Every once in a while, I run into someone who scoffs when I talk about how books build businesses. Usually, it’s someone who published and hasn’t seen results themselves. And this can absolutely happen! So if this is a current problem for you, there are several questions you need to look at to shift that and get your business into high gear. Your book is a vehicle, after all, and you should be able to hop on and get somewhere, right?

1. Have you actually written your book? I mean, let’s be honest. People talk and talk about writing a book and then never actually do it. So if you’re one of the talkers, what’s stopping you? Check out some of the posts on my Contents page to pinpoint what you need to tweak to leap on the author train.
2. Does it look and sound professional? Look at your book from the perspective of a reader or even just a person interested in your business. Do you have a professional photo or image on the cover? Or is it fuzzy or pixelated? Is the font really big? Do the pages look like a traditional publisher could have printed them? Was it edited by a professional? All these things (and more!) can make a huge difference in how you, your book, and your business are perceived!
3. Is it something people actually want? Do a little digging. Are there other titles in your genre? Does your book stand out from them in a good way? Do you get the questions that you answer in your book from ideal clients? Make sure that your book is something that people would actually want to buy after a speaking gig, review as part of their coaching package, or pick up on their own before you decide if this is something that you want to keep working with.
4. Are you marketing it to the right people? Look at who you are talking to about your book in print, on social media, and in person. Are they your ideal clients? Or are you just telling anyone about it? While some of the random people you talk to may be able to refer the right people to you, you have to also make sure that you are targeted about your marketing instead just using the spaghetti on the wall approach.
5. Does anyone know about your book? Ok, let’s be honest. Did you self-publish, cross your fingers, and not say a word to anyone but your mom about your book? Though Mom is certainly proud, you have to talk it up, add it to your profiles, and advertise. Get visible.
6. Are you bringing it with you to events, networking, your vendor table? I have a rule: always have a book on me. If I break that rule, I always have a book in my car. And I’ve written eight books! Yes, I keep one copy of each of my books in the car because you never know when someone will randomly ask about them. AND, if you’re at a targeted event, carry one in with you. Show it off. Be proud. If they don’t tell you that you can’t, go ahead. I once had a manager say, “It’s easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission,” so test it out. Be respectful, of course, if you are told to put it away.
7. Are you touting yourself as an author? Add “author” or “bestselling author” to your profile. All your profiles. And your bios. And your speaker sheet. And your website. Heck, buy a t-shirt and wear it. Get used to introducing yourself as an author so people know that YOU’RE AN AUTHOR!

These are just the basics to check, of course, and there could be other things keeping you from getting anywhere with that book. But just like making sure your device is plugged in before you call tech support to complain that it’s not taking a charge, check these simple things first to get real about why your book isn’t pulling its weight.