In the bustling world of business, few milestones can epitomize your expertise and thought leadership quite like the bound pages of a book. For business professionals and career changers, publishing a book can seem an arduous and mysterious venture. Yet, with explicit instruction and a systematic approach, becoming an author can evolve from a whimsical desire to a tangible achievement.
But why should you, an established professional, consider penning a book? Strategic authorship can enhance your personal brand, open the doors to public speaking and position you as an industry authority. Your book can serve as a living, breathing business card, a comprehensive statement of your knowledge and vision.
Leveraging Your Expertise
Before we launch into the logistics of book publication, it’s crucial to understand the compelling force behind the endeavor. In a world of fleeting digital content, a book is a lasting testimony of your skill set. It is a physical embodiment of your brand, offering an opportunity to share insightful wisdom and narrative that could otherwise be lost in the internet’s white noise.
Writing a book sets you apart as a dedicated and serious thought leader. It demands you to be well-versed in your topic and deepen your understanding through research, experience and a level of introspection that few other pursuits require.
Picking The Perfect Topic
When you decide to become a published author, you are faced with a pivotal question: What should I write about? The answer lies at the crossroads of your passions and professional expertise. A business book should aim to solve a specific problem, offer a fresh perspective on industry trends or present a unique subject matter analysis.
To select the right topic:
- Identify a gap in the current literature on a pressing business issue
- Leverage your personal successes and challenges to craft a narrative that others can learn from
- Reflect on your unique skill set and experiences to offer a new way of thinking about an enduring topic in your field
The Writing Process: A Closer Look
You can accomplish the daunting task of turning a blank page into a book; don’t let being overwhelmed mentally paralyze you from starting.
At the heart of any successful writing endeavor lies discipline. Carve out dedicated time each day to write, whether it’s in the early hours of the morning, during your lunch break or before you retire at night. This consistent routine is pivotal, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.
If you are having a difficulty, starting free writing.
- Set a Timer: A good starting point is 15 to 20 minutes, though you can adjust this based on your preference and schedule.
- Choose a Quiet Space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can write without interruptions. This helps in maintaining a flow of thoughts without distractions.
- Ignore Grammar and Spelling: The goal of free writing is to get your thoughts down on paper as they come to you. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation. The aim is to write continuously without getting bogged down by editing.
- Write Continuously: Keep your pen moving or your fingers typing. If you run out of things to say, write about how you’re feeling or what’s happening around you until a new thought emerges.
- Reflect on Your Writing: Once the timer goes off, take some time to read what you’ve written. Look for any ideas or themes that stand out. These can serve as seeds for your book’s content.
Consider the length of your book as you start writing. A standard industry practice suggests that a nonfiction business book should be at least 120 pages, which for a typical 6×9 format approximates to about 30,000 words. Decide whether you will write in a narrative, story-driven format, or an instructional guidebook style.
This is your opportunity to refine and structure your content. Consider hiring a professional editor to provide a critical, outside perspective on your work.
The rise of digital platforms has democratized the publishing process, making it more accessible to anyone with a story to tell. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is an invaluable tool for self-publishers, offering a straightforward process to see your book in print.
The first step in self-publishing through KDP is to create an account. This simple process requires a few personal details and payment information for your book. KDP doesn’t charge a fee upfront because they are a print-on-demand company, meaning they only print copies of your book when someone orders it. This process reduces overhead costs, and you, the writer, don’t have to pay for physical copies in advance—KDP handles the entire printing process for you.
KDP offers a range of templates for various book sizes. Download the one that best fits your project and include your content within the guidelines provided.
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book. While KDP can provide you with a free ISBN, purchasing your own allows you to have an imprint that is exclusively yours. The book’s imprint is the publishing company, or it can be your personal brand. Having your own imprint can help establish your professional presence.
Once you have your book content and ISBN, the KDP dashboard will guide you through setting up your book for publication. This includes adding your book description, cover design, categories, meta tags and price selection.
Before your book is available for purchase, order a proof copy to review the final product. This is your chance to ensure your book is ready for the public eye.
Don’t forget to order copies for yourself! Having physical copies of your book can be a powerful tool for sales and marketing. You may wish to distribute them to colleagues, potential clients and partners. Also, having copies of your book at speaking events is another way to display your authority in the field.
Your Professional Profile
Don’t overlook the incredible impact that your book can have on your professional profile. Adding your published work to your resume can add a shine to your career achievements. Mention it in your cover letters, on your LinkedIn profile, and anywhere you wish to underscore your authority.
Focus on the outcome rather than the overwhelming process of starting to write a book. Let your words and idealisms set you apart from the competition.