I know sometimes it’s tough to deal with the challenges of feeling like you don’t have enough money to do the things you really want: take a vacation, buy a new car, or even start your own business. I have spent many years as a business coach training people around sales and money conversations. Over those years, I’ve heard far too many times, “I don’t have the money,” only to come to the realization that people will find a way to afford what they truly desire. In other words, you can and will find the money to pay for what you love, including writing a book.

I’m sure it isn’t just me. I’m sure you, too, have got something to say to the world (or you wouldn’t be reading this blog). The greatest advice I can give you is this: when you’re ready to write your book, do it right the first time. Hire the best and invest in support to write and publish a really good book. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that’s going to cost money. At the very least, you’ll need to purchase two ISBNs (one for the print and one for the e-book), you’ll need to pay for the book to be edited, and if you’re smart, you’ll also make sure to have the interior and cover of the book designed by a professional book designer. Readers DO judge a book by its cover, and if you want your book to sell (as I’m sure you do), investing in the editing, design, marketing, and promotion of your book is a no brainer.

So how do you finance your writing, pay your bills, and finish your book? Here are five places to start.

1. The easiest trick to get money is apply for a 0% interest card for 12-20 months and finance your own book.That’s a free loan of money and for almost two years in some cases. I’ve done this myself in the past to build my own business. At one time, I had a 0% card for $35,000, $33,000, and $28,000 all at the same time. The payments were as low as $300 per month. This type of self-financing leverages you enough time to gain capital. It’s a smart way to leverage someone else’s money.
2. Start a Go Fund Me, Kickstarter, or Smashfund Campaign.I have used Smashfund to raise money for nonprofits at my 3-Day Speak to Profit live events, which you should attend. The three campaigning systems are very similar. I like Smashfund because it’s free, for now, and you keep 100% of the money you receive. You simply create an account and send out your campaign to supporters. I recommend donating half of what you earn to a charity and keep the rest for your book.
3. Sell your existing programs and services.If you’re writing a book, you’re a subject matter expert who can turn your expert content into a workshop, a retreat, or an online program that you can sell, even if you don’t have the book out yet. A great way to put on a cost-effective workshop is to have a friend host it for you. You can couple it with a wine tasting party. You deliver the content of your book in a workshop format as people enjoy the different wines. You can provide snacks and desserts. Make sure you charge a fee for the workshop and PRE-sell your book.
4. If you’re on a mission to help other people with your book, you can do a fundraiser to get the word out and/or ask for sponsorships.The fundraiser might be a dance-a-thon, a walk-a-thon, a bake sale, or a fundraising dinner. You can invite a small group of friends and family or go all out and invite anyone and everyone. People love to help, and they also love a party. Again, motivate others to give by donating a portion of the proceeds to a related cause. Depending on the subject matter of the book, you could also ask for sponsors. Half the money goes to charity and half goes to the awareness book. You can even name the sponsors in your book.
5. Ask and ask again!I have clients that are afraid to ask their spouse or loved ones for money. I always recommend having a structured plan in hand before you begin such a conversation. For example, you can create a payment plan that includes a small monthly interest. You might offer them a 2–3% interest payment. They can’t even get that interest rate at a bank! Establish manageable payment terms that are realistic for you. I have clients borrow money from their loved ones and agree to start paying the loan after 6 months, but not to exceed 21 months. The good news is you will write your book and then go make some money off it, whether you are selling products, services, or just books.

Ultimately, you’ve got to get yourself into the mindset of possibility. I would take a moment and ask yourself, “What can I do to find the money to finance my book?” Then turn over every rock so you have the financial means to express yourself in one of the most credibility-building ways possible—a book. Finally, remember that the money excuse for not writing a book may be just that—an excuse. Never let anything stand in your way, especially money. Go out, find the money, and get writing that book!