The first and perhaps most important question to ask yourself is, why do you want to write a book? For many, a book is a vehicle for sharing expertise, stories, or solutions to specific problems. Others see it as an opportunity to create a tangible legacy that outlives them. Understanding your “why” serves as the foundation upon which your entire book-writing project will be built. It sets the tone, offers direction, and provides a reservoir of motivation for those inevitable moments of doubt or creative stagnation. Knowing why you’re investing time, energy, and resources into writing a book will help you navigate the many choices and challenges you’ll face along the way. Your “why” is also crucial when it comes to marketing; people are more likely to invest in a book when they can connect with the purpose behind it.

Action Quest for this Chapter:

• Reflect on your motivations for writing a book and jot down your thoughts.
• Prioritize these motivations into a top-5 list.
• Create a “mission statement” for your book, encapsulating your primary reason for writing it.
• Share this mission statement with a trusted friend or family member and ask for their thoughts.
• Revisit this mission statement regularly, especially when you encounter challenges or obstacles.