Dear Writer, You Still Need To Quit

QuitBooks for Writers #7

by Becca Syme

Genres: Nonfiction

274 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

Becca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for almost fifteen years. She’s coached 4,700+ individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. Becca is the host of the YouTube QuitCast channel and a mystery author. She lives in the mountains of Montana.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Becca’s work for many years and have read other books in this series. This one in particular really hit home for me in so many areas. I have been clawing my way back from burnout for over a year and have felt so defeated with not being able to write and release. There’s a definite fear of “missing my chance,” among many other things that were addressed in this book. Just making small changes like adding positive emotion cycles in my day and really thinking about what the King on the chessboard of my career should be moving forward have helped me feel lighter and more motivated to write than I have in months. I have no doubt that I’ll read through it again and glean even more helpful information.

Thank you, Becca!

[Jemi Fraser]

As I've come to expect from Becca, this book is full of thoughtful advice that resonates with me. Her insights into human behaviour and the publishing industry are excellent. A terrific resource with affirmation of the things we're doing right, and nudges to take action, be resilient, and keep writing. Highly recommended!

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Writer, You Still Need To Quit offers a thoughtful and unconventional examination of persistence, productivity, and success in the writing life.

Becca Syme challenges the assumption that perseverance is always the answer, encouraging writers to evaluate their goals, habits, and expectations with greater honesty and self-awareness. By reframing quitting as a strategic tool rather than a sign of failure, the book provides practical insight for authors seeking to avoid burnout and build sustainable creative careers. Its message is both empowering and reassuring for writers who feel trapped by unrealistic standards of achievement and productivity.

Overall, it’s a valuable read for anyone interested in writing craft, publishing, creativity, personal growth, productivity, author development, creative entrepreneurship, career sustainability, and the long-term realities of a writing life.

[DE Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the entire Dear Writer series, so of course this one was a hit for me. The entire series has such good advice for all creatives out there, not just writers and I will always recommend these books. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! Exactly what I needed in this season of my life and author career.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid advice but almost everything I already knew intuitively. There wasn't much that was new or particularly helpful to me.