Long before your fingers hit the keyboard it’s important to know why you are writing in the first place. Without a narrow focus readers will not be interested. A great book always offers a good reason for reading it – a meaningful purpose. You can find this in your existing brand message. And every successful business aims to solve problems for its clients and customers, don’t they?

Ask yourself how you would like to serve your readers. Does this book answer their most pressing questions?

See that one person as if they were you – what draws you to your book?

Visualization of your design and content is a powerful tool to use. Map out what the description will say and the design of the front and back cover. All of your branding and marketing campaigns will flow out of this. Create a few scenarios first before deciding on the final version.

I always like to ask my clients first about the ‘why’ behind their books. Is it a retelling of powerful life lessons? Or a how-to strategy? If your book serves a specific intention it will become more clear to you who your core audience is. Otherwise, what is the point of writing and publishing if it doesn’t have a reason to be in print? Too much content is put out there that no one will ever read or purchase at a bookstore both online and offline because the author missed this step. The more narrow your topic is the more your title will reach the right people who will want to know more.

Another important element is to take a look at your overall mission. Some authors have the desire to share their personal story to the world in order to make an impact for change. Others want to share their expertise and ideas and build a community of loyal brand followers. Always keep in mind how you can help others achieve their own goals, dreams and desires. Every author has a specific set of skills and life experiences that can offer tremendous value to those who are on the same path.

Now that you understand who you are writing for and how you can best add value for them you will be able to be more clear on your motive. While book sales are a bonus, your book should serve as a stepping stone to a greater achievement such as creating courses, becoming a trusted speaker, launching a podcast, ect.

If you already have a business it’s well worth re-visiting your current mission statement. Does it line up with your target market’s values? What is the current response from people who follow your brand? Deciding to write a book can help you improve on this and become more clear in your messaging.

Once all of these elements are in place it will be easy to decide whether or not now is the time to write and publish a book. A purposeful message is one that is strong and proves to your readers that you understand their core needs and competently answers their most sought-after questions.