Rambling Thoughts

The more I learn I realize how much more there is to learn. Some people spend their entire lives obtaining degrees in multiple fields and are unable to utilize this knowledge to serve themselves or others. Some have experience in many areas yet have no mastery in any. The cliché: “Jack of all trades and master of none” is appropriate.

With the advent of the internet, access to information has been made easier. Since change is constant, there is always something new to learn. Unless that learning can be applied to a specific function, it doesn’t seem to mean much other than to flatter the ego. To specialize, to become an expert in a given field, makes more sense.

Whether upon retirement or to fulfill a lifetime dream, some of us wrote a book. Some give up after numerous rejections while the determined seek means to get their work published. Some of us felt that the publisher would do the marketing and that our role would be in book signings and guest appearances. When we discovered that we must do the marketing ourselves, a whole new learning process came into play. We looked for guidance from others in a similar situation. Often, it was the blind leading the blind. Trial and error learning was used in place of paying for help. Author forums became a place to share information and experiences. However, what works for one person doesn’t mean it will for another. Logistics also plays a role.

The days of waiting for a book to be accepted for publication is no longer as important. POD publishers and/or self-publishing can get the book published. The strength of desire determines the effort that will be placed in getting the book into the hands of the consumer. There are those who are good writers and poor marketeers. Those with means can hire experts to do the marketing for them and they can continue to write. For those without the means, it requires a lot of hard work and more learning. Is it worthwhile? For some, a definite yes. For others, it is less important. Having produced a book may have been a goal achieved and one is therefore satisfied. If the goal of a book is financial rewards, it can only be achieved with more work and more learning. To become a master in the marketing and distribution of books takes time, effort and money.

One cannot be an expert in all fields. Choosing what to learn in-depth is a big decision. Doing what you do well makes sense. In areas where you are not so knowledgeable, engaging an expert to do what they do well also makes sense. In the end, it comes down to money. In most situations, it takes money to make money. And, if time is money, one is spending lots of wasted money on trial and error. Translating ignorance into knowledge for results is costly. How many are willing to pay the price?