6 Reasons You Need to Write a Book

Many bucket lists and vision boards contain the big dream of writing a book.

Who hasn’t said “I really want to write a book one day.”

It often stays a far off fantasy because people don’t realize just how do-able it is to write and publish a book.

Years ago writing a book felt overwhelming.

For some people simply writing the book itself is a daunting task (I’ll write more on that later).

But for many others, the arduous and demoralizing process of finding an agent and a publisher that deems your book worthy for production is what has held them back from pursuing this dream.

That process is no less daunting today but fortunately we live in an age where self-publishing is a much more approachable option.

Today we have the affordable option to self-publish and the free marketing outlets (social media) to promote the book.  Technology and social media have made it much more democratic.

Besides having a fantasy of seeing your book displayed in the window of Barnes or Nobel or being referred to as a #1 New York Times bestselling author, there are many other reasons to finally write that book.

Here are the 5 reasons you should consider writing a book.

1. Builds Your Credibility

Writing a book holds a lot of psychological clout in people’s minds. When you include “author” in your introduction, people often perk up and want to know more. It not only builds credibility as an authority in your field but also as someone who has carefully taken the time to gather, curate and organize this knowledge into something worth publishing and sharing.  Additionally, major publications will be more apt to have you guest write for them (or be interviewed) if you have published a book.

2. Opens Doors

As an author you have positioned yourself as an authority or expert in your field – even if you’re curating knowledge, interviewing people or culminating research. This credibility opens doors.
When people are looking for guest speakers for events, they often are drawn to authors.
If you are new to the organization or person looking for presenters or guests, they can easily get a taste for you style, tone and topic if they have read your book. I was called out of the blue by the US Chamber of Commerce to come and speak in DC based solely on my book.  Be ready, because doors will open.

3. Adds a {little} Revenue

Everyone knows unless your Danielle Steel or John Grisham – you don’t become rich selling books.  However, it is a nice revenue stream that can help fund a small project or pay for that gorgeous handbag you’ve been coveting. Don’t forget to sell your book on your own site and include a link to your book on your email signature.  When you go to events, carry a box of books in your car just in case your book comes up in conversation.

4. Solidifies Connections

If you are a service-focused entrepreneur you don’t always have something you can grab and send to people you want to get to know at a deeper level. When I’m excited to work and collaborate with someone I often will send them a free copy of my book in order to share my work and to say “thank you”.

5. Just a Plain Great Gift

A book can be a plum goodie when used as gift, bonus or opt-in. If you don’t have anything yet to give as an opt-in or you just want to use it as a teaser, giving away a chapter of your book can be a great idea.  If you haven’t written the book yet you can provide a behind-the-scenes or secret chapter to get people engaged early on in your work.

6. Gives You Clarity

There is nothing like writing a book to get incredibly clear on your own focus, mission or perspective on a topic. You will research, interview, take notes, read differing opinions, read some more and then wrestle with your ideas like crazy.  All this work will help you refine the work you’re doing and the direction you will go.

Writing a book is not only a personal triumph but it can truly enhance your business. If you’ve ever had a dream to write a book there is no better time than NOW to do it.

So go write that book!

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