6 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Write a Book
“Is writing a book worth it?” The interviewer asked me as we chatted on a Zoom call. If you’ve been hanging out with me virtually here on my blog, you probably know I recently released my new narrative nonfiction book, Six-Figure Freelance Writer, which hit #1 in New Releases on Amazon for its category during the launch. I’m currently doing a press tour for the book, and was sharing a screen and a cup of tea with an interview from a freelancing organization. The interviewer was asking the question because he was considering writing his book, and wanted to know if I had found enough value during my publishing journey.
I didn’t hesitate for a second: “Yes. You should write a book — everyone with a business or a story should.”
Listen, I know it’s important for people to be choosy with how they spend their time, energy, and money. But I’m serious: you need to write your book. Why?
Within the first month of publishing my book…
I connected and re-connected with so many amazing people in my community!
I’ve been able to share my knowledge with fellow freelancers and help them have a more holistic approach to freelancing
I’ve had more opportunities to guest on podcasts/share my advice to different publications and freelancing communities, offering more touchpoints to connect with my audience
I landed a new high-ticket coaching client ($2,000+ worth of services)
I landed two new clients because they read my book ($108,000+ worth of work)
So much new client interest that I may need to start up a waitlist soon!
On the financial side, I’ve seen about $110,000 worth of new work directly thanks to my book — so far! — and that’s not including book sales, which will continue to be passive income forever for me. On the emotional side, it’s been deeply satisfying to finish my book and share it with the world, and know that I’m helping freelance writers in the process!
I would say that’s more than “worth it” for what I wanted to get out of the publishing process: sharing my story and journey as a freelance writer, and the advice that worked best for me. I didn’t anticipate all of these benefits to be as impactful as they ended up being, which is why I’ve continued to go deeper down the rabbit hole of what it means to be a modern author in a digital age, showing how writing a publishing a book can be “worth it” in more ways than one.
With that said, a book is still a significant investment of time and energy, so I wanted to share with you 6 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Write a Book. At the end of the article, I’ll also share more details about my ghostwriting and publishing services and how I can help you write and publish your book!
6 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Write a Book
Reason #1: Increase Business Revenue and Awareness
People who read your book will get curious about your business. Because the writing and publishing process is so difficult, the general public sees books as a more legitimate art form compared to digital assets like courses. So if you’re a business owner with educational materials like a blog or course, you should consider turning those into a book.
That’s how New York Times Bestselling Authors James Clear of Atomic Habits and Seth Godin of Purple Cow (and a million other books!) developed their material for their book. Tim Ferris also does this well, turning interesting conversations into content with his book Tribe of Mentors.
All of these modern authors and entrepreneurs grew their following with the help of their books, using them as a bookstore entry point into their other products, podcasts, and more.
Reason #2: Inspire Future Generations and Leave Your Legacy
Chances are, you got into entrepreneurship to try and help the world in some way. The courage that you had to take a risk and build something important — that’s a story that will inspire others to go after their dreams with all of their heart.
Writing a book will pass on the lessons you learned and the legacy you have to leave. There’s nothing more generous than paying forward your advice and experiences!
Reason #3: Develop Your Personal Brand for Future Opportunities
Cultivating a strong personal brand will pay off in spades: you’ll have easier access to future opportunities, grow your influence in online communities, and cement yourself as a thought leader and expert in your industry.
In human terms, a personal brand makes you more findable and vibrant. It allows you to show up authentically in a memorable way — even to people who have only met you by reading your story.
I’ve spent years developing my “personal brand” — AKA, getting to know y’all here on my blog and on my social media! As a memoir and narrative nonfiction ghostwriter, most of the people who hire me to write their books find me through my digital footprint, whether that’s a blog post like this one or on another platform where I’m probably posting too many aesthetic pictures of books or breakfast burritos. (The world needs more breakfast burritos!)
No matter what you do or who you are, you benefit from being findable so that you can always attract the perfect opportunities!
Reason #4: Expand Your Network and Community Through a Book Tour/Press Tour
You don’t need to be George R.R. Martin to have a book tour.
In fact, a book tour doesn’t even need to be in-person: I’m a fan of the digital book tour, which scales much more nicely!
A digital book tour/press tour is where authors promote their books from the comfort of their own homes, or if you’re like me from a beach in Spain (which is what I’ll be doing this summer!) and you do so through modern digital media.
The modern author shares their book on…
Top podcasts in their niche
Traditional publications
On TikTok Live and Twitter Live
Within online communities and membership groups
…and much more!
And some of these leads come and find you when they hear about your book! I had a few interviews where the interviewers had followed me online for awhile and only reached out to interview me when they found out about my book. Books are a magnet for new friends, collaborators, and curators to find you!
When I work with clients on the publishing side of their book, we take this modern approach to what a book tour can and should look like. If the author is based in a city with some notable bookstores we may also reach out to them to organize a signing, but I’ve found that the best, most scalable events where you reach the most readers happen online.
Every author is different in their strategy and approach to this, but I recommend every entrepreneur use their book as an excuse to throw a book party and enjoy their launch!
Reason #5: Leave a Family Heirloom for Your Ancestors
You’ve lived an interesting life, why not capture it in an heirloom so your kids and kids’ kids can know you as you are now, not as you existed in dusty family photos?
There’s a saying that every time someone dies, a library burns to the ground with them. Don’t let your library burn: leave your family something they can always remember you by.
Reason #6: Share Hard-Earned Business Advice and Cement Your Approach
Books like Storybrand by Donald Miller are great examples of someone creating a method that they then sell as a service or greater workshop offering. The secret to a seven-figure business starts by articulating why your approach works: and sharing a done-with-you book so that clients understand your expertise. This is how you’ll be more likely to convert the clients that want a done-for-you experience, as Alex Hormozi does so well with his book $100 Million Dollar Offers.
Hire Help: Ghostwriting and Publishing Services for Your Memoir or Nonfiction Book
As an entrepreneur, your time is precious. You could learn everything there is to know about publishing, where to source the best book designers, how to write your manuscript — or my team and I can handle it for you.
Here’s how I help busy entrepreneurs write and publish their books:
Just want help with your manuscript? I can interview you and ghostwrite your book.
Want a comprehensive, done-for-you ghostwritten and published book? My signature Legacy Package includes everything you need to be set up for success.
Happy publishing, entrepreneurs!
