There are so many “get rich quick” videos and posts online with promises of a passive income if you self publish a book on KDP. Worse of all are posts trying to take advantage of the current cost of living crisis, promising a quick fix.
I believe this is the wrong motivation or reason to write and release a book.
Don't write or put together a book because you want to make some quick or easy money (you won't). Write a book because you have something to share. Something to say. Help and inspire others to overcome similar challenges. Knowledge to share and teach others. Something you have enthusiasm for and want to tell the world about.
When you write about something you care about, the rest will come naturally.
If you write a book with the attitude of “making money” - that is how it will come across to readers of your book - even if you don't realise it.
Similarly, writing a book just to raise the profile of your business - something I've seen promoted by a number of “experts”. There is even an attitude that such books don't even have to be any good - just as long as you get a book released - essentially existing only to be a glorified business card. While a book can indeed help raise the profile of your business, don't make it your only motivation, put the effort into creating the best possible book, and don't try and turn your book into a glorified sales pitch for your business.
Despite what many “gurus” say, its not a case of putting a book on Amazon and letting the sales roll in - marketing your book is an ongoing process. Releasing a book is only the beginning. Marketing and promoting your book is an ongoing process, although it will be worth it.
The reality is that the chance of earning really high incomes from your books are very low - certainly nowhere near the amount promised by the "gurus" promise - although your books can still sell well. And will add to your overall business income. Your monthly book sales are more likely to pay for a night out, rather then a flashy new car!
Self published books that sell really well are usually business owners with existing clients, contacts, etc. - and have a good marketing plan in place.
You are competing against millions of other books on Amazon - remember whether you sell just 1 copy, a handful or it ends up being a bestseller - its still an achievement.
Don't worry too much about niches, what will sell, etc. - although it may be important, don't get so distracted researching these you never end up creating your book.
And don't even think about writing a book about something you don't really have any enthusiasm for, or don't really care about. Write what you want to write about - the things you could talk about for hours on end given the chance.
Think about the difference your book will make when its in peoples hands, rather then the money you will have coming in.
Yes, you would like your book to sell well, and it will if you put the work in. Yes, you would like some income from your books. However, as with anything else, if you put something together just for the money - it's not going to great, and very low quality.
Don't write a book just so you have something to sell - and certainly don't rush out a book just to try and make some money. Remember for non-fiction books you may also need to fact check and ensure information is accurate.
As important as money and income from your books may be - your book will sell more and get more people reading if you actually create something. Rather then imagine the money coming in, instead imagine the people actually reading your book.
Be a creative person first, and a business person second.
As cheesy as this may sound - write from the heart, rather then your potential bank balance!
If you'd like to discuss your book idea - including putting your book together, self publishing, marketing and any other questions, then you are welcome to come along to my workshop next month on Tuesday 20th September!
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