So…Why This Book?

No really—why this one, with your time, your money, your life?

(Prefer audio? Click here to listen to the podcast episode.)

This might come across as rude, but hear me out.

When someone tells me they’ve written a book, started writing a book, or even that they’re considering writing a book, my first thought is often, “Why?”

Now, I don’t say that because I actually do know how to communicate well, and that dreaded “w” word can be seen as being confrontational, abrasive, or at the very least, asking a bit more of a personal question. I’m poking at someone’s reasons. Their purpose. Their heart behind their work (or potential work). I get it.

And I’m a super-fan of more amazing, impactful, fantastical books being written, so I do have genuine enthusiasm when I say the usual statements of:

“That’s fantastic!” or “Good for you!” or “The more the merrier!” and maybe, if we have time, a side of “If you’re cool with sharing, what’s it about?”

Because I am honestly excited and I want to encourage.

Yet underneath that question lingers, waiting to be asked if the conversation deepens: “Why? Why are you writing a book? Why do this when you could be doing anything else with your time? Why write a book when we live in a world with endless distractions and ways to amuse yourself? Why this?”

That “why” is pivotal for all authors, not just newbies. It’s something that I ask myself before and during and after every book I write, because it matters that much.

For me as a Christian, it matters from now through eternity, because I believe I’m accountable to God for everything I do and say and think (and then I thank God for Jesus all over again because I fail every day to use my time as well as I could).

Everything you do has inherent value and impact, either positive or negative. All of us humans have a limited time on this planet. There are only so many hours in a day, minutes in an hour, seconds in a minute. What you do with your life matters.

Why are you writing this book? Why does it matter?

And why you’re writing your book matters for your margins, from time to money to breathing space. Because your work on this book is going to take up each of those precious resources.

-You’re spending time writing it (and by the way, “time is money” - you could be doing something else).
-You’ll have to decide if you’ll spend money on this book, how much, when, where, on what, and for what purpose.
-Your book is more than just a place to process - it’s a vital part of communicating with your readers. It’s a way to build a community with them, to share your art, and yes, to break even and/or make a profit. Communication takes effort, which means you’ll need to carve out time from that effort (even if you really, really love writing).

And because I love me some practical application, here are some questions to get you started on your “why” - and how it impacts your author margins.

Note: There are absolutely no right or wrong answers here. This is a zero-judgement zone. My goal is for you to get greater focus, clarity, and purpose as you move forward.

Time
-Why is this book worth spending time on?
-How much time do you have to invest in this book?
-Where will that time come from?
-What will you have to sacrifice to make time for this work?

Bonus: Set a date in the future of when you’ll want to have this book finished - not to be a buzzkill, but to give yourself a sense of momentum. Don’t worry about if you fail (or don’t). It’s not doom, it’s data. Your writing is valuable, so make time for it. If it isn’t valuable, then go back to your “why”?

Money
-Is this book worth spending money on? If so, why? If not, why not?
-How much money do you have to invest in this book?
-Where will that money come from?
-What will you have to sacrifice to make sure you have enough money?

Bonus: Set a budget for this book. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but figure out about how much you can spend on various aspects of production, from editing to formatting to cover design to publishing costs. If you’re going to pitch this book, consider what you might invest for connections - pitching to agents or editors at events or getting pitch prep help from an industry expert. If you’re DIY’ing entirely, then put a value on your time. How much will you spend, and could you be doing something else instead?

Rest
-How will you rest/refresh from writing this book?
-How much space will you have to rest and refresh?
-Where will that resting space come from? What will you have to say “no” to in order to make sure that your creative well is filled?

Bonus: Do some brainstorming on how you refresh your creativity. For some authors, it’s exercising or playing games or spending time with others. Or it might be watching a specific TV show or movie. It could be doing something with your hands away from screens. It could be time spent in prayer, meditation, or thoughtful reading. Knowing how you refresh your brain is crucial to your creative process.

Your “why” matters in writing your book, whether you’re just starting, in the editing stage, or considering your publishing options. Don’t run from the question. Face it, embrace it, and figure out your reasons.

Your unique words are worth it.

So, friends, I’d love to know: why are you writing your current book, story, etc?

Share in a comment!