Why write a book?

As many who already follow me or know me may be aware, I'm the author of four books, covering a range of subjects from editing audio, managing WordPress websites, developing software and creating new products.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I've also offered to help people considering writing a book while they are at home more with a free half hour phone call.

(And do get in touch if you'd like a free half hour phone call to discuss the options for self publishing - absolutely no sales pitches, and that goes both ways!)

Anyway, enough talking about me and how I help people, and on to the subject of this blog post - why write a book?

• You have something you'd like to say.
• Knowledge you would like to share.
• Help other people.
• Something you have always wanted to do.
• During lockdown, you still wanted to find a way to share your knowledge and/or make good use of your time.
• Just feels like the right thing to do.
• Expand the audience for the work you do (i.e. people that can't or may not be aware of your workshops, etc. may find and read your book).
• Lack of books that cover a particular area - for example my WordPress book was written as many books covered creating a website, and not the day to day running.
• Don't worry if there are similar books already out there - will be more work to market, however people will still want to read your take on the subject.
• Collect blog posts, articles, etc. into a book to reach a new audience - always interesting that many people have already written a book without even realising it!
• What will someone gain by reading your book? A better understanding? Learning a new skill? Knowledge or steps to improve?
• You already have books released, and have ideas for sequels, follow-ups or even new /updated editions.
• Worried that your idea for a book is too niche? Don't - there will most likely be an audience, and being niche does have its advantages.

Are there any reasons of your own you can add to the above list?

I'm about to be VERY blunt here: and here's some reasons why NOT to write a book...

• Gaining a passive income - if you are doing it purely for the money, that will most likely come across in your book.
• As a glorified business card or to provide extra credibility - while these can be advantages of writing and publishing a book, don't do it solely for this reason.
• You want the reader to contact you or use your services - how annoying is it to read a book, and they only way you can actually do anything is to hire the author!
• It will lead to a new job or new career - while its a good way of demonstrating that you know your stuff, its still the wrong reason to release a book.
• You believe you'll be picked up by a maintstream publisher by self publishing a book - don't adopt this attitude, let everyone see your best work.

As with a fictional book (which has a beginning, middle and end) your book should be a complete work - they shouldn't need to make any additional purchases.

While some of the above reasons NOT to write a book can end up being advantages and benefits after a book is released (e.g. more clients, extra income, etc.) it shouldn't be the main reason for getting a book out there.

As I wrote the above points - it did get me thinking - the reasons FOR writing a book are about your reader, while the ones for NOT are about the author. Something I didn't realise until I was writing this post.

When I've released my books - while I have gained new clients as a result, extra income from the books, etc. its not been the main reason to write and release them.

Don't be lazy either - and don't even think you can put any old rubbish out there and people will read it.

(Shockingly, I've seen a few well-known business "experts" advise people to just release a book - not to even bother promoting the book - and it doesn't matter if nobody actually reads it, as long as its just out there to help boost a business.)

Or that you can release a book, and people will come and purchase it - you will still need to promote the book.

To sum up the above - write a book because you have something to say, not because you will come across as a business leader or get a passive income.

If you have been considering writing a book for a while, or had an idea, or perhaps even already written a book and wondered whether to release it, then I hope this post has encouraged you.

Have an idea for a book? Something you'd like to say or share? An idea that has a beginning, middle and end? Then go ahead and put together your book - and if I can help in any way (if I can't help you, chances are I can point you in the direction of people who can) let me know.

Here's my books - if you are looking for help with editing audio, creating new products, developing software/coding or looking after your WordPress website, my books are ideal for beginners and can help you get started.

Available to order from my Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simon-Pittman/e/B07D7WPTH5