.

Here's my advice:

1. Print out the book and do this: highlight every passage that absolutely does NOT relate to your main topic. While you do this, if you aren't sure, ask, "Would my ideal reader want to know/need to know this information?" 

With one client, I had her highlight and label passages "rich asides" or "rabbit holes." For you, with a nonfiction book, the content will either be direct, supportive, or drifting. Label/highlight accordingly.

2. Do NOT do this when you are tired!

3. Don't invite random critics and your non-audience into your mind. 

4. Don't ask any more people for their opinions:) 

You've got an opportunity here to do one of three things:

1 - Most work - Elevate the manuscript once more while keeping cut content for other purposes for your audience.

2 - Worst choice - Spiral, take out too much, and weaken the book and the trilogy and create a lot of work and delay your success.

3 - Ideal option - Leave the book alone and take the next step: line editing.

I would ERR on the side of LEAVING CONTENT INSIDE THE BOOK!

XOXOXO

Jody

BACK TO REAL TIME NOW:

If you are wondering what goes, what stays, or what to do next, schedule a call. My team will help you.

If you are an existing client looking for help with a current or new project, schedule a call here: Next Steps Call for Existing Clients

If you have not worked with my team before, you can schedule a call here: Publishing Pathway Call

Books live forever!

XOXOXO
Jody

What a Healthy Publishing Partnership Looks Like

 

Most first-time/aspiring authors get confused about the publishing processes available and don’t know where to go for trustworthy guidance. 

There are three current pathways:

Traditional

Self-Publishing

Hybrid Publishing

Someone asked what it really looks like to work with my team—not the highlight version, but the day-to-day experience. She wondered what she should expect and how would she know if she had chosen the right partner? There are so many options “out there on the internet,” that people often just say no or not yet vs. making a decision and taking action with their books.

Hers were important questions. You definitely do NOT want to commit to a publisher, then regret it months and a lot of money later.

A healthy publishing partnership is not built on pressure or promises. The relationship is built on understanding, communication, and shared responsibility.

A good partner takes the time to understand what the author is trying to create. That includes the message, the audience, and the purpose behind the book. Without that foundation, it is very difficult to make strong decisions as the work moves forward.

A healthy partnership also includes clear guidance. Most authors are not expected to know how to move from idea to finished book on their own. They need a process they can trust and a person or team who can help them think through each step with confidence.

At the same time, the author has a role to play. Progress depends on engagement, responsiveness, and a willingness to work through the challenges that come with writing. The strongest outcomes happen when both sides are fully participating and on time. I’ve had to ask for a lot of forgiveness the last 30 months during my husband’s cancer treatments, but what I’ve found is that as long as I am open, our Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media clients understand. They have crises, family demands, health issues, work stress, and surprise opportunities, too. What I love is that my team and processes are totally transparent. We should be. After all, many of our clients are opening their souls and histories to us as we craft their stories.

Respect is another important part of the relationship. That includes respect for timelines, for the work itself, and for the people involved. A book is not created overnight, and it should not be rushed in a way that compromises quality. My team and I err on the side of accuracy vs. speed. Sometimes, ideas need time to develop. We try to balance staying on schedule with leaving room for creativity. This benefits everyone, especially the eventual readers.

Finally, a healthy publishing partnership allows space for thoughtful decisions. There is room to ask questions, consider options, and move forward with confidence rather than urgency. This is why we often don’t decide the client’s publishing pathway (traditional, self, or hybrid with us) until the book’s first draft is complete. That allows us time to discuss the options and customize publishing to match what the client wants and needs, long-term.

If you are considering your next step, it may be helpful to think about what kind of partnership you are looking for in a publisher. 

Do you want to feel supported, understood, and guided?

Do you want a clear sense of how the process works and what comes next?

The relationship is more important than pricing or promises.

If you would like to talk through what this could look like for your book, we would be glad to have that conversation with you. 

If you are an existing client looking for help with a current or new project, schedule a call here: Next Steps Call for Existing Clients

If you have not worked with my team before, you can schedule a call here: Publishing Pathway Call

Books live forever!

About the Author

Jody Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media, two publishing companies that help writers turn meaningful ideas into professionally published books.

Jody and her team guide authors through writing, editing, publishing, and marketing so their books create impact, credibility, and long term legacy.

