Legend has it that everyone has a book in them. I won’t argue with that, but I know that for most people, that book never sees the light of day.
A smaller number of people are sure they want to write a book. That could be you.
The question is: “How do you know when it’s time to get down to business and get that book done. If you’re like the people I talk to, many of whom become clients, there are three things that determine whether you’re really going to start your book project and stay with it until your book is done.
It makes business sense to you
Most of my clients imagine a book as part of their career or life plan. They want to write a book that helps them command higher fees and move to a new level. That’s necessary, but it’s not enough. In fact, it’s just the start.
You have a reason beyond business
My clients who actually write a book have a reason that’s more powerful than simple career success. Some of them want to learn about the subject. Some of them want to pull everything they’ve learned over decades together in one place and connect the dots. Some want to tick an item off their bucket list. Those are all great, but they’re not enough, either.
You’re willing to sacrifice
You can understand how a book will help you achieve your career goals. You can have a strong emotional reason to write your book. If that’s all you have you’ll probably start writing your book and then give up the project after a while.
Writing a book is hard work, so if you’re not really committed to it, you won’t persist when the going gets tough. You’re going to have to carve out time from an already stuffed schedule. That will mean giving up on some things you really like to do. The reasons to write your book have to be stronger than the pull of the gravity of your present life. The project won’t be quick either. You probably will have to maintain your commitment for a year or more.
The Bottom Line
Writing a book requires you to change your daily life, develop new habits, work hard, and keep at it for a long time. Do you have the commitment for that? If you do, it’s time to write your book.