Write Useful Books: A modern approach to designing and refining recommendable nonfiction

by Rob Fitzpatrick

Emotional motivations: Beginnings — to explore, plant a flag, and build a reputation in an interesting space where the author intends to remain Closure — to capture the lessons learned from some stage of life, allowing the author to move on Impact — to spread important knowledge beyond the author’s direct reach Curiosity — to spend the time researching, wrestling with, and deeply understanding an irresistible topic Craft — they simply love the act of writing or teaching Financial goals: Freedom via royalties — reliable, passive income to escape the rat race Increased earnings via reputation — a multiplier to speaking fees, consulting rates, and general career advancement Entrepreneurship via audience-building — using the book as one piece of a larger strategy around building an audience that can be cross-sold into additional products, services, or events