Have you ever said, “One day I’ll write a book”? If so, you’re in very good company.
According to surveys, 81% who want to write a book – don’t. Fewer than 1% of Americans who want to write a book ever follow through.
What’s stopping the rest?
- Not a lack of time.
- Not even a lack of skill.
- For most, it’s fear.
The fear shows up in different ways: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear that the book won’t be any good. But perhaps the most powerful of all? Fear of criticism.
When you’re a professional—whether as a legal nurse consultant, a physician, an attorney, or a speaker—your work is constantly evaluated. Accuracy matters. Competence matters. Credibility matters.
Now add to that the idea of writing something permanent, like a book. Suddenly, the fear of putting your name on something that might be publicly questioned feels overwhelming.
“What if people don’t like it?”
That single question can shut down a promising idea before the first word is typed. That stops at least some of the 81% of those who want to write a book.
But let’s put things into perspective.
You’ve already taken risks in your career. You’ve offered opinions in high-stakes situations, delivered talks to skeptical audiences, or made tough decisions with limited information. If you’ve handled medical records, legal briefs, or public speaking engagements, you already know how to think clearly, explain complex ideas, and back up your conclusions.
Writing a book is simply another form of that communication.
What happens when you let fear win?
When fear stalls the 81% who want to write, several things happen:
- The unique insights they’ve gained remain locked in your mind.
- Their peers and clients miss out on valuable knowledge.
- The book that could expand their visibility and credibility never gets written.
Someone with far less experience may publish something on the same topic—and be seen as the expert you could have been.
You don’t need to be fearless. You need to get started.
Here’s what professionals often get wrong: they believe authors are born with confidence, that they never doubt their ideas or worry about what others will say. That’s simply not true.
Most writers feel the fear. The difference is that they keep writing anyway.
Here are ways to move forward, even with fear:
- Write for one reader.
Forget the audience of thousands. Start by imagining one person who would benefit from what you have to share. Write to help that person. - Make it a process.
Books don’t appear fully formed. They evolve. Begin with an outline, then a messy first draft. Editing comes later. The important thing is to begin. - Use the support available to you.
You don’t have to write alone. There are ghostwriters, editors, and book coaches like me who specialize in working with professionals. Their role is to help shape your ideas into a polished book. - Remind yourself why this matters.
Do you want to influence your industry? Attract more clients? Share hard-won lessons? Keep your motivation front and center.
No one writes the perfect book the first time
Even bestselling authors revise multiple drafts, accept feedback, and experience rejection. They still publish. Why? Because they believe their message matters more than their fear.
You don’t need to write a literary masterpiece. You need to write your book—clearly, authentically, and in a way that reflects your experience.
I edited a book for a woman who wrote her book on how she was thrown into a sudden experience of being a widow – and all of the things she went through to adjust, change, and assume new roles and responsibilities.
Her fear that the book was not good enough kept her from going to the next step of getting the book edited. She held onto that book for 15 years.
Think of all the people she might have helped if she’d released the book sooner.
Your voice can change someone’s life
Whether it’s a young professional who learns from your story, a client who finds clarity, or a colleague who finally sees their path more clearly—your book can create real impact.
But none of that happens if you never start.
Will you be part of the 1%?
The decision is yours. The knowledge is already there. The fear may not go away—but it doesn’t have to win.
If you’ve ever said, “I want to write a book,” then it’s time to stop putting it off.
Don’t let another year pass in silence. The world needs your voice. And it needs it in writing.
Want to discuss your book? Please complete this form and let’s talk about getting you unstuck.
Pat Iyer MSN RN LNCC is a consultant, speaker, author, editor and coach. She has written or edited 70 of her own books and worked with dozens of authors. Pat is an Amazon international #1 bestselling author. Coaches, consultants, and speakers hire Pat to help release the knowledge inside them so that they can attract their ideal clients.
She delights in assisting people to share their expertise by writing. Pat serves international and national experts as an editor, book coach, and a medical and business writer.
