What are some key differences between published and unpublished? This episode is based on Thomas’ broad observation of writers, and one of his most controversial blog posts of all time.

Talking Points:

Difference #1 – Consistency

* Published authors wake up early and write every day. They put their big rocks in first.

* Unpublished writers write sporadically, often at night.

Difference #2 – Purpose

* Published authors write to educate, entertain or inspire others. They write to do something.

* Unpublished authors write for themselves. They write to be somebody. There is nothing wrong with writing for yourself, as long as you are ok with only having one reader.

Difference #3 – Platform

* Published authors have a platform that they start building years before their first book comes out.

* Unpublished authors have little or no platform. Some don’t even know what a platform is.

Difference #4 – Reading

* Published authors read books about writing and selling books.

* Unpublished authors complain that the publishing world is ignoring their ground-breaking work.

Difference #5 – Work

* Published authors know that the difference between Great and Lame lies in hard work. They know they must earn industry attention by being faithful in the little things (revisions, tweets, blog posts, magazine articles).

* Unpublished authors feel that they are the next best thing just waiting to be discovered.

Difference #6 – Website

* Published authors have a website usually www.TheirName.com.

* Unpublished authors have a free Blogger blog that they rarely update.

Difference #7 – Marketing

* Published authors see marketing as part of their mission to entertain, help & inspire others.

* Unpublished authors see marketing as their publisher’s job.

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