Checklist: Should You Write A Book?

Many of us dream of writing a book in our lifetime. This is especially common among independent professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to get their message out.

But how do you know if writing a non-fiction book is actually a worthy investment of your time and resources?

And how do you know if you’re ready?

Writing a book is a big commitment and a highly personal decision, so I can’t tell you “yes” or “no” for sure. That said, there are a few key indicators that can help you make your choice.

I’ve spent many years helping thought leaders write and market their books (and I’ve done the same for myself) and I’ve learned a few things about when the time is right to, um, write. :)

Give this checklist a try and see where you net out.

(Want a free pdf of this checklist? Download it here.)


✅ You want to change something for the better.

Books have the potential to shape culture, to change how we think, act, work, and live. If you want to make a lasting, positive impact, a book is a good way to do that.

Furthermore, if you have a bigger purpose driving you — i.e., the change you want to make — you’ll be more likely to complete your book AND make it impactful.

On the other hand, if you don’t know how you want to influence or change things (beyond yourself or your business), you might not be ready yet.


✅ You know who your book is for.

One of the first questions I ask prospective clients is: who is your audience?

It’s amazing how often we can get so wrapped up in our own ideas that we forget that a book is a two-way street. In order for it to have any kind of impact, it must be read and appreciated by someone… so, who is that person?

The answer to that question may be broad or narrow. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a small, targeted niche. But you should have an understanding of who your reader is, and why they will want to read your book.


✅ You’ve communicated your ideas somewhere else.

You don’t need to have ALL your ideas worked out in detail or know exactly how to express them — that’s what I’m here for. But I’ve found that the process works best if you’ve already taken a stab at communicating your ideas in some format.

Maybe you’ve been blogging or creating content for a while. Or giving presentations, speeches, or workshops. Or you’ve been published in your local newspaper. Or you’ve been creating depthful social media content expressing your ideas. You get the gist.

If an idea has been percolating but you haven’t communicated it yet, don’t start with a book. Start smaller.

Communicating regularly has various benefits: It helps you develop your ideas; allows you to test your ideas with your audience to see what resonates; it gives you material to build on when writing; it clarifies your ideas and builds confidence, which makes the writing process more efficient; and finally, it can help you grow your audience so there are people ready to buy your book once it’s written.

If communicating isn’t your first rodeo, then giddy up — might be time to put it in book form.


✅ You know how a book fits into your revenue model.

With some exceptions, books in and of themselves are not a great way to make money — especially once you factor in all the time you’ll spend writing and marketing your book.

The best way to make money from a book is to have your book support some other revenue source. Before you begin writing, you should have a good sense of how your book fits within your business model, and why it’s worthy of all your time and effort.

For example: It can build credibility and klout, leading to more paid speaking gigs, more clients, higher consulting fees, or boost sales of existing products.

Books can certainly pay off — IF you have a plan.

(Want more tips on this? Check out this blog post from Rochelle Moulton, an expert on building authority: rochellemoulton.com/four-ways-to-think-about-your-future-book-before-writing-a-word I like her email newsletter too, btw.)


✅ You are committed to publishing your book one way or another.

Do you want to get an agent and seek a traditional publisher? Or will you self-publish?

You don’t have to know the answer to that question right now. (I help answer it here). But in my opinion, you should be committed to getting your book out into the world no matter what.

Being committed means you’re not stuck on the “how”, and you’ve got some back-up plans. For example, perhaps your dream is to have your book published by a big, recognizable publishing house. But if that doesn’t work out, perhaps you’d be happy to work with a smaller, newer, and/or niche press. And if that doesn’t happen, you’ll self-publish using a Print-On-Demand service, and/or in e-book format.

My point here is that if you’re stuck on your ideal outcome or nothing, you might wind up with nothing. True thought leaders and change-makers are dedicated to getting their message out. They will find a way.


✅ You’re prepared for some discomfort.

Creating anything can be uncomfortable at times, and writing a book is no different.

Communicating your ideas effectively often involves digging deeper — it means working through any lingering imposter syndrome. Tapping into empathy. Sharing stories that might leave you feeling a bit vulnerable or exposed.

(In fact, when I hosted my thought leadership summit back in January, every single one of my speakers mentioned vulnerability, authenticity, and discomfort as key elements in effective storytelling.)

Discomfort is part of the process. And — with the right support — it can be a wonderful, enlightening part of the process.

If the very thought of that makes you want to run and hide, you might not be ready yet.

But if that excites you or spurs you on, that’s a good sign.


✅ There’s a voice inside you that’s saying “now is the time”.

You might have all kinds of practical reasons to write a book. Maybe your subject matter expertise is topical right now. Maybe your business is ready for it. Maybe you’ve finally got room in your schedule.

All of these are good reasons. But most of all, if there’s a voice inside you saying “it’s time”, maybe you should listen.

Anais Nin wrote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

If it’s that day for you, give me a shout. Together we can bring your book to life.

With heart,
Camille

P.S. Download a free pdf of this checklist here: camilledeputter.com/checklist-should-you-write-a-book