Ashante Thomas's Blog

I have acquired across subjects: education, health and fitness, self-help, to name a few. Two questions pop up almost regularly (including this week) are, “When is the right time to write a book? How much will this cost me out of pocket?”

Let’s tackle timing first.

The right time isn’t just when you have a brilliant idea. It’s when you have a clear point of view, an established platform (think credentials, clients, engaged subscribers or podcast listeners, and a robust sales funnel), and a clear goal for your book. Whether that goal is solving a core problem, cementing your authority, or using the book as a lead magnet, readiness means having a clear bridge to your audience. Readiness does not mean that you’ll have a lightbulb moment that says, “Now is the time.” You have to consult yourself, family, and stakeholders and take the leap.

As for the cost? In traditional publishing, you do not pay to publish.

Unlike hybrid or self-publishing models (which require upfront author investment) traditional presses invest in you. That’s why we have a higher barrier to entry. We assume the financial risk, typically offering either a royalty-based agreement (sometimes with an author advance) or work-for-hire flat fee. This is the case for traditional presses whether they’re small, indie houses or big 5’s.

Now, there is one scenario involving direct sales: committed purchases. If the best path to reaching your audience and the author is say a company or a museum putting books directly into the hands of associates or patrons, a publisher may require a committed purchase. Even then, you’re buying actual inventory (not paying to publish) that you take possession of at publication.

Good luck!