Five Questions. Two Minutes. I Read Every One.

On Monday, I told you I was narrowing this publication to one thing: what happens to your book after it is published.

I also told you I would rather build what comes next around what you actually need than around what I assume you need.

So today I am keeping that promise.

Below are five questions. They will take you about two minutes. There are no wrong answers, and the more honestly you answer, the more useful everything I write from here will be.

I read every single one myself.

1. Where are you with your book right now?

Still writing. Published within the last year. Published more than a year ago. Or thinking about starting.

2. What is the one thing about getting your book into the world that you most wish someone would just explain to you?

3. What have you already tried that did not work the way you hoped?

4. What would a real win look like for you and your book in the next twelve months?

5. What is most useful to you: step-by-step guides, templates and checklists, video walkthroughs, or real examples from other authors?

Here is why I am asking.

After more than thirty years of this work, the temptation is to assume I already know what authors need. Sometimes I do. But the best things I have ever made came from listening first and building second, and I would rather earn my way to being useful than guess my way there.

So tell me. Answer in the comments or a reply to this email, whichever is easiest for you.

And if only one of the five questions speaks to you, answer that one. One honest sentence helps me more than a form filled in out of politeness.

I will tell you what I learn. And then I will build it.

Thank you for being here at the beginning of this.

Ruth