Hey Authors! Welcome to another month in 2025.
It’s February – a fresh start, new goals, and… the same old pain points?
For many aspiring authors, the feeling of progress on their book project is akin to trying to push a boulder up a hill. Maybe the boulder is actually a giant, invisible, procrastination monster that keeps pulling them backward. But fear not, dear authors, Clasier Publishing is here—we’ve got your back!
At Clasier Publishing, we understand that writing a book can be a wild ride, full of twists, turns, and tantrums (yes, we’ve seen authors cry over their manuscripts). But seriously, we’re here to help you overcome those pesky pain points that slow you down.
So, what are these pain points, you ask? Well, let’s dive in!
1. The Blank Page – Your Worst Frenemy
Ah, the blank page! The one thing that both inspires and terrifies you. It stares at you, mocking your lack of words, daring you to fill it with something beautiful. But right now? It’s a wicked, scary reminder that your book might never exist.
Our prescription for this is relax, breathe, and let the words flow – however feebly or wobbly. Don’t worry about perfection right now; just write like no one will read it. And if that doesn’t work? Clasier Publishing’s expert team of editors and project managers are happy to guide you through the rough spots and help you craft the masterpiece you know you can create. No more staring into thin air!
2. Procrastination
It’s amazing how suddenly cleaning your entire house, reorganizing your closet, and watching just one more episode of that show you’ve seen 17 times can seem like the most important tasks on your to-do list – particularly when you sit to start or continue writing your book. You can’t focus—your book is just… somewhere in the background of your life, not front and center.
First off, let’s acknowledge that procrastination is real and it’s annoying. So, how can you overcome procrastination and get back to writing?
- Break the Task Down into Smaller Chunks
Instead of staring down a massive project, break it into manageable tasks. Set a timer for 25 minutes and challenge yourself to write a single paragraph or scene. Take a short break, then repeat the process.
- Create a Conducive Writing Environment
Eliminate distractions by creating a writing “sanctuary”. Turn off notifications, log out of social media, and find a quiet spot to focus. Make your writing space comfortable and inviting, so you’ll want to spend time there.
Remember that procrastination is a common struggle, even for experienced writers. Don’t beat yourself up over it – simply acknowledge the setback and gently nudge yourself back on track.
3. Writer’s Block: The Invisible Wall That’s Just… There
Similar to the “Worst Frenemy”, you stare at your blank page, cursor blinking mockingly, and your mind is as dry as the Sahara desert. Or you’ve been cruising along, chapters flying by, and then—bam—writer’s block hits. Your characters have stopped talking to you, and every sentence you write feels like you’re dragging a stone across paper. You’re stuck. It’s as if your creativity has taken a vacation without telling you.
Don’t panic! This happens to the best of us. Our solution? Take a break, grab a snack (or two, or three…), and come back to your manuscript with fresh eyes. Sometimes having a chat with someone can help you break through writer’s block and this chat could be about anything. A brainstorming session, prompt, or a fresh set of eyes on your draft, sometimes, is all you need for a nudge in the right direction.
4. The Nagging Self-Doubt-Voice in Your Head
The moment you start thinking your book isn’t good enough to be published is the exact moment that self-doubt has shown up like an uninvited guest at your writing party. That tiny voice inside your head whispers, “What if no one likes it?” “Am I good enough?” “Is my writing trash?” “Should I just give up now?” or worse, “What if this is all just a waste of time?”
Here’s the deal: EVERY author feels this way at some point. And the truth is, your book matters! And the truth is, your book matters! But how do you silence that pesky self-doubt voice and keep writing with confidence?
First, acknowledge that every writer, regardless of their experience or success, faces self-doubt. It’s a natural part of the creative process. Even bestselling authors have struggled with feelings of inadequacy.
Secondly, identify your triggers and reflect on when and why self-doubt creeps in. Is it when you’re writing a challenging scene? When you receive feedback from beta readers? When you compare yourself to other authors? Once you’re aware of your triggers, you can develop strategies to overcome them.
Finally, always remember the reasons you started writing in the first place. What’s your purpose? What message do you want to convey? What story do you want to share? Focusing on your “why” can help you stay motivated and inspired, even when self-doubt tries to creep in. And if you ever need reassurance on your writings, Clasier Publishing works with you to bring out the best version of your story—whether that means additional feedback from editors, market research, or finding the right angle that will connect with readers. Together, we’ll make sure your book isn’t just good enough—it’s great.
5. The Juggling Act of Time Management
Life doesn’t stop just because you’ve got a book to finish. Between family, work, and everything else, it feels like there are never enough hours in the day. The pressure to balance it all while making writing your book a priority can lead to burnout that could threaten your ever breasting the “published” tape.
Our tip? Create a schedule, stick to it (mostly), and don’t be too hard on yourself when life gets in the way. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a midnight writer, also know how to be flexible. (You don’t have to finish your manuscript by next Tuesday, we promise.)
6. Overwhelmed by the Editing Process: From Manuscript to Marketplace
Alright, so you’ve written your book (yay!), but now comes the not-so-fun part: editing and revisions! Editing and revisions can be a lengthy process, requiring multiple rounds of review and refinement. The technical expertise in grammar, punctuation, syntax, and style guides can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the intricacies of language. A time comes when you are required to make tough creative decisions, such as cutting paragraphs, scenes, characters, or plotlines that you love, and sometimes it’s hard to separate yourself from your work and view it objectively.
That’s where a fresh pair of eyes comes in – a professional editor or reviewer who can provide constructive feedback, identify areas for improvement, and help you refine your manuscript. By engaging a professional editor or reviewer, you’ll gain a new perspective on your work, strengthen your writing, and ultimately produce a polished, error-free manuscript that will engage and captivate your readers. And, as it happens, our expert editorial services are available to help you take the stress out of editing. Talking about editing, you should definitely check out this article.
7. Publishing and Marketing (a.k.a. The Great Unknown)
Let’s face it: completing your manuscript is a dream come true… until you realize that your book doesn’t magically appear on the shelves of bookstores, in readers’ hands, or on bestseller lists. You’ve written and edited your book, but now comes the daunting task of publishing and marketing it. Selling your book feels like trying to convince everyone at a party to read your diary. And let’s not even get started on social media—where every post about your book feels like you’re begging for validation.
From formatting your manuscript to designing a stunning cover, we handle all the technical and logistical stuff, so you can focus on writing. We’ll walk you through the process with simple, clear steps and a healthy dose of encouragement. Publishing doesn’t have to feel like a maze.
We understand you may be experiencing these pain points that come with aspiring to be an author. But don’t worry, you are not alone in this. With Clasier Publishing by your side, we’ll turn these challenges into mere scalable bumps on the road to your book’s success.
Need a hand with one (or all) of these pain points? Reach out to us today—we’re here to make your writing journey smoother, more enjoyable, and a whole lot more exciting.
Now, go ahead—write that next chapter. You’ve got this!