Experts write and publish for two main reasons:

  1. To develop their practice.
  2. To build an audience.

Let’s break each down.

1. Writing for Practice

Writing for practice refers to the act of showing up and writing to clarify our thinking. It’s about taking a concept we don’t fully understand and working through it in words, with the goal of understanding it better.

When done well and consistently, this kind of writing can lead to:

  • Developing your intellectual property (IP).
  • Crafting original frameworks.
  • Sharpening your unique point of view (POV).

2. Writing to Build an Audience

When you’re writing to build an audience, your focus shifts. It’s no longer just about clarifying your thoughts—it’s about creating connection and resonance.

The goal? To earn trust and invite readers into your world.

This might eventually translate into something tangible, like growing an email list.

The Problem? Not knowing what you’re optimizing for

The problem arises when you’re unclear about what you’re optimizing for. It’s not unusual for an expert to say, “I write to clarify my thinking,” but then feel disappointed when their audience doesn’t show up.

But wait a second—you said you’re writing to develop your practice! So why stress about audience engagement?

Sure, there are times when writing for practice might accidentally pull in an audience. But broadly speaking, having clarity about your goal can save you from a lot of unnecessary frustration.

So, what are you optimizing for?

Best regards,

Pranav

P.S. – Do you know an Expert who has recently published a book? I am looking to work with 3 expert authors who have published a book and help them with Marketing. If you happen to know anyone, I would appreciate an introduction.