Goodreads asked Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger:

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger Treat this as a business. Get interested in all aspects of publishing and writing. If you do not approach this as a professional--the book being your product--you will have troubles being successful.

Learn about all the aspects, even the ones that you think are too daunting or too boring. My decision to strike out as an indie publisher is wholly due to the fact that I already run my own business. When I could not find an agent or a publisher to become my partners, I decided to learn everything I could about the industry and strike out on my own. These days, writers are expected to shoulder the majority of the tasks required to be successful. So, here's the thing: Years ago, I asked myself, "Chrystyna, if you have to work so hard for a boss, why not just work for yourself?" And that's when I started my coaching and training business. The same thing happened with the book: "If I have to work that hard, why not just work for myself?" And it is hard. It took me years to feel confident enough in my craft to say that I was going to strike out and learn the other aspects of being a published author.

The responsibility lies solely with me, but one of the greatest lessons I have learned is to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and hire or contract the right people who can support you where you are not able to be the expert. The more you invest, the more your returns--if channeled in the right directions. I spent a lot of time researching my genre, the covers, hired a designer who understood me and the vision (read the books!). I found an editor. I have reading groups, beta readers, and network on multiple social platforms. The writing community is tremendously supportive and it must be a give-and-take relationship in this business. Business, again, being the key word.

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