Write a GREAT Book! 51 thinking, and future is to read aloud to them daily. I hired Jim to talk several times when my kids were in elemen- tary school, because I thought his messages were pro- found and absolutely right on. Read your stories out loud to interested individuals. Jack and I tested all our stories on lots of people. When we found a story we thought would really connect with a friend of ours, we immediately called him or her and shared the story. 吀栀eir acceptance, insights, and state- ments helped our Chicken Soup series become a spectac- ular success. Get Used to the Editorial Process Almost all writers 昀椀nd it very di昀케cult to go over their own work objectively. 吀栀e amount of time and energy needed to create a 昀椀nished document makes the possi- bility of more time and e昀昀ort hugely unappetizing. But if you intend to be a published author, you’ve got to get used to the editorial process. Winston Churchill edited his works fourteen times before sharing them, even with his editor. Ernest Hem- ingway said, “Write drunk and edit sober.” I think that means be intoxicated, excited, and enchanted by your writing, and look at your editing process through several sets of eyes: the eyes of an editor, reader, disinterested third party, and book buyer.