3 Reasons to Publish Your Work by Tisa Silver Canady

Wondering whether to put your works in print? Whether you have a story to tell or a stance to take, here are three reasons to consider publishing your work. 

Gaining credibility. Writing a book is often viewed as a major accomplishment. Whether you choose self-publishing or are fortunate enough to secure a traditional publishing deal, being a published author differentiates you from most people. It produces a tangible point of reference that documents your thoughts, feelings, theories, etc. on your subject of choice.  Your book may then be used to position you as a subject matter expert opening the door to media contributions and speaking engagements. If you do not think you have enough content to write a book, consider beginning with a blog post, a letter to the editor of an existing publication or a position paper

Building a community. Writing a book is a terrific way to connect with others. You can use your content to spark a conversation and keep it going through book clubs, webinars, and e-courses. Look no further than Cameka Smith, founder of The BOSS Network, for a prime example. Cameka authored 7 Steps to Grow Your Professional Network, and has since built a successful network that engages entrepreneurial minded women across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well as online and in-person events.

Generating income. I deliberately placed this reason as last on my list. Profits from book sales, known as royalties, are not usually the kind that will change your life. Royalties on books sold by the publisher provide the author with a percentage, perhaps 10-20 percent, of the book’s sale price. The payments are likely to be paid out quarterly. On the other hand, royalties on books you sell directly can be higher and cash is usually collected at the time of the sale. In this arrangement, you can buy books (yes, you have to buy copies of your own book!) from the publisher at a discounted price and resell them directly to readers. Publishers usually apply a volume discount so the more books you buy in a single transaction, the less you pay per book. Regardless, if you are looking for a book to generate cash, then your energy may be better invested by using the book to market yourself for speaking engagements.  You can make hundreds or potentially thousands from a speaking engagement and use the appearance to sell books as well. 

Overall, writing a book requires a substantial investment of time, money and of course, writing. Think of the finished product as an expensive business card, then shape your business to generate the desired effects and cash flow!

To find out more about Tisa Silver Canady, visit her at: www.tisasilver.com Twitter: @tisasilver

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