Expert Round-Up Topic: What Are the Benefits of Being an Author? Should All Professionals Consider Writing a Book?
BOB BENTZ
For the past 11 years, I have been an adjunct professor, first at the University of Denver and now at my alma mater, West Virginia University. So, the first benefit, if you are so inclined, is that writing a book gives you a good chance of becoming an instructor at the university level. As a business owner, teaching offers advantages. Especially when you teach at the graduate level, you can essentially try out students who might become future employees of your company. If the book is part of the instruction on campus, you also gain the added benefit of regular sales and having your book in the university bookstores.
From a professional perspective, a book adds instant credibility. When I meet with a new prospective client, I often take a copy of my book. I don’t know if the prospects read the book or not, but it sets my company apart from the others. Being an author has also been instrumental in securing speaking opportunities. At one event where I was a featured speaker, the sponsors purchased 350 copies of my book for a book signing!
Finally, being a book author will help you gain more social media followers. That means that your content will be going out to many more people than it would have otherwise and that can not only help book sales, but also your company’s sales.
Bob Bentz is the author of three books including his most recent book, Relevance Raises Response which is available on Amazon and other fine online retailers.
https://marketingcommunications.wvu.edu/faculty/instructors-program/bob-bentz
https://linkedin.com/in/bobbentz
JAKE SHERMAN
For professionals looking to build long term, sustainable personal brands, writing nonfiction books is an excellent vehicle. This is especially true for entrepreneurs and anyone working in professional services, consulting, or any field where expertise is sold. It signifies to potential clients and network peers that you are credible, experienced, and have a unique point of view.
My recommendation for new authors is to find the throughline between their personal passion and professional space. There needs to be a unique angle, personality, or ethos that sets you apart from the crowd. Secondly, don’t start writing your first book expecting to sell tens of thousands of copies. Instead, think of it as a vehicle to allow you to build a personal brand, gain exposure, and grow your business.
Jake Sherman, President
Zero Point Strategy
https://www.zeropointstrategy.com/
BARRY COHEN
My first book boosted my credibility as a subject matter expert and led to speaking engagements at conferences. I have now authored or co-authored three non-fiction and three fiction books. I have been both traditionally and self-published. Ultimately, when other entrepreneurs and professionals heard about my books, they sought me out to help them with their books.
The result: my business evolved from an ad agency and production company into a publishing consultancy. I now spend the vast majority of my time helping other aspiring non-fiction authors create, publish & promote their books to establish their authority.
In addition, publishing and promoting non-fiction books has led to guest articles, guest blog posts, podcast guest opportunities and speaking engagements–all of which has resulted in expanding both my own and my clients’ digital footprints, making us more discoverable online.
Barry Cohen, Author
10 Ways to Screw Up an Ad Campaign
10 Ways to Get Sued by Anyone & Everyone; The Small Business Owners’ Guide to Staying Out of Court
MARCIA LAYTON TURNER
I can speak to this from my own experience and from that of my ghostwriting clients.
From having written business books under my name, I’ve received offers to write for other outlets related to the topic of my book(s), I was asked to be an expert witness on a case directly tied to one of my books (for $$$$), I’ve been asked to speak for pay, and been offered numerous publicity opportunities – including a TV interview with Lester Holt – because I could describe myself as “the author of X.”
But the new opportunities that have come to me, as a professional writer and author, pale in comparison to the benefits my clients have received from having written a book. One client started writing a book as a gift to a CEO friend, and a major publisher got wind of it and offered a contract to release it; the book became a bestseller. Another client successfully wrote a book to increase the value of his company. A client wrote a book to increase awareness of his business and successfully landed several contracts soon after its release. One client wrote a book to boost her visibility and that of her business and has become a TV media darling.
I’m sure there are other examples I’m unaware of, since clients typically get busy after the launch of their book, but these examples, I suspect, are fairly typical. The title “author” opens doors because it lends credibility and authority that few other credentials can.
Dr. Marcia Layton Turner is a bestselling business book ghostwriter and the Founder and executive director of Association of Ghostwriters.
www.associationofghostwriters.org
DAWN BURNETT
My name is Dawn Burnett and as a now four-time published author, I have found that some of the biggest benefits of writing a nonfiction book specifically focusing on mindset, self-worth, and relationships are:
- Brings healing to others and meaningful connections with readers who see themselves in the story
- Builds instant credibility and positions you as an expert; a person of authority in your industry
- Expands your network
- Provides a platform for you to share your expertise & story
- Opens media doors and provides exposure
- Opens doors for strategic partnerships
- Provides opportunities for potential speaking engagements
- Leaves a legacy
- Acts as an amazing business card
Dawn Burnett is a 26-time award-winning web series producer, travel reporter, and founder of the Burnt Out Party Girl wine brand, where a portion of the proceeds of every bottle sold supports RAINN, the largest anti-sex violence organization in the United States. She just announced the presale launch of my fourth book, Courageous; Burnt Out Not Broken available at major book retailers https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/courageous-dawn-burnett/1150220387?ean=9781968127411
WENDY MOLYNEUX
While writing my nonfiction book, I discovered that ideas I thought I understood often became more nuanced once I had to explain them clearly for readers. The writing process sharpened my thinking, strengthened my expertise, and helped me develop lenses I now use in my ongoing work and content. Other benefits? Writing a book created opportunities to reach new audiences and establish credibility in a way that shorter articles and social media posts rarely can.
I don’t think every professional needs to write a book, but many would benefit from considering it. A book makes the most sense when the writer has a distinct perspective, framework, or body of knowledge that would interest or help others. For me, knowing my work is resonating with readers makes the process worthwhile, but everyone has their own unique, legitimate goals. That said, writing a nonfiction book takes a considerable investment of time and energy, so it might be difficult to sustain motivation if the writer views the book exclusively as a business card or lead-generation tool. Yet the effort pays off. From what I’ve seen, the strongest return isn’t just increased visibility. It’s the combination of deeper understanding, greater authority, and the opportunity to create a lasting resource that can continue connecting with readers long after publication.
Wendy Molyneux is the author of Financial Trauma: Why Money Isn’t Just About Money (Glyph River, 2026) and the founder of WholePerson.finance.
ROBERT BIRD
First, publishing a non-fiction book gives you a platform of expertise. A book stands as an affirmation that you are an expert on the subject matter worth listening to. This is true even if you were no less of an expert before publishing. Second, it gives you an entrée to being invited to speaking engagements. You still have to prove you are worth learning from, but the book gets you in the door to prove your worth. Third, a book increases your contact list. Through writing a book you may have to interview a variety of people. Those interviewees become contacts who now have a small stake in your book’s success. Fourth, a book gives you a springboard to write a sequel. It is now easier to convince publishers that you can produce, given that you have a proven track record.
Robert Bird is the author of the book Legal Knowledge in Organizations: A Source of Strategic and Competitive Advantage, published by Cambridge University Press in 2025.