If you are thinking about writing or publishing a book and want thoughtful guidance before making decisions, you can schedule a free Publishing Pathway Call to explore your next step.

You DO Have Time to Write.

 

I hear this often.

Someone will say, “I do not have time to write.”

Recently, I was talking with a woman with an incredibly inspiring life story. She is thoughtful, capable, and responsible for many things that matter. Her days are full with work, family, and ongoing commitments that require her attention and energy.

When she said she did not have time to write, she was not making an excuse. She was describing what her life actually feels like right now.

I understood exactly what she meant. On paper, I have no “extra time” for a special project. Jeff is back in chemotherapy and has two procedures in April, we just scheduled Scotty for FIVE golf tournaments—just for June, it’s tax time, I run two publishing companies, my mother says I don’t visit enough, and I’m thinking of home-schooling Scotty next year. Guess what I’m starting today? 

WRITING A NEW BOOK!

Most people who say they don’t have time to write are not avoiding the work. They are already carrying too many responsibilities and endless to-do lists that this world of direct messaging, emails, voice notes, etc., put on our calendars. Writing begins to feel like one more responsibility, and it becomes difficult to justify where it fits. 

As we talked, I shared something I have seen many times.

People have the time. They just need to adjust priorities, and match the minutes accordingly.

For example, a working mother like me might think, Once I take care of Jeff, Scotty, clients, my team, cats, and taxes, I will work on my book. 

Creative friend, if I follow that line of priorities and thinking, how  long will it take me to even start, much less FINISH, writing a book? 

Now, if I were to say to my family, clients, team, and myself, “I am protecting 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. every weekday to work on my book. Thank you for helping me write to help others and reach my goal!” 

Let’s do the math. 

Option 1 - Use whatever time and energy I have left at night:

I can’t even calculate that because every day is different, and on top of being a caregiver, mother, and entrepreneur, I am also 52, so my hormones have all kinds of interesting plans for me. Ha!

So, let’s say I am successful 1 hour a week, meaning in 6 months, I’d spend 26 hours on my book.

Option 2 - PRIORITIZE my creative project: 

Let’s say that I am successful 4 of every 5 weekdays. In 6 months, I would spend 104 hours on my book.

If I follow my own advice, via my “Anxiety-Free Writing Process” and take one smart, doable, pressure-free step at a time, those hours compound, and yes, I can absolutely finish a book in 6 months! People who protect more time can move even faster.

The trick? MAKE YOURSELF and your creative project a priority. Did you know that creativity and anxiety cannot co-exist? Writing is an escape from all those to-do lists. Writing is healthy, empowering, and energizing. Just like exercise, you might be a little tired right after, but you will have more energy and positive feelings the rest of the day because you started your day with something just for you. 

Writing in the mornings before taking care of everyone else is NOT selfish. It’s smart.

Many people believe they need long, uninterrupted stretches of time in order to make progress. They imagine a quiet space, a full outline, and a perfectly structured plan before they begin. They imagine a week at a cabin in the woods with no interruption. I’ve tried it all, including personal retreats. What works best, time and again, is a dedicated and PROTECTED window of time, 3-5 days a week, in the mornings.

Meaningful work is built in smaller pieces through steady, consistent effort rather than ideal conditions.

While some people optimize, daydream, get resentful, and procrastinate, other people give their projects as little as 20 minutes a day and make progress until they are successful.

The people who complete their books are not always the ones with the most time available. They are the ones who understand what they are creating and why it matters to them. They are the people who commit the time, protect the time, and keep going.

The woman I met last week does not need a different schedule. Think about it. Sometimes, the busiest people we know are the most accomplished. They know how to manage their time. They are proactive, not reactive. 

If you have found yourself saying that you do not have time to write, it may be helpful to pause and consider a different question.

Stop right now and answer this question: What time block can I reserve each morning so I can work on my book? 

About the Author

Jody Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Crippled Beagle Publishing and Story Mountain Media, two publishing companies that help writers turn meaningful ideas into professionally published books.

Jody and her team guide authors through writing, editing, publishing, and marketing so their books create impact, credibility, and long-term legacy.

If you are thinking about writing or publishing a book and want thoughtful guidance before making decisions, you can schedule a free Publishing Pathway Call to explore your next step.