Why to Not Write a Book

Experiences with Writing and Self‑Publishing

• Multiple commenters describe publishing memoirs, technical ebooks, and travel/adventure books, often via print‑on‑demand and Leanpub‑style platforms.
• Reported outcomes range from ~50 copies sold with strong niche feedback, to modest “pays my bills” income, to one disputed claim of very high monthly earnings.
• Several stress that writing time rarely “earns” back an equivalent consulting wage, but can still feel worthwhile for satisfaction, learning, or reputation.

Motivations and Whether One “Should” Write a Book

• One camp: only write a book if you feel a deep, unavoidable need; otherwise the cost, stress, and opportunity loss are too high.
• Others push back, citing examples of great works produced under deadline and reluctance, arguing you can discover talent by trying, not only by inner compulsion.
• Some frame books as art you primarily write for yourself; external validation is uncertain and often minimal.

Format: Book vs Blog/Articles/Serials

• Many argue most non‑fiction topics are better as concise articles; books often feel padded with anecdotes to hit length targets.
• Others note repetition and many stories help readers internalize concepts and emotionally “weight” ideas.
• There’s discussion of turning blogs/websites into EPUBs or compilations, and of modern serial formats (web, podcasts, short‑video “chapters”) as alternatives to traditional books.

Economics, Audience, and Publishing Industry Dynamics

• Traditional publishers reportedly prefer ≥250 pages for pricing and cost reasons, pushing wordiness.
• Advantages of publishers: distribution, perceived prestige, built‑in audience; downsides: control over length, format, pricing, deadlines, and sometimes poor technical quality (e.g., code formatting).
• Self‑publishing offers control and higher royalties but makes marketing and audience‑building the author’s job; without a large following, selling significant copies is described as very hard.
• Several comments describe “write‑to‑market” genre work (crime, romance, etc.) and production‑line processes as the realistic commercial path, not romantic inspiration.

Process, Habits, and Productivity

• A recurring theme is that 1–2 focused hours most days can produce a novella or technical book over time.
• Commenters emphasize scheduling, realistic timelines, and editing/proofreading as crucial; early drafts are often described as “dire” before revision.