"Everyone should write a book" - or so the saying goes.

But there is a big difference between should write a book, could write a book and can write a book and those who have actually done it.

Should is a forced action - almost like have a teacher telling you what to do.

Could write a book is the ability to write a book.

Can write a book implies you have the skill to write a book.

But the big one is that the author has actually written the manuscript ready to published.

Okay that has covered the ability and skill to write a book.

• Is it because you want to see your book in print?
• Is it because someone told you to?
• Is it because you want to make money?
• Is it because you have a message that needs to be told?
• Is it because you want to change the world?
• Is it because you thought is was easy way to become famous?

There maybe many reasons why you want to publish. But if you have a clear idea what you want to achieve then you will be able to achieve it.

By having a clear reason for writing the book you will have a better idea of identifying, who will want to read your book. Your readership. Your target audience. By knowing this information it will influence your marketing.

The idea of knowing why you want to publish the book is entwined with how many copies you wish to sell and hence how you will market it.

Ask as many questions of yourself until you are very clear idea of why you want to be published. Bounce your ideas off other writers or supportive friends. They will give you information that will refine, what is needed to make a clear statement. Your idea needs to be solid foundation for future planning.

For example:

If your reason is because you want to see your book in print? You may only need to print 50 copies at about $23 per copy and then you could hand them out as a birthday presents to friends and family.

If your reason is because someone told you to? That is very nice for your ego but are they, themselves prepared to buy it? And how much are they prepared to pay? How many others will be willing to buy it as well - enough to make it worthwhile? Maybe you would be better creating a blog, short story or a newsletter for your fans - it would definitely be cheaper and they are all forms of being "published"

If your reason is because you want to make money? How many copies are your prepare to print? How hard are you going to work to sell them?

If your reason is because you have a message that needs to be told? or because you want to change the world? Are you sure there are enough people out there who want to hear your message and are willing to pay for it? Is the message unique enough for people to notice?

If your reason is because you thought is was easy way to become famous? Think again. There are thousands of people who write new books every year and they have to compete with all the published books and the classic literature or bestsellers that are published in previous years. There are definitely easies and less expensive ways to become famous.

I know there are a lots of questions above for you to consider but by having a clear idea of why you want to publish. You are able to assess your determination to complete the publishing hoops and hurdles successfully.

Leona