Say what you will about traditional publishers. For all of their warts, they can bring many things to the table. Perhaps most important here, they serve the role of gatekeeper. Acquisitions editors pass on many titles for each one they greenlight. (We’ll ignore the fact that traditional publishers are increasingly acting like glorified printers today. They are approving commercially dubious ideas with shocking contract clauses.)

Meet Roger

Consider Roger, an ambitious, enthusiastic author pitching legacy publishers with ideas for two separate non-fiction books. He need not decide which one to pursue in a vacuum. The AE will effectively decide for him. (Repeat authors almost certainly have to deal with the publisher’s right of first refusal.)

The AE declines Roger’s entreaties, prompting him to pursue hybrid or self-publishing. Nothing will stop him from moving forward. That’s both empowering and a little daunting.

The AI-driven Author Time Shift

Key Publishing Questions

Now imagine you’re Roger. To keep things simple, traditional publishing isn’t an option. You’re debating which book idea merits your time, money, and attention. Consider these big, hairy questions:

• Which title are you uniquely qualified to write?
• Are you choosing between two milquetoast options? In other words, should you write neither.
• Which one offers the better chance for you to achieve your goals?
• What does the ocean look like for each?
• Which one makes sense to write first?
• Of the two, is there one that’s effectively choosing you? That is, is the idea behind one title so compelling that you’re obsessing over it?

The Gatekeeper Revisited

Which title are you uniquely qualified to write?

Let’s return to the role of gatekeeper. Even if your idea or manuscript is weak, most hybrid or self-publishing outfits will gladly take your money. Why turn down a paying customer? Ask yourself, though, if their long-term interests are truly aligned with yours. The same question applies when debating which book to write.

What You Need to Know

Book coaches help both rookie and even experienced authors honestly answer these critical questions. For now, remember one axiom: Just because you can write that book doesn’t mean you should. After all, sometimes even traditional gatekeepers get it right.