Should You Be Writing a Book?

by Lisa Tener Published Author and Book Coach http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1481683

 Is a book in the cards for you?
As a professional, you’ve probably noticed that those people who’ve written books in your field are often the ones who get the best opportunities–speaking engagements, motivated clients, more income and publicity. They’re often seen as the experts. What would it mean for you in your life to be seen as one of those experts? What changes would it bring to your career and lifestyle–more fun, more money, more time, motivated clients, public exposure?

As someone who’s been in your field for a while, you probably know a great deal and there may be many people who could benefit from your expertise and knowledge. Does that mean you should be writing a book? No. Not everyone is capable of writing a book for one thing. Also, it may not be worth the time you put into it, especially if not executed properly. Many books are unpublishable–and many that are self-published should never have hit the presses. You wouldn’t want to write a book that makes people think badly of you–yet that is exactly what happens when someone publishes a poorly organized book with typos and grammatical errors. I see that all too often.

Let’s take a deeper look at whether you could write a quality book to help meet your goals, and whether the project can be a savvy investment.

Is the timing right?
If you do write a book, you want to write a book that sells, a book that provides expertise and useful information and a book that bolsters your status in your field. You can do this if you master your time. If you are struggling with time as it is, you first need to develop effective systems for time management and organization that will free up time. You need to prioritize and plan for a way to make your book a viable project that doesn’t overload you. Perhaps you need an organized friend or a coach to help you figure out how to manage your time.

Are you ready? Here’s a checklist for you:

If you answer “Yes” to these, you’re ready:

__ I have expertise that I can turn into book form to address some problems, challenges or projects that people in my market/niche are facing right now.

__ My business strategy includes media publicity, public speaking, being viewed as an industry expert or offering internet-based products.

__ I already have time I can set aside for writing my book (turn off the TV, go on a newspaper fast, or give up a few hours of your weekend).

If you answer “Yes” to the points below, you need to work on time management and organizing to make it work.

__ I’m so crunched for time I can’t see where I’ll find any time to write the book.

__ I’m very disorganized and don’t know where to find anything. I’m afraid if I start writing a book it will only get me more scattered.

One last note: if your concern is that you don’t already have the expertise, you can interview the experts, do some research and write your book in order to become the expert.

Are you ready?

Lisa Tener is a published author and book coach. Her first book was published by Health Communications. Her most recent publication is an e-kit (e-book, e-workbook, e-templates and several other products), The Insider’s Guide to Writing Your Best Book in 60 Days, co-authored with Jen Senecal–find out about the kit at (insert your affiliate link here). Lisa has been interviewed on ABC World News with Peter Jennings, NiteBeat and PBS-TV. She has been quoted in USA Weekend, Glamour, Family Circle, Body and Soul, Fitness, the Boston Globe and dozens of other publications. You may sign up for her fr.ee book-writing mini-course at (insert your affliate link here). Lisa can be reached at Lisa@LisaTener.com.