Writing Advice from a 5 A.M. Novelist (and Editorial Director)
Q&A with the amazing Beth Adams,
Editorial Director for FaithWords and Worthy Books at Hachette
One of the things I love most about this community is getting to hear from people who live and breathe books, not just as editors or publishers, but also as writers.
This week, I’m thrilled to feature Beth Adams, Editorial Director for FaithWords and Worthy Books at Hachette. Beth has shaped countless bestselling titles and still finds time to write her own stories before most of us have poured our first cup of coffee.
She graciously answered a few questions for The Author’s Edge about her writing habits, what most writers overlook, and the one practice she believes makes all the difference.
Meet Beth Adams
Beth Adams is the Editorial Director for FaithWords and Worthy Books, imprints of the Hachette Book Group, where she’s worked on numerous bestselling and award-winning books. She also writes books as a side hustle and has published over eighty books to date. Every day at 5 am, you can find her on the couch with her laptop and a strong cup of coffee, making up stories. An introverted book lover/cat lady at heart, she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two daughters.
What’s your favorite writing advice, or what advice would you give writers who are just getting started?
Beth: Do it every day. You need to carve out consistent time in your schedule, even if it’s at 5am, to work every single day. If you write only when you feel like it, you’ll never do it, and if you go more than a day or two without returning to your story, it becomes too hard to get back into it. You have to spend too much time getting back up to speed. But setting a regular rhythm allows you to stay in your work and also forces you to treat it like work, which it is.
What’s one simple mistake most writers make that’s easy to avoid?
Beth: Worrying too much about becoming a bestseller or winning awards instead of just writing a great book. I know every writer dreams of hitting the New York Times list, but that’s a pretty poor metric for success, in my view. Writing books (or articles or blog posts or whatever) that people enjoy and remember is the best way to build a following and an audience, and that’s what translates to long-term success and building a sustainable career.
If you could recommend one book every writer should read, what is it?
Beth: I don’t think there’s one book every writer should read (except Mike’s book, of course). But I think every writer should read A LOT. Read in your genre. Read outside of your genre. Read fiction. Read non-fiction. Read things you love and things that you’d never normally pick up. Get lost in books just for the fun of it and fall in love with characters who make you see the world differently. The more you see how other writers do things, how other writers structure books and approach topics and build worlds, the more resources you have to draw from when you sit down to write. If you aren’t reading just for the love of it, you probably shouldn’t be writing either.
I love Beth’s reminder that consistency, not inspiration, is what turns an idea into a finished book. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or lunch breaks, every writer has to decide when they’ll show up for their work.
If you found her insights helpful, send me an email and tell me: When do you find yourself most able to write?
Keep showing up,
🎯 The people you’re meant to reach are already looking for you. Let us help you find them.
How to Stand Out to Your Audience is the course that helps you name who you’re really writing for. You’ll learn how to define your primary and secondary audiences, tell the story of your ideal reader, and clarify the specific problem your book will solve. Stop guessing, stop chasing and start reaching the people God has already prepared to receive your message.
✍️ Our NEW course is for serious aspiring authors. And it’s finally here! Start writing with a clear path forward.
How to Write and Publish Your Book is a comprehensive, 11-module course designed to help you take your book idea and develop it into a complete, compelling manuscript. Through in-depth video lessons, a guided workbook, and expert insights, you’ll walk step by step through everything from premise and hook to editing, structure, agents, and book formats. Whether you plan to self-publish or pursue a traditional deal, this course gives you the structure, tools, and professional strategy to get your message into the world.
