If you’ve stumbled across my content or read my bio, then you would know that books are a major part of my life. I read them, write them, edit them, and critique them on the regular. Having worked with books professionally for the past ten years, I’ve noticed a few things about the book writing process, mainly the people interested in it. 

With improvements in self-publishing making it easier for people to become authors, and to make money as an authorpreneur, a growing number of people have taken an interest in writing books of their own, particularly memoirs or self-help books. They, too, want to be a part of a shared experience. They want to see their words come alive on the page and their names grace beautifully-designed book covers. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with desiring to write a book about your life or expertise, there’s one question I ask prospective clients that makes the intent behind their desire clear: Why should you write a book?

This question isn’t meant to ruffle your feathers. It’s meant to get your wheels turning. Think about it. If there are millions (possibly billions) of books out there, how will yours stand out from the rest? What will you contribute to the world when so many contributions have already been made? Questions like these will help you understand one of two things: 1) why your book must be written or 2) why it might be best to keep your book on the shelf.

Still not sure? I’ve got you covered. Here are five reasons you should write a book. Just to give you a heads up, money isn’t one of them.

• You’re ready to make an impact in the world.

Call me crazy, but I believe every story I write has the potential to impact someone somewhere. All it takes is for that one person to tell another person and for that person to tell another person, and before you know it, you’re making an impact in the world. 

Just to give you an example, my short story “A Christmas Wish” has sold copies in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. And to think I almost didn’t release it because I feared it wasn’t good enough. You want to know what made me comfortable enough to release it? I understood God was going to use it to give me a glimpse of what’s to come, which is far greater than anything I could ask, think, or imagine.

• You have a desire to help others.

While it’s okay to earn a living from your books, writing books solely for the money can lead to a slippery slope. One minute you’re writing books that have meaning, and then you’re releasing anything that will sell the next. In situations like these, you forget about the people who will benefit from your books the most: your audience.

Readers want to experience books that offer them value, those that inspire them to think, feel, or act differently once they put them down. And trust me, they can tell when you’re full of yourself (or something else). When you care about your audience, you consider how your story will contribute to their growth. You aim to help them in ways that others have helped you, or in the ways you wished someone would’ve helped you. Because you have a genuine interest in your audience’s well-being, you wouldn’t dare do anything to jeopardize it. 

• The benefits of telling your story outweigh the risks.

Of course, sharing details about your personal life and experiences can feel scary. Even if you’ve accepted certain events, putting them on paper can make them seem really real, giving them a permanent place to live . . . forever. You’re also opening yourself up to criticism, whether it’s constructive or not.

However, you know there’s someone out there who’s waiting on your story. Someone who needs to hear the words you wish you would’ve heard. Someone who needs the support you wish you would’ve had. Someone who needs to know they’re not alone in this world. With this in mind, you’re willing to risk a moment of discomfort to help someone experience a lifetime of freedom.

• Telling your story is crucial to your healing process.

It’s interesting how telling your story can be one of the first or last steps you take to heal. Regardless of when it happens, you just know it has to happen because your best life depends on it.

When I first got the idea to write a self-help book, I wanted to help women combat the lies they believed about their identities. Then I realized I was one of those women. How could I help someone overcome something I had yet to overcome myself? That’s when I decided to bear it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Within that process, I discovered God more, and that combined with therapy helped me discover myself more.

• Your story is attached to your purpose.

This one sums up everything. When telling your story aligns with your purpose, you realize it’s not an option; it’s a necessity. It’s something you were put here on this earth to do, something you must do before you depart from it.

I’ve helped so many people tell their stories as an editor, but I know no reward will be greater than telling my own as an author. Nothing about telling my story is a job or an assignment. It’s a call that I must answer. A call that I must be equipped to carry out. I must admit, it can be terrifying and overwhelming at times. But I know who will get the glory in the end: the One who has called me to it.

As you can see, writing a life-changing book is not to be taken lightly. Yet, it can be so fulfilling when you discover your “why.” If any of these five reasons have spoken to your heart, my question to you now is, “Why haven’t you started?”

 

Confess with Me: I have a powerful story that needs to be told, and I vow to tell it well.

 

Need more help with discovering your why? Download How to Write a Book Without Breaking the Bank on Gumroad or Amazon Kindle today!