There are hundreds of reasons to write a book. There are reasons that exist solely in your heart and those that are universal. Below I am giving you 10 (Simple) Reasons to Write That Book because it’s a new year and resolutions are already being ignored. Don’t let this resolution slip between the cracks. I’m hoping to spark a fire in you to sit down, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write that book! I’m a book publicist so I see thousands of writers anxiously pursuing their dream and whether they succeed or fail in garnering the attention they want, they are always proud of the book that they can hold in their hands, a tangible example of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
- You’ve always wanted to write a book. Let’s face it, most people have some desire to write a book. Whether you want to write a non-fiction book about Butter Sculptors or the Next Great American Novel, the desire is there and there is no amount of journal writing that is going to take the place of completing an actual book that people can buy and read.
- You become an expert. Whatever you write about, whatever subject or topic you explore, the amount of time it takes to write a book and the amount of research that goes into it builds your credibility and expertise. Even novel writing can make you an expert on any number of topics. Writing about divorce will make you an expert on divorce. Writing about wedding planning, elephant sanctuaries, murder. All of these topics will require research. They will require that you dive head first into these worlds to make them as real as possible.
- Be of service. Maybe you want to write a memoir about suffering a miscarriage. How many women will be thankful that you had the bravery to tackle such an emotional and difficult topic?
- Inspiring and life-changing. Writing a book awakens curiosity and allows you to see the world in a new and different way.
- Set goals and achieve them. Don’t we all want to check things off our bucket lists? According to writer Joseph Epstein, “81 percent of Americans have a book in them.”
- Helps clarify your thoughts. “When you have to write your ideas out in complete sentences and complete paragraphs, it forces a deeper clarity of thinking.” -Jeff Bezos. {via Fast Company}
- Helps launch a business. There is no better way of diseminating your ideas than with a book. A book helps other people get a clearer view of your vision. Going on talk shows to discuss your book can help more people find you and therefore increase your productivity and help grow your business.
- Introduces you to new people and new ideas. The publishing and writing world is not that big. Writers bond easily with one another because they know the difficult road they have all picked to travel down. It can be a lonely career, that’s why so many writers start writing groups, message boards and meet-ups.
- Brings confidence. Just knowing that you can do something that so many people only talk about doing is sure to ignite a fire in you.
- “Writing a book is a tremendous experience. It pays off intellectually. It clarifies your thinking. It builds credibility. It is a living engine of marketing and idea spreading, working every day to deliver your message with authority. You should write one.” {via Seth Godin}