With the accessibility and expansion of publishing options, writing and publishing a book has never been easier. No longer are books limited to the most well-known business executives and powerful CEOs. The advent of self-publishing opened the doors to entrepreneurs at every stage and to business professionals at any level who have knowledge to share or a unique view of their area of expertise to unleash on the world. Here are 20 reasons why writing a book is good for business.

1. For credibility
2. To differentiate yourself from others in your field
3. Be viewed as a leader in your industry
4. Be an expert in your field
5. Generate passive income
6. Get speaking engagements
7. To gain consulting jobs
8. To teach workshops
9. To make it easier for potential clients to know and trust you
10. To answer FAQ’s prior to first meeting with client to save time and money
11. To give existing customers insight into what else you do
12. To give something people will leave on the coffee table or give to friends
13. To give something of value that people won’t throw out
14. To get media attention
15. To blog about information in the book
16. To give people something to talk about/post about/share
17. To expand into other geographical markets
18. To reach people with your message that wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to hear it
19. To make a difference in people’s lives
20. To make a difference in your community, your world, or in your field

So, where do you start? Check out 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Write a Book. Your writing is guided by your answers to who, what, where, and why just like any effective marketing campaign. As Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, states, start with the end in mind. Define your business goals and write a book to achieve that end.

How will your book change how you do business?