The big Success, with a capital S is elusive. You do know this, don’t you?  Success a la big time fame and fortune, cover of People magazine, tooling around Nob Hill in a Maserati, that kind of success. Slim chance. I’m saying this not to be cynical or mean, but…yeah, I guess I’m cynical. Or maybe let’s call it incredulous.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I was pursuing a career in modeling.  Another long shot career, another long shot to Success with a capital S.  I could pay the best make-up artists and pay the best photographers to do my portfolio. I could pay a personal trainer, starve myself, etc., but when push came to shove, I could not make John Casablancas or Eilene Ford give me that contract. I didn’t have what they were looking for.  It didn’t mean what I had wasn’t fine in its own right, just that it wasn’t seen as marketable right then. Having said that, though, if I had gone to the Madison Ave. agencies carrying 25 extra pounds and a Polaroid shot, I never would have even had a chance with these people. Was I disappointed that I didn’t become the next Linda Evangelista? Heck yes. Was I devastated because I spent my retirement money trying to get there and didn’t? No. I didn’t spend more than I could afford to lose on a long shot.

I just have to say that even if you get the perfect book- you pay for the best cover design, buy the best interior layout, hire the industry’s best editors, there is no guarantee, in fact it is not likely, that you will end up driving a Maserati down California Avenue.

All I ask is that you be truthful with yourself. Have a sit down with a mirror and a cup of coffee. What are your goals? What does success look like to you? How will you know when you are successful? What resources will you reasonably commit to get you there? Don’t set yourself up for devastating disappointment. Do you have the diligence not to quit halfway? Create a business plan or a book proposal.  Who will buy your book? How will you reach them to sell it?

Just go into it with your eyes open and the rose colored glasses off.  And eat healthy, and get regular oil changes for your Toyota.