Have you ever felt a story simmering inside you, begging to be told? The desire to write a book is strong, but where do you start? Before diving headfirst into the beautiful chaos of chapters and characters, let’s explore some signs that indicate you’re truly ready to publish your book.
The Idea Won’t Leave You Alone
When you have a concept for a story, it is often quiet, but persistent. It always shows up as that one voice in the back of your head, nudging you to play around with it. It’s something you can’t stop thinking about. It might be a fictional tale that has been brewing in your mind for years, or a non-fiction story based on your own experiences. Whatever the genre, the story feels urgent and important to you. You know exactly what you want to achieve with it. Be it to make people laugh, teach them something, or get them thinking. You know your goal with it.
You Know Your Subject Matter Well
If you’re writing a non-fiction book, you need to be an expert on the topic. This doesn’t mean you have to have a PhD, but you should have a very well understanding of the subject and be able to communicate it clearly to others. You’re not just sharing information, you’re converting your knowledge into a guide for your readers. You’re bridging the gap between what you know and what they need to learn. In this way, your passion and insights become the heart of your book.
You’re Aware of Your Audience
Just as you delve into your subject matter, delve into your ideal reader. Who are you writing for? Are they grappling with the same questions you once had? Do they share a passion for your subject but lack the deep understanding?
Understand their pain points, their desires, and their preferred learning style. What are their expectations of your book? What questions might they have? Anticipating these needs allows you to tailor your writing, ensuring your knowledge truly resonates and delivers value.
You Know Where You Stand in Your Writing Journey
Just as your subject matter forms the foundation for your non-fiction book, your writing journey becomes the foundation for its construction. Knowing your “where” in this journey is crucial for success. By understanding your “where” as a writer, you gain self-awareness, empowering you to refine your skills, navigate challenges, and ultimately write a non-fiction book that resonates not just with your subject matter, but with your audience and your own writing aspirations.
You Want to Fill Gaps to Current Work
You have a deep confidence in your approach. You know your methodology is strong, and you see opportunities to improve upon existing solutions in your field. You actively engage with others in the space, learning from them while recognizing your own strengths. Conversations become springboards for innovation: “That’s great, but here’s how I might take it a step further.” Your arguments are backed by experience, tested results, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. You yearn to share your expertise and solutions that set the bar higher.
What Else to Consider?
Everyone keeps telling you to write a book. People constantly seek your advice. It’s clear: writing a book makes sense. With a book, you could reach a wider audience and have a more significant impact. So, take the leap of faith!
