Have you ever wondered if your reason for writing a book is “good enough”?
That’s a question I hear all the time:
Should I write a book to grow my business?
Is it selfish to want recognition?
Do I have to want to “change lives” for my book to matter?
The truth is: every reason to write a book is valid—whether it’s public, private, or hidden.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the three categories of motivations for writing a book, so you can see yourself in them and get clear on why your voice matters.
TL;DR: People write books for all kinds of reasons—some noble and public (to teach, inspire, leave a legacy), some private (to heal, clarify, prove to yourself you can), and some hidden (validation, visibility, influence). All are valid. What matters isn’t why you start, but that you follow through and create something lasting.
The Public Reasons to Write a Book
These are the reasons most people feel comfortable saying out loud:
To help people. Sharing your story or expertise to support others.
To leave a legacy. Creating something that lasts beyond your lifetime.
To grow authority. Establishing thought leadership in your field.
To build a business. Using your book as a foundation for coaching, consulting, or speaking.
These are the motivations that sound noble, respectable, and altruistic. And they are! But they’re not the whole story.
The Private Reasons to Write a Book
These are the ones people often admit only to close friends—or maybe not at all:
To process your own story. Writing as a way of healing or understanding.
To prove to yourself you can. Finishing a book as a milestone of grit and persistence.
To be seen. Wanting your experiences to matter, your voice to be heard.
To reclaim your power. Telling your own story instead of letting others define it.
Private reasons are deeply personal. They’re not about branding or legacy. They’re about your inner transformation—and they’re just as valid.
The Hidden Reasons to Write a Book
These are the messy, uncomfortable, or even slightly “selfish” reasons that people rarely say out loud:
To get revenge. (Even if it’s subtle—writing the book that proves the doubters wrong.)
To gain status. Craving that credibility boost of saying, I’m an author.
To make money. (Yes, it’s possible! Books can open income streams, even if royalties aren’t the biggest one.)
To create options. Using your book as a ticket out of your current job, industry, or stuck place.
Sound familiar? If so, don’t feel guilty. Hidden reasons often give you the spark to start. They’re nothing to be ashamed of.
So—What’s the Best Reason to Write a Book?
Here’s the secret: there isn’t one.
The best reason to write a book is the reason that gets you started. Because once you begin, your “why” often evolves.
Maybe you start writing to prove people wrong and end up writing to help people heal.
Maybe you start writing to make money and end up leaving a legacy.
Maybe you start writing because you just had to—and that was enough.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Write a Book
If you’re not sure what’s driving you, here are some reflective prompts:
What’s the story I can’t stop thinking about sharing?
Am I writing more for myself or for others?
What would finishing a book prove to me?
What future doors could open if I became an author?
What do I hope someone feels after reading my book?
You don’t need a noble reason to write a book. You don’t need the “perfect” reason.
What matters isn’t why you start. It’s that you start.
Your book doesn’t just share your story; it becomes part of the story you’re living.
So, what’s nudging you? Is it public, private, hidden. Or all three?
✍️ Whatever your reason, the first step is the same: begin.
Whether you’re just nurturing an idea, struggling to complete your draft, or ready to publish, I can guide you every step of the way. Explore my services and discover how we can turn your book from vision into reality: Book Coaching Services
Quick Takeaways:
Q: Why do people really write books?
People write books for many reasons: to help others, share wisdom, build authority, leave a legacy, or process personal experiences. Sometimes, the hidden motivations—like wanting validation, visibility, or even revenge—are just as powerful.
Q: What are the public reasons to write a book?
Public reasons include sharing expertise, teaching, inspiring readers, building authority in a field, or leaving a legacy. These are the noble, outward-facing motivations authors often talk about.
Q: What are the private reasons to write a book?
Private reasons often include healing from burnout or loss, rediscovering identity, clarifying personal values, or simply proving to yourself that you can finish.
Q: What are the hidden reasons to write a book?
Hidden reasons can include wanting validation, seeking respect, chasing influence, or proving doubters wrong. These may feel “selfish,” but they often spark the courage to begin.
Q: What matters most when writing a book?
It doesn’t matter if your reasons are public, private, or hidden. What matters most is starting, finishing, and creating something meaningful along the way.