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Why It Pays To Take Risks With Your Writing

By on July 1, 2017
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When it comes to writing books, regardless of whether you choose to self-publish or try to win a traditional publishing deal, the competition has never been fiercer.

Readers are overwhelmed with choice, and writers often find trying to make their book stand out from the crowd a daunting and seemingly impossible task.

It can be easy to play it safe with your writing, to try to stick to the rules of a genre, to regurgitate a tried and tested story that seems to appeal to a mass audience. But if you do so, your book is more than likely to simply become an echo of something already out there, written by someone with more experience, whose popularity has already been established.

If you choose to take risks, however, while the stakes may be higher, it is arguable that you stand a far greater chance of making your book more discoverable, distinguishable and desirable than those that don’t.

But why is that?

Taking risks shows you are willing to put your neck on the line

A risk taker is someone who is brave, they are willing to take a chance, a leap into the unknown - someone who is willing to commit all the time and energy it takes to write a book, knowing that it does not pander to the masses. This is undeniably impressive and demonstrates a commitment to the craft that others writers who are simply copycat versions of each other do not show.

Taking risks will make your work stand out

In an overcrowded marketplace, writers need to do anything they can to make their books stand out. If you are able to write a book which appeals to a more niche audience, or one that grabs readers attention and they might be willing to take a chance on, your book is more likely to be seen, and therefore more likely to sell.

Taking risks may not always work, but when they do the payoff is greater

Of course, a risk is a risk and therefore the chance of failure is greater. If you write something too obscure, too niche, too complicated, it will be harder to find a publisher who is willing to take a chance on you or find an audience who resonates with your work. However, if you do, the rewards are huge.

Taking risks wins you respect

By taking risks in your writing you often end up exposing yourself. Being vulnerable can be frightening, but readers will appreciate the fact that you have done so. This will make them empathise with you and respect you for your bravery.

At the end of the day no one can write a book that will appeal to everyone, and trying to do so is a waste of time. Don’t let all your time and effort go to waste and consider taking more risks with your writing. Be brave, have confidence and stay true to yourself - you won’t regret it if you do.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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