So you want to write a book.

Maybe you’ve seen the work pay off for the leaders around you, and you want to experience the same. Or, perhaps you’ve read life-changing books in the past, and you know that your ideas could have that impact for someone else. You might even just be thrilled at the thought of seeing your name and your legacy in print, standing proudly on shelves across the country. Whatever your motivation – hold on to that. You’ll need it later!

If you’re considering taking the plunge, here are some factors to consider and elements you’ll want to have in place first.

Get clear on why you’re doing this

A book can achieve a lot. For your business, your confidence, and for the people you’re trying to influence.

But, as you probably already know, they take a lot of work. And time. And financial investment.

Writing takes dedication, discipline, and a whole lot of humility. Your first draft won’t be perfect. Neither will your second. And those final edits can feel exhausting to get through.

And just when you think you’re nearly done with the project, you find the real work has just begun. Many people are surprised to find out the realities of publishing – the small return of profits you get with a name-brand publisher, the time and energy it takes from you as an author, and the work to promote and leverage your book even after it’s been printed and launched.

When we start to explain this to author-hopefuls, it’s no wonder we hear the question – Is it even worth it to write a book?

Honestly, the answer to that question entirely depends on what you want to get out of the project. Go back to that motivation, carefully outline the goal of the project, and you’ll probably have your answer.

The way we see it, the decision to write a book is similar to the decision to start your own business. Everyone knows being an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s certainly not the easy road to success. Most solopreneurs we work with have corporate or academic backgrounds, but started their own business because they knew they could have a greater impact (and potentially greater returns) by betting on themselves. It involves taking a bit of risk, investing a lot of time, and being brave enough to trust yourself and your ideas to carry you forward. No one writes a book because it’s easy – they do it because they see the potential of what they have to give.

But it takes a lot of clarity, planning and strategic thinking to execute it properly – just like it does to get through your first few years of running a business.

Now, what do you need in place (aside from a winning idea) to ensure the time and energy you put into this book is going to pay off?

1. Understand your goals.

Like with anything you do, it pays to set yourself clear intentions before a big project. What do you hope for this book to achieve? How will it support your business? What doors will this book open for you in your life, your career, and your thought leadership?

2. Know your audience.

There’s one thing that every fantastic (and bestselling book) has in common – they know their readers inside and out. Defining and clarifying your audience is one of the first exercises we have our Better Book Project participants complete, and it’s one of the most important steps of the entire journey. You have to know exactly who you’re talking to, understand their mindset, and stay focused on them throughout every word of your book.

If you’re just now considering whether you’re ready for a book – start by getting very clear about who your target reader is. How well do you know them? Do you need to do some more market research to get clear on their current challenges? Have you tested your assumptions about what they think and what they’re facing?

3. Develop your community.

It doesn’t matter if you’re publishing with Penguin or self-publishing through Amazon – leveraging a thought leadership book starts with your professional and personal network. The earlier you start fostering that community – whether through LinkedIn, blogging, networking events, speaking, or podcasting – the easier it will be later to sell your book and expand your impact.

4. Be realistic and plan for upfront expenses.

One of the hardest parts about finishing a book is facing the unexpected delays and costs. Always set aside a bit more time and savings than you think you need. Every book comes with unique challenges. You might find you need PR support down the line. Or extra design help than you thought you’d need. Sometimes, traditional printers require upfront fees. You might be up for an award and need to fill an extra print run. You never know where the journey will take you – but you will be far more likely to see your book succeed if you go in ready to leverage help where you need it.

Writing a book can be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and your business. There’s simply no other resource you can create that offers the same long term value and validation to your work.

But there’s a whole lot more that goes into developing that impact than just setting aside writing time at your desk. Get clear about your ‘why’. Hone down on your audience and their needs. Structure your thought leadership to be ready for a book. And go in with a plan.

If you need support at any stage of your book journey, we’re here to chat. Book a free strategy session with our team and we can help you determine your next steps.