Write A Book

Few things can enhance your credibility more effectively than authoring a book. Authors are frequently perceived as subject matter experts in their fields. This notoriety leads to a range of opportunities to generate leads and close new business. Most books provide only modest revenues, but they can help launch a speaking career and get you in front of audiences ripe for your message.

For most people with something to write about, the only thing standing between them and writing a book is time. The best way to get started is simply that: get started. Set aside a few minutes each week for writing. Thirty minutes, an hour, a morning each week. As much time as you can afford. The key is that you start today, and make every effort to keep the writing dates you set with yourself.

Perhaps you want to write, but you really don’t think that your writing is up to snuff. You can always have a book written for you. This is known as ghost-writing, and it is more common than many people realize. With your guidance, a competent ghost writer can research and write a book in your subject area in a relatively short period of time. Prices and terms can usually be negotiated. Most ghost writers will quote a flat fee for their work. You set the prices and keep any monies from selling the book.

Although it can take months or years to find a publisher who will work with you, you can always go the self-publishing route. This means that you will not automatically end up on the shelves of your local bookstores, and you will have to manage the distribution of the book yourself.

You do not have to print hundreds or thousands of copies of your book at one time. Some printers will print your book on demand, one copy at a time. An example is Café Press (cafepress.com/cp/info/sell/books.aspx). For just four-and-a-half cents per page for printing plus a $4 binding fee, you can get your work printed and saddle-stitched. This means that a 150-page book will cost $10.75 to produce. What you charge your customers over and above that price is completely up to you.