The Most Important Question to Ask Yourself If You Want to Write a Book
January 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Tips to Grow Your Business
If you want to write a book, you may think that the most important question you should ask yourself is – WHAT do I want to write about?
But actually, the most important question you should ask yourself if you want to write a book is – WHY do I want to write a book?
You need to answer that question even BEFORE you decide WHAT you want to write about. Here’s why.
Many people dream of having a book in major bookstores, where their friends and family can see it and everyone can buy it.
Other writers dream of having a book that will act more like a business card for them. They don’t expect to SELL the book as much as they expect to give it away to promote themselves and their other products and services.
Still other writers hope to write and publish a book so they can sell it AT their speaking engagements, OR make it part of their speaker fee. By that I mean, whenever an organization books one of these speakers for an event, they also purchase copies of the speaker’s book to give to everyone who attends the event.
As you’ve probably figured out by now, if you plan to use your book as a business card and give it away, you’ll probably write a much different book that you will if you plan to have your book sell in major bookstores across the country or sell it in the back of the room at speaking engagements.
So before you start writing your book, take the time to decide exactly WHY you want to write it.
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Let us help you figure out WHY you want to write your book when you join the Build Your Business Write Author Program.
Hi, I came across your link and found some interesting reading. I have written a children’s book, about my daughter, and I am uncertain what to do next. I know and understand that it needs editing. I have a friend who is interested in illustrating, she is a trained artist and has sold pieces of art, has some hanging in a gallery, etc. I just setnher the manuscript this week. I did go to a self-publishing site for information and am now hounded weekly with emails..
What is your recomendation?
Hi, Vickie,
Have you visited my other site for children’s writers – http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com? You’ll find tips about writing for children. But, you probably need to learn more about the “business” of writing for children if you hope to sell your book. You can get that by joining the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club – if you’re SERIOUS about learning the tricks of the trade for children’s writing. Do NOT get your friend to illustrate your book if you’re hoping to attract a traditional publisher. Generally, if the author doesn’t also illustrate, traditional publishers will want to assign an illustrator to your book.
Good luck!
Suzanne Lieurance