Monday’s writing tip for authors

Before starting to write a book, ask yourself the following questions. Your answers will help you enjoy maximum benefits from your book and work as efficiently as possible:

1. Why do you want to write a book? Describe your personal goals in as much detail as possible. How are you going to benefit from your book? It’s important that you establish realistic expectations for your book. In most cases, you can’t depend on income from a publisher’s advance and royalties, so it’s up to you to know how you’re going to convert your book into on-going profits.
2. Who do you want to buy your book? Describe your intended readers as completely as possible. Who are they? What are their characteristics? What are their problems and goals? What kinds of information are they looking for?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of existing books in your field? Analyze existing books. What are their pros and cons? Who published the books? Which agents represented them? Who are their authors? Look for clues about how the authors are profiting from their books. Look for information located in reader reviews.
4. How do you enjoy spending your time? Decide how you want to spend your time after your book appears. This will help you choose the right publishing alternative. Do you want to spend your time on distribution and fulfillment tasks, or do you want to devote your time profiting from the exposure and credibility your book creates?
5. How do you intend to market and promote your book to success? Describe your ability to generate demand for your book. Do you already have an established online presence likely to buy your book, or are you starting from scratch? List the marketing activities that would make the most sense for you as you promote your book.

Success is not about the book

Writing a book is one of the most predictable ways you can build your personal brand and attract prospects to your business.

However, writing success is not about the book and it’s not about the quality of your ideas and your ability to write. And, success is not about the amount of resources–i.e., time and money–that you invest writing your book.

Each year, tens of thousands of fine books with great ideas fail to provide their authors with a realistic return on the time and money invested in them.

The difference between publishing success and failure is the “fit,” or match, between your book, your market, the competition, and your personal and business goals.

Taking the time to explore the above questions is the first step towards writing your way to success.

Writing resources to explore

Published & Profitable contains over 400 pages of ideas, inspiration, and tools to help you write a book.

I started Published & Profitable to help other authors benefit from my experiences. I wanted to help them avoid making the same mistakes I–and countless others–have made writing books.

I invite you to explore  Published & Profitable’s sample content and begin your journey writing your way to success.