Many are deciding that now’s a good time to write a book. If that’s you and it’s your first time, some advice. Do not self-publish — you’ll inadvertently bypass the quality filters that make a book worth reading. To explain:

Respectable publishers often rely on literary agents as the first quality filter. If a proposal makes it past their critical eye, it’s at least worth considering.

Once you’ve inked a deal with the publisher, the editor adds the second layer of quality, making sure the structure and prose meet professional standards. It’s easy to include reams of flabby, self-indulgent flim-flam. A skilled editor will save you from yourself. Self-publishing doesn’t have these safeguards. Add in the indexing, fact-checking, typesetting, cover design, etc. and the difference in quality is always palpable.

For most business writers, royalties are inconsequential compared to the credibility boost, which is related to the quality of the book, not merely its existence. So instead, take this time to work on crafting a book proposal, not the book itself. Perfect your idea and the structure, and give the professional route a go.

Most underestimate just how difficult writing a book is. Trust me, you'll want all the help you can get on your first crack at it.

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