I sell book-writing and publishing services. That means I have to market said services: highlight the potential benefits of sinking time, energy, and money into a book project as well as point out the typical stuff that gets in the way. Basically identify the gap between where someone is and where they want to be.

I devote a lot of real estate to the whole ROI of having a book out in the world, what it can do for your credibility, marketability, and profitability. And I go there a lot because this is how I’m hard wired. This is how I evaluate any investment in myself or my business. (Shocker: not everyone thinks like I do, or like you!)

But….this marketing angle does not speak to all motivations for writing a book. Many of my clients could care less about ROI because they have that stuff covered in numerous ways, or they don’t evaluate opportunities in that light. They’re looking to write a book because they want to impact lives. Period. Full Stop. They’re not looking for fame, or glory, or the big bucks; they want to save their people time and grief. That’s what lights them up; makes the gnarly process, self-doubt, and sunk costs totally worth it.

I think Miranda Palmer, author of Therapist Burnout: Your Guide to Recovery and a Joyful, Sustainable Private Practice, speaks to this driving force so beautifully. As well as the joy she experienced when she realized that all the effort was worth it.