Success as a Writer Is Not a Number

In a previous post, I talked about whether being prolific offered any value for writers. Danielle Steele, who has hundreds of books, stands as the primary example of how a lot of content can work in a writer’s favor. But what happens when the amount someone produces becomes a sort of success standard. What if that standard, not met, can yield guilt or shame?

When quantity mixes with assertions of expertise and viability

I came across the post below on LinkedIn. The objective was to offer professionals a framework that would allow them to communicate their good ideas into the market quickly. Nestled around that objective was an assertion that the author in the video had written 5 books before he was 40. The implication was that the quantity of content was evidence his framework made sense. And in fact, one comment showed that the tactic worked (emphasis mine): “Writing 5 books before 40 with 3 kids under 5 is no small feat. Your process must be incredible.“

But I found myself wanting to push back. If you can write 5 or more books before you’re 40, awesome. Do it. But if you can’t? Are you suddenly less valuable, knowledgeable, or talented because, despite having this guy’s framework, you chose to respond to other responsibilities or needs in life?

No two writers are identical, and that’s okay

Responsibilities and needs can look different depending on who you are. They might be kids. Maybe it’s needing to go slower for your mental health. Maybe you have a disease that takes a lot of your energy. It could be you just don’t have a ton of money to put toward marketing a bunch of books in rapid-fire succession.

The issue I have with these kinds of ads is that they can invite all kinds of unnecessary comparisons around the concept of success.

If he wrote 5 books, is something wrong with me or my life because I can’t?

If he wrote 5 books, who would take me seriously if I can’t compete with his output?

If he wrote 5 books, did I miss or not understand something?

Don’t misunderstand. I’m thrilled this guy is successful and has found a system that works. I’m happy he’s willing to share his insights (for free!). But no two people have exactly the same circumstances or resources. And quantity isn’t the only measure of a good writer.

I want you to know that it is 100 percent okay if you don’t reach his quantity. Your life doesn’t have to look like his, and you can decide what is enough for yourself. It’s OK to be taking care of your kids or be busy getting your degree or just trying to save $10. If all you can publish is one book, but that’s the book that matters, that’s not failure. If you don’t get it done until you’re 90, that’s not too late. Success isn’t a quota or deadline you meet. If you compare yourself and let the path of others dictate what you feel you “should” be doing, it’s not helpful. The standard for your life is yours and no one else’s.