"You should write a book!"

But maybe not right away

“I want to write a book. Can you help me?”

I get inquiries like this all the time. My company, A Powerful Story, provides assisted self-publishing, collaborative writing, and editing services. Which means no matter where you are the journey from idea to published book, I can help you. But sometimes, that help comes in the form of unexpected advice—slow down.

Some folks come to me with a manuscript, and they need it to be edited and then guided through the design and self-publishing process. For example, I helped the authors of this novel and this memoir in this way.

Some come with an idea, and they need me to help them write it. I guide them through creating an outline, figuring out their book’s hook, what they’ll include and what they’ll wisely leave out. I interview them multiple times, write a draft one chapter at a time, get their input and changes, and we continue back and forth until the book is complete. Then, I guide them through the self-publishing process. For example, this book by a business leader.

You get the picture. Writing and publishing a book requires a process of writing, editing, design, and more. If your dream is to write and publish a book, I can help you. Unless I think you really shouldn’t write a book. Yet.

Photo by Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com/

Many self-publishing companies (called vanity publishers) will gladly take your money to create a book for you. You spend a lot of time and money, and end up with a pile of books, but no way to sell them. I don’t do that. I regularly get inquiries from folks whom I realize, after a few conversations, are not ready. And unlike some companies, I gently redirect them. I recommend next steps so that they can write a book, just not right now. I try to kindly educate them about the publishing industry. I try to help them accurately self-assess.

I’ve written or co-written two dozen books and about 70 small group study guides. I’ve been published by royalty publishers, I’ve self-published, and I’ve helped others navigate both of those paths to publication. I’ve been in this business for more than two decades. I love helping people write and publish. If they are ready. And if they’re not? I try to offer them next steps.

In fact, I’m currently following my own advice. I’m currently helping several clients with their books, which keeps me pretty busy. But I’ve also got a new project of my own on the back burner. It’s in the simmering stage. I’m doing things like reading other books and articles on the topic, creating short form content (like newsletters or blog posts) on the topic, doing 1000 words at a time of very, very, very rough draft that may never see the light of day. I’m researching who else is talking about the topic, and what they are saying, both online and in real life. I’m pondering and refining my ideas, figuring out the hook. This stage is essential before I attempt to write the book.

Who should write a book?

Many entrepreneurs want to write a book to establish themselves as an expert and to market their business. They’ve gained a lot of wisdom by starting and leading a company, and want to share it. That is an excellent reason to write a book.

Photo by fauxels: https://www.pexels.com/

A potential author might have some content: some words, an outline, an idea. While each person’s situation is different, I sometimes tell a potential client—you should write a book, just not right now. You’ve got several steps between where you are, and where you need to be.

But sometimes, for example, an entrepreneur will want to write before they actually start their business. They don’t have a website or a newsletter. They don’t have any audience at all. Most of the time, that person is not ready to write a book.

Other folks want to write a book, but they need to refine their idea a bit more—the idea is too vague or too broad or too narrow (or maybe just kind of boring). It might be that they need to start with a blog or newsletter to see if readers are interested in the topic—and if they more to say about it than can be contained in a few blog posts. They need to do research, to read what else is out there on their topic.

Some folks have an amazing personal story: something weird or difficult happened in their life, and people often tell them, “Wow, you should write a book!” Mostly—and this might be hard to hear—people say that because they don’t know how to respond to their story. Having a story doesn’t necessarily mean they should write a book. If you do not enjoy writing, if you don’t love reading memoir, if you don’t have extra money to invest in self-publishing, if you are not really interested in the business of selling books—then you probably should not try to publish a book about your personal story. You could (and I think should) write down your personal story for your own enjoyment and maybe to get some closure, or maybe to share it with family and friends. But publishing it? Probably not.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you should start the business first, and get that going. A book will boost your momentum, but it typically won’t start your business for you. If a would-be author spends time creating content for their website, blog, and social media channels, that will ultimately help their book to reach a broader audience, with a clearer message.

Oddly, potential authors aren’t disappointed when I say “not yet.” They’re grateful. Because their vision just got a little clearer.

Maybe you want to write a book. Maybe it’s a memoir, maybe it’s a self-help book, or a devotional. But you’re not sure you’re ready. I offer a free 30-minute consultation that will help you figure out your next step. Feel free to be in touch to learn more.

P.S. If you found this newsletter helpful, I’d love it if you would share it with one friend. Who is someone you know who needs to read this?

P.P.S. Links in this post are affiliate links, which enable me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting my free Substack in this way!