So you want to write an e-book, have you thought about what the real reason is behind your decision to package information for profit?

If you frequently read our blog, articles, or have purchased our information products you may not be aware that we also provide coaching – both 1:1 and group coaching on a regular basis.

One of the benefits of coaching is that we get to see patterns – a wide cross-section of e-book publishers of different ages and backgrounds tackling very different niche markets, a picture of information product publishers that frankly, is a very unique and exciting experience.

One very important, consistent factor that we see in all successful information product publishers – and that is lacking in many who are struggling to get their e-book to market is the BIG WHY?

WHAT’S YOUR BIG WHY?

When I get asked what it’s like to live a day in the life of a full-time e-book writer and information product entrepreneur I talk about a 6-8 hour day involving a combination of writing, speaking, interviewing and being interviewed, writing some more, networking with others in your market, research and writing some more.

Of course, “typical” means that there are some days where I only put in 1-hour, and other days (usually around a product launch period) when I’ll put extra hours in.

All of this to point out that the 6-8 hours you need to put in each day for months will be spent on activities directly supporting your market – and more specifically – your e-book topics. You better have a damn good reason for wanting to write an e-book before you take step 1 toward your own online e-book business.

To help you understand what a real reason is – here are a few from my past experience:

E-book writing reason #1: Having worked or participated in your market for years, you finally want to leave your mark on the industry. Typically these e-book writers have worked for others within their industry, learned things that they may not agree with or that have not yet been exposed – writing their how-to e-book is almost an exercise in therapy allowing them to set things right in their market.

E-book Writing Reason #2: Many e-book writers have dreampt of writing their own book for years, some even an entire lifetime. In many cases the reason behind this hidden desire is the desire to gain prestige, celebrity and fame by having their name in print. Indeed, this can be a very legitimate and important driver – so long as you pick the right market to make your mark.

E-book Writing Reason #3: A growing number of e-book writers are driven by a deeply held desire to build a solid business in a way that allows them to control and leverage the results. There are many ways to make money online, but very few allow you to truly control your fate long-term. Adsense, advertising, affiliate marketing, social networking are all a moving target over which you do NOT control the game – but must follow it giving ultimate control to someone else. With your own information products, you control the product, how much it sells for, how long it stays on the market, who else can sell it, etc…This sort of control is a very strong motivator behind some of the most successful e-book writers out there.

How about you?

What is your burning reason for writing your own e-book? Look beyond just the financial reward to the deeply held desires you are desparate to achieve – that is where you will find an endless supply of motivation, productivity and ultimate achievement.

When you’re ready to get rolling with your information product marketing business, and want to share techniques, strategies with those who are already successful in the business, head over to Information Marketer’s Zone – we’ll be happy to meet you there.

Jeff