5 Core Questions to Ready You For Book Writing

Many people ask me, how do I know if I am ready to write a book? I chuckle at this question because after writing professionally for over 30 years, I don't know if I am actually ever really "ready" when I sit down to write. No matter where we are in the experience arc of writing, the hardest journey is the four feet from not writing (and doing all the other many tasks that pull at us) and sitting in the chair. I tell my clients all the time, just sit down, open the laptop and let your fingers hover over the keys. You will eventually start to write.

That said, many of you are still in the place of deciding to write the book, and that in itself is another daunting limbo. I have created five core questions you can ask yourself to clear the mind fog and get yourself closer to committing. Then you can deal with the actual "writing the book" resistance. But first, we have to ascertain if you are commitment ready.

Question #1: Do I have eight extra hours a week? Seriously. When you work with a book coach like myself, who has the goal to drive you every week to the finish line, you will not be successful if you don't truly have this time. You will find yourself making excuses every week for not meeting your deadlines, and your excitement to writing a book will turn into defeat. If you can't seem to find eight hours, look at the book as a brand. How much time have you allocated to branding your business, and is the book a strong enough component to dedicate those hours? If yes, then it's time to start to look at what is taking up those creative hours of your time so you can commit to writing.

Question #2: Do I have the drive to promote the book beyond one year? A book is not a sprint but a marathon. You have to be committed to a consistent integration of the book in all you do with your brand. I see authors come out strong in the first months after the book is published on Amazon, or hybrid, and then they lose steam, and run out of money. Investing in book PR is expensive and needs to be timed around other events and opportunities. I advise you to look at a two-three year game plan with the book as a business aspect of your brand. If you don't want to spend that much time on your book, then ask yourself new questions about the book and your expectations.

Question #3: Have I experienced some kind of loss or death recently that may need to be resolved before I can be ready to write the book? An actual death of a parent or a close loved one can be extremely triggering in the memoir genre. Grief is so fresh in the first year, that while it may be cathartic, the emotions can also shut writers down and the rigor of doing a book program may be self-defeating. I have also seen the most intentional ambitious writers have to quit during a distressing divorce (which is also a death.) Writers can be seriously triggered when writing about their life story, even the little bit it comes into self-help or how to, when going through massive life changes. I also wouldn't suggest writing a book in the middle of a relocation. I had one client do this, and he almost lost his mind (although he did pull through because he was very coachable and very committed to his truth in his book.)

Question #4: Am I ready to invest tens of thousands of dollars into my book? When you work with a high-level coach like myself, akin to any top shelf mastermind investment, you pay for what you get. You can easily write a book in a one stop shop, who will also publish for you, but you will get a marginal book that doesn't ever really stand you out or help you shine. I want my clients to shine brightly and be seen in the mastery. Writing books is a herculean task. Are you a highly ambitious go getter who wants your book to be considered by an agent or publisher? You need to pay for the proper coaching to get to that level which includes a professional book proposal, query, book marketing and platform guidance. This all costs money. So look at your balance sheet and your book as a brand. Are you willing to make a $50k investment in a book? I know that sounds like a lot but it costs money to stand out as a brand.

Question #5: Will you write a second book or is this a one off? I ask this because some people discover when they write book one that they want to write lots more books. They get bit by the book bug. If you go into this knowing you are going to only write one book, then your focus should not be so much as promoting yourself as an "author" but rather the branded content of the book. Being realistic about the answer to this question will determine the kind of support you look for in writing and publishing the book. I coach authors to write books but they all desire to have an image and future as authors. A second book is on their radar so with book one, we get them positioned for that track. If you have no desire to tour as an author, or write a second book, you may be best off self-publishing and catering your promotion to a specific local niche of reader.

To write a book that can be successful for you and your brand, it's important to peel back the layers of the onion before you commence. Doing your due diligence can ensure you make a well-thought out decision before you launch into a process that can deliver some surprises but exciting results!