My ideal client doesn’t want to write a book to inflate their ego. In fact, it’s oftentimes a concern for them. They want to write a book to share their insights and teachings, but they don’t want the book to be viewed as a project that’s just meant to self-promote or ego build.
I want to stop that myth in its tracks.
Writing a book is not an act of ego but rather an act of service. The most powerful books are focused on the reader throughout, not the author. Yes, the author is sharing their own stories (this is a must) and sharing their insights, but all of it is being shared with the intention of positively impacting the reader. The “so what?” of the reader is always top of mind.
A book is a powerful tool. It has the ability to scale impact in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. If your book could make a true difference in someone’s life, why wouldn’t you write it? If you’ve been hesitant to write a book because you don’t want it to be all about you, read on.
Stories Are Powerful
By sharing your story, you help others who are navigating or processing similar challenges, striving for similar goals, etc. The reader doesn’t need to share your exact same path for the story to resonate with them. It’s the teachings that come from the stories that make the difference for our readers.
So why not just skip the stories?
Stories and teaching must go hand-in-hand. Besides keeping the reader engaged, stories are necessary because they demonstrate how the teachings can be applied successfully. They make abstract concepts more real. Furthermore, stories add credibility to the author and to the teaching itself because they illustrate the concept in a real-world context.
On the other hand, we can’t just share stories. If we just share stories with no teachings, our readers will check out really quickly. An author may have the most interesting stories in the world, but even then, the readers will likely ask “so what?”. Memoirs are no exception. While on the surface they are a collection of stories, the goal is still to teach something. That is why the author wrote it in the first place. This is more subtle in memoirs but a consistent theme is still present.
Books are capable of creating connection because of the depth in which the author shares their journey. Stories are a big part of that connection because both stories of success and stories of struggle are shared. This connection can help readers feel seen and feel as if they have permission to take that next step and open up to the possibilities in front of them.
It’s about Reach, Not Elevation
Books are an incredible tool for expanding your reach. They aren’t about gloating or touting successes. In fact, most books will also share stories of struggle.
The goal of a book is to scale impact. Think of it like this: you could try to discuss the topic you’re passionate about in one-off conversations or you can create a tool that can reach the masses without you even having to be present. Readers start to take positive action from the book and share with their loved ones as well. The ripple effect is undeniable.
The key that makes it about reach and not about self-promotion is the tone of the book. Books that sound like they are lecturing the reader will scream self-promotion. But books that have a tone of inspiration, hope, education, or empowerment bring the reader along and show them what’s possible.
If You Don’t Talk about It, Who Does?
If you aren’t sharing your story and expertise, who is? At this point, you might say, “Plenty of people talk about my niche.”
But… they don’t talk about it the way you do. Your experiences are unique. Your perspective is unique. Your background is unique. You get it; you’re unique. How you view the topic is going to be different than others who may have talked about it before, and your viewpoint may just make all the difference for your readers.
By staying quiet, you could be robbing someone else of a tool that could help them create major positive change, not just in their own lives, but in the lives of others. We wouldn’t want to be the reason that type of change doesn’t happen.
Let’s return to the ripple effect. Even if your book were to make a big impact for one reader, we still wouldn’t be able to truly track that impact. That reader may start their own business or make changes to the culture of their business. That could impact all their employees, which would impact their employees’ families, and the list could go on and on.
Writing a book is an act of service. Sure, your name is on the cover, and sure, you’ll get some attention for it. That means you’ve made an impact. Readers love books that help them feel seen and provide a service. Readers do not love books where the author makes it all about them. If there’s a buzz around your book, it’s because you succeeded in your mission to serve.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.