Law #20: Do Not Commit to Anyone — A Writer's Guide

The twentieth law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Do not commit to anyone," advises against binding yourself too tightly to any person, group, or idea. For writers, this isn’t about avoiding collaboration or loyalty—it’s about staying flexible, retaining your independence, and keeping your options open. In a rapidly changing industry, versatility and adaptability are your greatest assets.

Here’s how this principle applies to your writing career and creative journey.

Maintaining Creative Freedom

Committing too rigidly to one style, genre, or audience can limit your growth and opportunities. By staying adaptable, you allow yourself the freedom to evolve.

1. Explore Multiple Genres:

• Experimenting with different genres can expand your skills and audience.

• Example: Authors like Neil Gaiman have thrived by writing across genres, from fantasy to graphic novels to children’s books.

• Application: Don’t box yourself into a single genre. Treat each new project as an opportunity to explore and innovate.

2. Keep Ownership of Your Work:

• Retain as much control over your creative decisions as possible.

• Example: Many self-published authors fully own their books, allowing them to experiment with covers, formats, and marketing strategies.

• Application: Understand your contracts and negotiate terms that allow you to retain your creative rights.

3. Avoid Overcommitting to Trends:

• Chasing trends can lead to work that feels derivative or rushed.

• Example: While dystopian YA novels were wildly popular for a time, many authors who jumped on the trend struggled to stand out.

• Application: Focus on creating stories you’re passionate about rather than following market trends.

Navigating Industry Relationships

While building relationships is essential, overcommitting to a single agent, publisher, or collaborator can limit your options in the long run.

1. Keep Professional Relationships Balanced:

• Avoid becoming overly dependent on one agent, editor, or publisher.

• Example: An author who relies solely on one publisher may struggle if that publisher changes direction or goes under.

• Application: Diversify your professional network and remain open to new partnerships.

2. Be Selective with Collaborations:

• Collaborate strategically, ensuring the partnership aligns with your goals.

• Example: Co-writing or anthology projects can be rewarding, but only if both parties contribute equally and share a vision.

• Application: Vet potential collaborators carefully and set clear expectations upfront.

3. Stay Open to New Opportunities:

• Committing too early to one path can blind you to other possibilities.

• Example: An author who signs an exclusive deal with one platform might miss out on better offers elsewhere.

• Application: Research your options thoroughly before making major decisions, and be willing to pivot if needed.

Engaging with Your Audience

While loyalty to your readers is essential, it’s equally important to avoid becoming beholden to their expectations in a way that stifles your creativity.

1. Balance Reader Expectations with Creative Growth:

• Meet your audience’s expectations while also challenging them with new ideas.

• Example: Brandon Sanderson keeps his audience engaged by delivering on his promises and surprising them with unexpected projects.

• Application: Be transparent with your readers about your creative direction while inviting them to join you.

2. Avoid Pandering:

• Writing solely to please others can dilute your unique voice.

• Example: Authors who write by committee often produce bland or uninspired work.

• Application: Stay true to your vision while remaining open to constructive feedback.

3. Build a Diverse Audience:

• Engaging with a wide range of readers ensures broader support and resilience.

• Example: Authors who appeal to multiple demographics often have more stable careers.

• Application: Write stories with universal themes that resonate across different audiences.

Staying Flexible in Marketing and Branding

A rigid brand or marketing strategy can make adapting to changing trends or opportunities difficult. Flexibility allows you to pivot when needed.

1. Experiment with Platforms:

• Explore different ways to reach your audience, from social media to email newsletters to podcasts.

• Example: Many authors have found success on platforms like TikTok, which weren’t initially designed for book marketing.

• Application: Be willing to experiment with new platforms and adjust your strategy based on what works.

2. Rebrand When Necessary:

• If your current brand isn’t working, don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself.

• Example: Stephen King published early works under the pseudonym Richard Bachman to explore different styles and audiences.

• Application: Periodically evaluate your brand and make changes that align with your evolving goals.

3. Diversify Your Offerings:

• Offer a range of content, from books to short stories to merchandise.

• Example: J.K. Rowling expanded the Harry Potter universe through Pottermore, spin-offs, and related products.

• Application: Think beyond your books to create a multifaceted brand that offers multiple entry points for fans.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While remaining uncommitted has its advantages, it’s essential to avoid the extremes of indecision or detachment.

• Don’t Burn Bridges:

  • Flexibility doesn’t mean being unreliable or disloyal.

  • Solution: Communicate openly and maintain professionalism in all relationships, even if you decide to move on.

• Avoid Paralysis by Analysis:

  • Keeping your options open shouldn’t lead to indecision.

  • Solution: Set clear decision-making criteria and trust your instincts when the time comes.

• Stay Genuine:

  • Being noncommittal doesn’t mean being insincere.

  • Solution: Be honest about your intentions and goals, ensuring that your flexibility is rooted in authenticity.

Conclusion: The Freedom of Flexibility

Law #20, "Do not commit to anyone," is about maintaining independence and adaptability in your writing career. By staying open to new opportunities, diversifying your efforts, and avoiding overreliance on any single person or path, you can position yourself for long-term success. Flexibility doesn’t mean a lack of direction—it means staying nimble and responsive in an ever-changing industry.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #21, "Play a sucker to catch a sucker—seem dumber than your mark," and how humility and strategic underestimation can work to your advantage as a writer. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.