Unless you’re a secret author at heart, you may not have considered ever writing a book. After all, if you don’t consider yourself a writer, why would you entertain the idea? Turns out there are many good reasons to consider writing a book. The most important reason for business owners and entrepreneurs is to establish themselves as authorities in their fields.
No matter what industry or business you’re in, your goal is to increase revenue, build brand awareness, and support a successful business. There are nearly as many ways to do that as there are business owners.
However, there is an important element that can take your business from busted to booming: establishing credibility in your field.
After all, why should future clients or customers trust you? It can be hard for a new prospect to trust an untested company. That’s where business books come in.
Consider this: when you write and self-publish a book, you have proven (even before the book is read!) that you know what you are talking about. After all, you have demonstrated that you have enough expert knowledge to fill a book.
Future clients and customers will see that you are a trusted source. They know they can pick up your book at any time and read what you have to say. Your philosophy on business and your particular industry is an open book, so to speak, and you’ve been transparent with your thoughts and your process.
Additionally, writing a book gives you a chance to connect more meaningfully with current customers and clients. If they’ve been neutral toward your brand, a book will give them a chance to engage on a deeper level; they’ll be able to connect your story to their own lives. This created connection could spark other connections through readers' word of mouth - free marketing! For example, if you're a real estate agent and you decide to write a book for first-time homeowners, all it takes is for a few people to read your book and start recommending it to their friends going through the same life change.
Writing a book gives you a tangible, concrete source to point to when someone asks, “What do you think?” And not only that, a book prompts the question in the first place. People naturally turn to published authors as a trusted source of commentary and information. Writing a book gives you an opportunity to present your ideas to the global market, giving you a chance to expand your brand and your business to a wider market.
Not only can a business book act as an additional source of revenue, it call act as a business card. If you are in a field that regularly convenes with others in your industry, through conventions or other events, your book can act as a business card.
Ready to begin your self-publishing journey? It’s simple—even if it doesn’t seem like it at first.
First, decide on a topic you’d like to write about. You can choose something you feel strongly about sharing, such as your business philosophy, or a topic your clients and customers would find useful. Consider how you can use your book to support your marketing in the future, as well as how your business can market your book.
Writing the book won’t be as difficult as it sounds. You can also reach out to professional writers and editors, who can help you polish your words. Write using one of our free book templates or format your book once its written.
Use our free book templates to format your book, or you can format them on your own. This is also the step where you’ll design your book’s cover, which is a very important component. You can hire a graphic designer to help or use our Create-a-Cover service.
Once your book is written, edited, and proofread, you can apply for an ISBN number. This is a unique identifier that distinguishes your book from any other book, past or present. You’ll need an ISBN and barcode if you plan to sell your book in stores or online. We can help you purchase an ISBN for your book, and if you’d like to publish other versions, such as an eBook, we can help you purchase the ISBN for that, too. Unlike Amazon, the ISBN you receive through 48 Hour Books comes from Bowker - the official ISBN supplier of ISBNs in the US, so you will own the ISBN and can use it at any retailers. Keep in mind that if you choose to sell your books through KDP and request an ISBN, then Amazon will own your ISBN and it may not apply to other retailers.
You’re nearly done. When your book has been formatted and designed, it’s time to place an order with 48 Hour Books. You can order online in minutes or call our customer service team for added support. Before your book goes to press, we’ll provide you with electronic, PDF proofs that will be uploaded to your account t view. You can also request a printed proof for an additional $40. Once you approve your PDF proof, a printed proof will then be printed and shipped to your promptly. Once you approve your proof and pay in full, your books go to print!
The final and most exciting step: Your printed book! When you order with us, you’ll get your books fast. We print paperback books in just two business days, and with two locations (Ohio and Las Vegas), we are within two days shipping to most US states. Once you have your books in hand, you can distribute, sell, and market your book to your chosen audience.
Be proud! You’ve taken a big step toward promoting your brand and your business. The final step? Celebrate!
You can learn more about our process and self-publishing a book on our website. But, if you prefer to speak with a person, reach out to the 48 Hour Books team for any questions you have about self-publishing a book. We’re happy to help guide you on your journey to becoming a published author. Give us a call at 800-231-0521 or contact us online with questions.
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