So, you want to write a book…

• Why?
• Why now?
• What are you going to do with it?
• Who are you trying to reach?
• Why should/do prospective readers care about you?
• How will you reach them?
• What do you want them to do once you do reach them?
• Do they even like and have time to read books?
• If they do, what comes after that for you and for them?
• Do you have the resources--time, energy, and money--to do what comes next?
• What return on your invest do you expect?
• What are you doing now to improve your chances of reaching your goal(s)?

If you aren't thinking about what comes next (why you’re doing what you're doing), you're probably wasting your time.
Books are vehicles. If you don't know where you want to go, which roads you'll take to get there, and/or the road conditions, I highly recommend that you step back and answer the twelve questions listed above before putting your foot on the gas because the communication vehicle you use matters.

A sports car isn’t well suited to getting into the back country, and a 4x4 pickup truck’s functionality isn’t maximized in a city. The best delivery method for your message may be by bike messenger or float plane.

Sure, the author label is sexy, but it often serves our ego more than it serves our business or organization and our ideal audience.

Recommended Reading:

Why You're Probably Writing Your Nonfiction Book Too Soon

Quick-Reference Publishing Stats You Need to Know!

Which Publishing Model Is Right for You: Traditional Big 5, Traditional Indie Press, Self-Publishing, or Hybrid/Partner?

Cristen Iris

CI Communication Strategies