People Don't Read. You Should Still Write a Book.

There are many things people don't realize about writing a book to build their business.

For example, did you know that pre-pandemic reading levels were just 17 minutes a day? For households with children, that drops to just 9 minutes. People without a degree read for about 13 minutes, and those with a degree, about 17 minutes. Given that most of this time goes to news and fiction, when is someone reading your book?

The good news is, when you're building your business, it doesn't matter.

What Changes When You Stop Worrying About Readership

Understanding your book probably won't be read frees you from everything holding you back from writing one.

It allows you to concentrate on the 80% of the process that actually matters. The title that catches people's attention. An easy way to get a copy in exchange for an email address. A table of contents that reassures people they're in the right place. A compelling call to action to take the next step.

It frees you from the last irrelevant 20% of things that don't matter. Trying to hit a page count. Worrying about what to charge. Sweating hundreds of minor editing details. Writing about everything you know in one colossal magnum opus.

Your Book Isn't the Product. The Conversation Is.

People aren't getting your book to be entertained. They want it to solve a problem.

They aren't critiquing your story arc or writing book reviews about it. They want to know about changes to Social Security, common mistakes to avoid with life insurance, the steps involved in their immigration case, or how to plan the perfect wedding flowers in Maine.

By answering these initial concerns and giving people a compelling next step to learn more or go deeper, your book will build a relationship and start a conversation with the people you can help.

Don't be a writer worrying about the last 20% of a book that might never get read. Be the author of an idea out in the world, helping people, and introducing them to your world.