Written by: Danielle Perlin-Good, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The art of writing a book has been around for centuries. But in the last 15-20 years, Amazon has turned the world of publishing upside down, making it easier than ever to publish a book on your own terms. Nearly 1.7 million books were self-published in the U.S. in 2018, according to the latest ProQuest Bowker Report from October 15, 2019. This is an outstanding 264% increase in only five years.
If you’ve recently scrolled through your social media feed, and seeing someone else become a best-selling author invigorates you, I invite you to join the conversation, leave a legacy, and start the process of writing your ideas in book form.
1. Books are gifts.
My dad calls books, “the gifts that keep on giving.” And it’s true. I participated in a beautiful secret Santa book exchange in December through a wonderful women’s organization, and each participant received an incredibly diverse list of powerful books.
2. We need more best-selling authors who don’t go by “John” or “Jon.”
Don’t get me wrong—I love the name, John. It’s not personal. My brother’s name is Jonathan, and the first name of one of my favorite health care professionals is named Jon.
Fortune recently ran an article citing, “Of the year’s 200 bestselling business books, only 17 were written by women. That’s equal to the number of business bestsellers written by men named John or Jon.” My jaw dropped upon reading this news. Ladies, let’s get down to business and write our damn books in 2021. We need our voices heard. If you’re reading this article and your name is John, please, continue to write, but encourage your female colleagues to write their ideas, too.
3. Bring more value to your conversation.
You’re an expert in your field. Why not write about your expertise in book form? Although the majority of non-fiction books are between 50,000 and 75,000 words on average, yours doesn’t have to be. By writing about your own experiences, you’re also allowing your vulnerability to shine through, which is so beautiful in itself.
4. If you don’t write about it, then someone else will.
Have you ever read “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert? It’s one of my absolute favorite books. That “big magic” idea you’ve had for 20 years won’t just go away. In fact, it will be transferred and downloaded, and while each of us has our own unique set of experiences, the “Big Magic” may find a new home. Grab a hold of your ideas. Nurture them. Spend quality time with them. The relationship you have with your next best-seller will certainly make your future and your career brighter.
5. We didn’t know what 2020 would bring.
We don’t have access to a crystal ball. At least, I’m not aware of anyone who has access to a crystal ball. If I did, I’m not even sure I’d use it. Last year rocked us as a society in countless ways. It showed us that we have less control than we initially thought. We don’t have complete control over the trajectory of our lives, and isn’t that beautiful, miraculous, and riveting, in a way?
We can’t predict the future, but we can write about our past experiences to help others. Your legacy book is just waiting for you in the back of your mind, desperately wanting you to devote time and energy to it this year. Make 2021 your year, and write a best-seller.
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Danielle Perlin-Good, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
Danielle Perlin-Good is The Written Legacy Coach. She works with emerging C-suite leaders to unleash their memoirs, self-help, and personal growth non-fiction books so they can share their powerful legacies and transform lives. Since 2008, Danielle has written and edited hundreds of articles, books, social media content, e-newsletters, and more. She went from working overnight shifts at the Tribune Company to corporate digital marketing gigs, one of which was at Albert Whitman & Co., an esteemed children's publishing house. Danielle uses mindset techniques, exceptional editing skills, and quantum healing modalities to ensure her clients develop a beautifully crafted and publishable book that they will forever cherish.
