With BORN TO WRITE: Transform Your Wisdom Into a Bestseller in 90 Days, Emily Bauman sets out to demystify the writing and self-publishing journey. Rather than outline a cold-hard formula, Bauman approaches every step of the process with heart, humor, and a system that blends mindset and method. Centered around her “B.O.S.S.” framework (Being of Sacred Service), Bauman’s book targets anyone who feels they have a story to share but is unsure how (or even if) to begin.
As she explains in the opening pages, “I wrote this because I honestly can’t stand to see another budding author like you quit in the slow death of procrastination, overwhelm, or other agony.” From there, Bauman breaks down the process of writing a book, starting with the blank page and moving through each essential stage. From planning and writing to editing, publishing, and promotion, she delivers a clear, comprehensive roadmap.
Many how-to-write books tend to get bogged down in a strict, point-by-point approach. With BORN TO WRITE, Bauman strikes a perfect balance. What sets her approach apart is her “80/20” principle. Bauman explains, “80 percent of an author’s work is not about writing. The secret is that success is contingent on how good you are at dealing with the resistance gremlins who inevitably set up roadblocks and generate private political crises along the way.”
The book’s structure is both linear and modular, with standalone topics (like the refreshingly pragmatic take on AI-writing) that make it easy to apply or revisit as needed. New authors are the primary target audience here, but even experienced writers will benefit from Bauman’s fresh perspective. For instance, the chapter titled “Promotion for Those Who Hate Self-Promotion” includes this potent reminder: “I have excellent news for those among us who cringe at the idea of self-promotion. It’s not about you.”
If there is a throughline here, it’s Bauman’s strategic focus on battling self-doubt. Noting that “self-doubt is self-protection,” Bauman’s tone is equal parts encouraging peer and no-nonsense coach. Actionable steps are paired with motivating affirmations and personal anecdotes: “There are over two million words in the English language, and no one has ever walked through life in your shoes. So are you really going to listen to the gremlins who say you don’t have a story worth writing?”
While Bauman’s system is thoughtfully constructed, some of the claims may come across as overly optimistic, especially for first-time authors navigating the complexities of self-publishing. Additionally, though the guidance is generally applicable to memoir or fiction, the book clearly caters more to nonfiction writers looking to turn their personal or professional insights into impact. Still, Bauman shines as both a cheerleader and an advocate, something that any first-time author can benefit from.
For anyone who’s dreamed of writing but felt blocked by fear, logistics, or a nagging case of imposter syndrome, Emily Bauman’s BORN TO WRITE: Transform Your Wisdom Into a Bestseller in 90 Days empowers aspiring authors to quiet their inner “gremlins” and find their voice.
~James Weiskittel for IndieReader