Don't Just Write a Book -- What You Should Do Instead

Written by our team member, Allison, who assists clients with all things writing

I’ve heard it said that books are the new business card and that every entrepreneur or small business owner should write one. While I do admit that a book is an excellent way to promote yourself and your business, I would argue that sometimes writing a book could sabotage your business and end up working against you, as opposed to for you. Three hundred thousand books are, on average, published every year. It’s very easy for yours to get lost in the abundance of non-fiction, business books that are out there.

Having spent many years in the publishing business, I have seen countless people write a book, simply to write a book. They look at their book as a status symbol, something that genuinely solidifies them as an expert in their field. But they only have something to say, not something to offer. If you are writing a book around your business, you need to bring something to the table. You aren’t writing a memoir, let’s say, that tells your story. Writing a book around your business needs to go a few steps further.

This book’s purpose is to set yourself apart from others in your industry. If you don’t have strong content for your book, you may end up hurting your credibility as an expert in your field. You should write a book because you have something to offer your reader or potential client, not merely because you want a book in your hand to sell at the next conference you attend. There are many other more efficient ways to prove yourself head and shoulders above your competition, besides writing a book.

I want to make it clear that I am not saying, “Don’t write a book.” If it is indeed what you are called to do and the best move for your business, then write the book. What I am suggesting is don’t write a book to have an Amazon Author page with your name on it. Write the book because it is the best choice for you and your business.

If the book is in conjunction with a new promotion you have out, or maybe it’s a proprietary how-to guide about your specific expertise, then a book might be the best idea for you. Perhaps it’s not a book; maybe you should start with a podcast or by writing a blog; things that will provide material for a book.

There are many ways to get your message out without diving headfirst into writing a book. If you’re thinking of writing a book or want to discuss other possibilities or options, Virtual Assist USA can help. Our experienced Virtual Assistant team can assist you in all facets of book publishing and writing.