Comments on: A traditional way to build authority – write a book

By: Pamela Weir

Pamela Weir — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:20:27 +0000

Definitely. It's better to write about something that can endure, but how often can you do that? Elements of Style will always be relevant because it's about the basics of writing style and clear language, but books about marketing, PR, advertising, or just generally about “how to create and run a successful business” have a short life span. Things change so quickly.

Even textbooks change from year to year, or at least from version 1.0 to version 1.2, if not completely.

Honesty, now that I think about it, I'd like to write textbooks. A guaranteed audience and paid rewrites. Sounds like the perfect writing gig.

By: Mark Dykeman

Mark Dykeman — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:02:10 +0000

Good points, but do you feel the same way about The Elements of Style? Wouldn't it be great to create an enduring work like that?

By: Pamela Weir

Pamela Weir — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:45:42 +0000

I'm adding to the shelf life discussion. When I purchase books - used, new or online - I always look at the publication date. If it's older than 5 years, I reconsider purchasing it. I'd rather spend my money on something up-to-date and, depending on the subject, 5 years old is too out-of-date. Blogs offer up-to-date authority.

Published books do offer more authority. Having a third-party publish your book also tends to offer more credibility. Not that some self-published books aren't as informative or well organized, they just don't have the same trust factor.

Publishing houses have processes, standards and editors. If you get through the query process, you feel like you've conquered the world. If you're not already famous, or can't afford a good ghostwriter, it's difficult to convince someone to publish your book.

By: Mark Dykeman

Mark Dykeman — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:51:09 +0000

Thanks for adding your perspective, Bill. Interesting point on self-publishing vs. standard publishing.

By: Bill Sodeman

Bill Sodeman — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:39:26 +0000

I'm a faculty member, so I have no problem with using books as a measure of authority. Self-published books might have less authority than a well-known imprint, but I've seen self-published books get some impressive sales numbers. E-books and e-commerce have destroyed the 20th century book distribution model.

By: Mark Dykeman

Mark Dykeman — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:41:05 +0000

Excellent point about shelf life.

By: Ari Herzog

Ari Herzog — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:23:31 +0000

It's great you linked to Penelope's 5 tips, for I was thinking about that post of hers before you I saw you linked there!

And I agree. Everyone's coming out with books. Unless there's a shelf life beyond 6-12 months, I don't see the purpose.

By: Mark Dykeman

Mark Dykeman — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:45:16 +0000

I really think it depends on your goals. I'm sure some people will definitely publish to try to establish authority, especially in a new or developing field, by being “first in”. I don't see anything wrong with that.

By the same token, publishing a book doesn't make you smarter or better.

By: anaulin

anaulin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:23:46 +0000

Maybe “establishing authority” isn't the best of reasons to write a book. I can think of quite a few names I've seen on book spines that I don't consider authorities. And after all, what are the chances that your book would be widely read, even if it is published? Better to write a book if you feel like you want to produce such a thing, than to write it because you think it will somehow magically confer you more authority.

By: Mark Dykeman

Mark Dykeman — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:50:24 +0000

Sorry Jesse, hadn't checked out your stuff that closely. Very cool! I didn't know there was such a thing as FBML either.