You Probably Shouldn't Write a Book, Says Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec

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Most people dream of writing a book—fewer should actually do it. That’s the central idea behind “You Probably Shouldn’t Write a Book, Says Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec,” where Joshua Lisec breaks down the realities of publishing in the modern world. With over 32 million titles available on Amazon, the odds of achieving meaningful sales are lower than most aspiring authors realize. Yet Lisec, an Ohio author and famous ghostwriter, doesn’t discourage ambition—he redirects it, revealing when writing a book makes sense and when it’s a waste of time.

Joshua Lisec, known as one of the best selling ghostwriters, brings his experience as a celebrity ghostwriter and writing coach to unpack the myths surrounding authorship. He points out that most books—both traditionally and independently published—sell fewer than 500 copies in their entire lifetime. Even with the ease of self-publishing, many hopeful writers find their dreams reduced to a handful of sales, often to friends and family. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who assumes that simply writing a book guarantees success.

Lisec encourages viewers to think critically about why write a book in the first place. For many, he explains, it’s an emotional decision rather than a strategic one. Aspiring authors see writing a book as a marker of prestige or authority, but without a clear market or message, most titles vanish into obscurity. Through practical and persuasive reasoning, he reminds the audience that publishing for the sake of publishing rarely works. The episode demonstrates the importance of aligning purpose, audience, and platform before taking on the monumental task of authorship.

According to Joshua Lisec, book writing is not just about filling pages—it’s about persuasion. Great books persuade readers to see the world differently, take action, or invest in the author’s ideas or services. But to reach that level, writers need to master persuasive writing and understand how communication translates into credibility. For those who haven’t yet built an audience or developed a strong message, Lisec suggests starting smaller: write a blog post, test your ideas on social media, or craft a viral Twitter thread. If people engage with your content, only then should you consider expanding it into a book.

The episode “You Probably Shouldn’t Write a Book” also explains that in today’s digital landscape, it’s easier than ever to publish—but harder than ever to stand out. The rise of ghostpublishing and ghost publishing services reflects this trend. While countless people now have access to professional ghostwriters for hire, very few projects succeed because most authors haven’t validated their ideas. Lisec, who has helped countless clients through his lisec ghostwriting service, shows that successful authors think like entrepreneurs, not hobbyists. They treat books as tools for influence and revenue—not as vanity projects.

Lisec also outlines the rare situations when writing a book truly makes sense. If someone is the best-kept secret in their field—a hidden expert who has results but lacks recognition—a book can transform their reputation. In business, being able to say, “I wrote the book on it,” instantly establishes authority. That’s when how to write a book becomes a strategic question, not just a creative one. Writing then becomes part of a broader marketing and branding plan, supported by proven book writing techniques and guided by professionals like Lisec who understand both persuasion and publishing.

For entrepreneurs, consultants, and thought leaders, Joshua Lisec shows that a book can act as a credibility amplifier. The right book makes competitors jealous and clients eager. It attracts speaking invitations, media coverage, and new business opportunities. But this only happens when the book is part of a deliberate strategy, not a spontaneous decision. Lisec’s message throughout the episode is clear: a book is not a magic bullet—it’s a tool that must be used correctly.

As an Ohio author who has written and ghostwritten over 80 books, Joshua Lisec knows what works and what doesn’t. His track record as a famous ghostwriter and writing coach gives him a unique vantage point on what it takes to make a book succeed. He has seen firsthand that most authors who fail to plan also fail to sell. Meanwhile, his clients who approach publishing with the mindset of persuasion—those who understand audience psychology and strategic marketing—often achieve the kind of results that make others call them “so good they call you a fake.”

Throughout the episode, Lisec ties together the worlds of book writing, persuasive writing, and brand authority. He shows that books are not merely collections of ideas—they’re structured persuasive arguments designed to influence thought and behavior. This perspective reframes how to publish a book from a technical process into a strategic act of communication. Whether you’re a best selling ghostwriter, an aspiring author, or a business professional, Lisec’s insights remind you that words alone don’t sell—persuasion does.

The discussion also underscores the harsh but freeing reality of the publishing world. There’s no shortage of people writing books, but there is a shortage of people writing books worth reading. Lisec challenges the audience to focus less on being an author and more on being an authority. Authority doesn’t come from having a book—it comes from having something valuable and verifiable to say. That’s why his lisec book philosophy prioritizes proof, persuasion, and positioning over mere publishing.

The episode encourages reflection: if your book wouldn’t stand out among 32 million others, perhaps it’s not yet time to write it. Instead, refine your ideas, test them in smaller formats, and gather proof of concept. Lisec reminds viewers that some of the most successful authors first built followings through shorter, more agile content before committing to a full manuscript. Once they had an audience ready to buy, their books practically sold themselves. That’s the power of persuasion in action—and the difference between wishful thinking and strategic publishing.

“You Probably Shouldn’t Write a Book, Says Celebrity Ghostwriter and Writing Coach Joshua Lisec” is both a caution and an invitation. It warns against writing for the wrong reasons but also highlights the profound opportunity for those who are ready. By learning from Lisec—a professional who’s ghostwritten award-winning and bestselling titles—viewers gain clarity on when to write, what to write, and how to make it matter.

Lisec’s message is not anti-author—it’s pro-success. He believes that writing a book should be a business decision grounded in persuasion and purpose. Those who follow his guidance learn to write not just for expression, but for impact. Whether through ghostpublishing, professional editing, or strategic content development, Lisec’s methods help authors position themselves as industry leaders.

For anyone considering publishing, this episode is essential viewing. It combines the practical wisdom of a celebrity ghostwriter with the analytical insights of a writing coach, cutting through romantic notions about authorship to reveal what really drives success. It’s a masterclass in humility, persuasion, and strategic thinking.

By the end of “You Probably Shouldn’t Write a Book”, viewers understand that the goal isn’t simply to publish—it’s to persuade, to influence, and to lead. Those who internalize Lisec’s message will write fewer books—but far better ones.