Why write a book? Let me count the ways …

At any given time, you will be in a group of people. If you say you are an author, or working on a book, expect at least three-quarters of them to say, “I would like to write a book,” or “I have an idea for a book,” or “I wish I had the time to write a book,” or some variance to the theme. Then they will come up with reasons why they haven’t started or written it. Why write a book? Let me count the ways …

#1   Being an author marks you as an expert, The Expert. Your book notches up your status with others who call themselves experts. It enhances the influence you have, and you become the go-to person to solve a problem. You can parlay your expertise into appearances within the media or use it to develop/enhance a speaking career. Writing a book isn’t a piece of a cake like many “think”—it takes discipline, focus, a vision, and oh yes, courage. Those who are looking for a “voice” for a situation, as well as a solution, search for those who have taken the time and energy to provide it. Enter the author—you.

#2  Your book creates The Credibility Factor. Creating a book with substance and quality says reams about who and what you are. You’ve done the research; you’ve done a study; you’ve done the interviews; you’ve written a story that the reader falls into; you’ve written with delightful humor; you’ve painted a palette of words with the eye of an artist … you’ve created a work that says you’re the one to go to … whether it’s just a story to dive into, a source for solutions, or a read to share with a child. The Credibility Factor is a true badge of honor.

#3   Get free publicity … the media likes authors. Yes, they do. Pitching to them with the right hook at the right time will land you. Do they ever bite? Absolutely. Even if you contact them outside your topic and your book’s expertise, just having the book credential gets more than a toe in the media door. It’s the Credibility Factor. You are an author. An expert. The media likes the package. Do you have an opinion? If it has the right hook to it, you are in. It’s easier to get featured when you have a book.

#4  Books make great marketing tools. Some say that they are a “calling card” to be handed out liberally. Others use chapters and position them as freebies on the Internet, on blogs, within newsletters and magazines of groups that the book will cater to. Think book cover—create a snappy postcard with the cover on one side; a key message to your crowd; and a suggestion for them to engage you, hire you as a speaker, buy your book. Create a campaign rotating different thoughts. Snail mail them, of course. You will be amazed with your results.

#5 Books support a speaking career. This is where having the Expert Factor flies in your door. You’ve got a book. You have a mouth. Put them together. Sending your book and placing it physically in the hands of a meeting planner, as well as extra copies for a decision committee, moves you into a short list position. By determining the theme for the meeting or conference, you can create a “hook” to tie in the topic of your book directly—creating a partnership. Offer free articles for the group’s newsletters, always mentioning the title of your book. Supports pre-sales as well as onsite sales.

#6  Books can create a lucrative financial return. Contrary to common belief and the practice of too many authors, books needn’t be blatantly pitched to be sold. You don’t have to have an MBA or a PhD—what you have to have is a “GOOD.” When speakers are good (great is even better), by default they will sell books, lots of them. Be visible; be present; be GOOD … and they will come. Trust me—I’ve sold many thousands of books this way … and at full retail price … receiving millions (gulp) of dollars over the years. Why not you?

# 7  Get paid.  Because you are the Expert that your Book tells the world about, people are willing to pay for your expertise. When you have your name on a book cover, when you are known in the field or even nationally, you can demand a speaking fee that is far higher than someone who doesn’t have the credibility and authority your published book brings to you. It’s all about name recognition.

#8  Expanding your—or someone else’s—market. It’s not uncommon for companies to expand their position or re-position their brand or product by using an author as a spokesperson. That means your sales can soar. Or you can use your book to promote/market you to your current customer or prospect list. Suggest that they use your book as a customer premium, a fund-raiser, or even resell it if it ties into their customer or product line.

#9  People will find you. Having your name on a book cover can bring people to you. If you are a consultant, trainer, speaker, or anyone who has a product to sell/offer—including you as the product—books are a terrific way to create a path to your doorstep. Think of your book as a 24/7 agent. With its cover and description available via the search engines and proudly offered in the Internet bookstores, your market is truly global.

#10  Your career can morph to something you hadn’t imagined. You may be a mom with an infant, living on aid and doing your writing in cafes—as J.K. Rowling did before the world met Harry Potter. Or Elaine Dumler, who penned I’m Already Home that led to I’m Already Home … Again and created the amazing “Flat Daddy” campaign. She was a gifted speaker in the communication field, and I’m Already Home propelled her into the military realm. She is now a sought after expert recognized for her gifts in dealing with families and deployment. Her first self-published book sold over 80,000 copies. With her follow-up book, she had 6,000 copies in pre-orders.

If you want to make your mark, increase your presence, become a media expert, a sought after speaker or consultant, or simply reinvent yourself, a book can be your best friend.

Why write a book? Now you know the ways.

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Your Guide to Book publishing on www.Toginet.com.  Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook.  If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.