Every day, thousands of new books are published worldwide. Like many other art forms, the internet and online platforms have made the publishing industry more accessible to talented writers. Globally, over 2.2 million books are released annually, translating to approximately 6,000 daily. In the United States alone, around 1 million books are published each year—or about 2,740 daily. A significant factor in this increase is the rise of self-publishing platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which enables independent authors t
o easily publish their work.
Self-published titles now dominate the book market, with estimates suggesting as many as 4,000 new books from independent authors appear daily. Meanwhile, traditional publishing houses contribute a smaller fraction, releasing approximately 100–200 titles daily in the U.S. alone. This explosion in publishing opportunities reflects the democratization of the industry. However, it also creates a crowded market, making it increasingly challenging for readers to find that special needle—or book—in the proverbial haystack.
Why I Write
I’m often asked why I continue to write and publish books in this saturated landscape. It’s a thought-provoking question, especially since writing rarely leads to wealth or fame. Only a small percentage of writers earn a comfortable living, and even fewer achieve the kind of success that brings true prosperity. For me, neither applies. Like most writers, much of my work goes unnoticed, which makes the question of why I write even more meaningful.
At its core, I write because I’ve been told I have a talent for making complex ideas accessible. Over the years, I’ve received this feedback in two distinct ways: as praise for making information clear and relatable and as criticism suggesting that simplicity lacks depth. Regardless of how it’s framed, I’ve embraced my ability to simplify complexity. Delivering information in an accessible way requires insight, effort, and discipline. This approach allows me to reach a broader audience while preserving the integrity of my message.
For me, writing is an act of cutting through unnecessary complexity to reveal essential truths. I believe that most things in life are straightforward, yet people often complicate them with excessive personalization and drama. By presenting ideas clearly, I aim to resonate with readers in a universal way.
The Role of Collaboration in Writing
Because I work in an academic environment, I value checks and balances. Whether crafting scholarly books or novels, I rely on peer reviewers and beta readers to challenge my ideas and offer alternative perspectives. Their feedback helps ensure my work is grounded, relevant, and impactful.
While my background in human biology and psychology provides a solid foundation to convey ideas and situations, I believe that effective writing requires a balance of intellect and emotion. My scientific background informs my logic and reasoning, while my emotional side ensures my work remains relatable. This duality, though powerful, isn’t without its blind spots. Peer reviewers and beta readers help me identify these gaps, ensuring that my writing remains balanced and my biases are minimized.
More importantly, these collaborators remind me that writing is ultimately about building connections. Their insights shape my work, enabling me to engage readers more effectively and transform writing from a solitary exercise into a shared experience. For me, writing isn’t complete until it sparks dialogue or resonates with someone else.
Balancing Rigor and Authenticity
The collaborative process reinforces my commitment to intellectual rigor and emotional authenticity. I approach each project with the same ethos: writing must be credible and meaningful to a wide audience.
Beyond sharing my ideas, writing is a way of refining them. It deepens my understanding of the world and my place within it, offering opportunities for growth and connection. Each book I write represents a step in this journey—a challenge to clarify complexity while maintaining nuance and relatability.
Conclusion
While writing can sometimes feel daunting—especially in a world where thousands of books are published daily—finding one’s purpose in writing is essential. For me, writing is neither about fame nor fortune but about purpose and connection. Each book I create reflects my dedication to understanding and communicating life’s complexities in a way that resonates.
Through feedback, I refine not only my work but also myself. Writing bridges ideas and people, offering a shared space to inspire, inform, and connect. Despite the challenges of a crowded market, I write because the process is rewarding—a journey of growth, clarity, and shared understanding.
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