Why Write?

There are lots of reasons for writing generally, and for writing how-to manuals specifically.

Some people write because they are passionate about their subject. They have to write. They couldn’t be happy if they weren’t writing. While I love the topics I write about, I can and do go months at a time without writing anything that will end up in a how-to manual.

To me there’s nothing quite as intimidating as a blank sheet of paper (or a blank computer screen with that cursor blinking accusingly at me) that I’m proposing to commit my brilliant (I hope!) ideas to for thousands of other people to read. However, once I remind myself how good I’ll feel when the manual is done and how many people may benefit from my work, I just break the ice and write ype/dictate something – anything! -- then the rest begins to flow!

If what you write your how-to manuals about are based on subjects you enjoy, you will derive great pleasure from writing them. It won’t be a “chore” – and it shouldn’t be. Especially if you are starting part-time.

If the thought of sitting down and writing your how-to manual, or preparing your manuscript for publication, or doing the marketing and promotion makes you groan, you probably won’t be motivated enough to do it, and your business won’t succeed. Personally, this business is one of the top two or three things I prefer to do as a business activity. I haven’t had a “9-to-5 job” of any kind in over four years.

I can honestly say that speaking (seminars and training courses) and writing how-to manuals are two things I would do for free if I already had all the resources I wanted. Simply because they are fun, fulfilling, and pleasurable activities.

As a consequence of your writing, you may well acquire some degree of recognition that comes with being a writer. For some reason, being able to describe yourself as “an author” gives you immediate credibility in most peoples’ minds.

Beyond that, when you tell people (who will inevitably ask, “What have you written?”) the titles of your how-to manuals, many times they will respond with, “Oh, wow, what a coincidence. I could really use that information!" What a rush! People who want and need your manual – and will pay for it!

All of those things I’ve just mentioned are great, nice, and wonderful and you’ll feel good about yourself, etc. However, to paraphrase the massively successful self-published author Robert Ringer (from his classic book “Winning Through Intimidation”): “Feeling good is so much trash, if you my friend don’t get no cash.” For most of us, the bottom line is the bottom line: PROFIT!

Notice I didn’t say “sales,” or “revenue”, I said PROFIT! Later on we’ll talk about calculating the best price to maximize sales and generate a worthwhile profit.