Not too long ago, a publishing agent wrote to me from the United Kingdom with an interesting question.
He wanted to know if I could write a short guide for a United States publisher targeting global electronic distribution.
The brief was simple: between 3,000 and 5,000 words, with very attractive commercial terms attached.
I remember pausing for a moment, almost in disbelief, and asking myself a quiet question.
How did I move from being an unknown back-office banker to a thought leader operating across several dimensions?
The truth is not glamorous, and it was not smooth, but it was deeply instructive.
Before my first book ever saw the light of day, I made several mistakes that delayed my progress for years.
These mistakes were not technical alone; they were mental, emotional, and strategic.
I share them here so you do not repeat them in today’s fast-paced and opportunity-rich economy.
The first mistake was not believing in myself
This single error sat quietly at the root of many others.
It took joining Toastmasters and traveling as far as Calgary, Canada, for a complete stranger to say, “Paul, look inwards, you already have what it takes.”
That moment changed something fundamental inside me.
Confidence is not arrogance; it is permission to act, and without it, progress becomes painfully slow.
The second mistake was thinking I was not smart enough to write a book
When you constantly compare yourself to global legends, paralysis becomes almost inevitable.
I measured myself against authors who had decades of publishing experience and global recognition.
What I did not realize then was that every author, without exception, starts with a first book.
You do not grow into authorship first; you grow through it.
The third mistake was not believing in my book idea
I assumed the world did not need another book on customer service.
Because of that assumption, I allowed my manuscript to gather dust for years.
Ironically, that same book later became widely referred to as The Customer Service Bible.
Ideas only die when their creators abandon them too early.
The fourth mistake was refusing to seek help
This is one of the most expensive mistakes anyone can make in any profession.
I went into the publishing world blind, hoping to figure everything out by trial and error.
I knew nothing about how the book industry actually worked, yet I avoided mentors and coaches.
In hindsight, guidance would have saved me years of confusion and unnecessary frustration.
The fifth mistake was believing only top global publishers mattered
I wasted precious time imagining acceptance letters from the largest publishing houses.
What I did not understand was that unsolicited manuscripts rarely make it past the first gate.
Today, self-publishing platforms allow authors to publish professionally, globally, and affordably.
Gatekeepers are no longer required for impact.
The sixth mistake was assuming I needed huge capital to publish
I was once quoted fees that could have ruined me financially.
One publisher charged for manuscript submission and then demanded millions for production.
The thought of mortgaging my future for a book was terrifying, yet I almost did it.
Today, you can publish professionally at a fraction of those costs, sometimes almost for free.
The seventh mistake was believing I was born too early
At the time, there was no internet ecosystem, no structured guidance, and no supportive communities.
Everything required international travel and excessive expense.
Today, all you need is clarity, a laptop, and the willingness to begin.
This is the best era in human history to be an author.
Looking back, these seven mistakes delayed my voice, not my destiny.
Once corrected, doors opened that I never imagined possible.
Writing did more than earn income; it built authority, clarity, and lasting influence.
Your book is not just a project; it is an intellectual legacy.
The world needs your perspective, your experience, and your hard-earned wisdom.
There is no greater burden than carrying an untold story.
If you have been waiting for the perfect time, it is already here.
The only remaining question is simple.
Will you finally write the book only you can write?
