What Kind of Book Are You Writing?
You’ve lived through something worth sharing. Or maybe you’ve built a body of knowledge others could benefit from. You sit down to write… and suddenly realize:
You don’t know what kind of book you’re writing.
Is it a memoir or a message? Is it your life story — or the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
This moment of confusion is more common than you think — and it’s one of the biggest reasons books stall before they even begin.
The truth is, thought leadership books and autobiographies may share the same origin (your experience), but they serve entirely different purposes. And choosing the wrong approach can water down your message or leave your audience unsure what to take away.
In this post, we’ll help you understand the difference, avoid common missteps, and choose the path that best serves your goals, your readers, and your voice.
What Is a Thought Leadership Book?
A thought leadership book focuses on ideas.
It speaks to a specific audience, often with the goal of informing, guiding, or persuading. These books are built around concepts rather than chronology.
The voice is confident and outward-facing. The message is crafted to serve others — whether that means introducing a new framework, challenging the norm, or expanding professional influence.
If you want to position yourself as an expert and help others learn from your experience, this format may be the right fit.
What Is an Autobiography?
An autobiography begins with the personal.
It centers your lived experience — told through memory, emotion, and reflection. The goal isn’t to explain a theory. It’s to share a journey.
These books resonate because they offer something deeply human. Whether you’re writing to heal, to reflect, or to preserve your legacy, autobiography places emotional truth above professional positioning.
Why You Can’t Do Everything in One Book
One of the biggest challenges authors face is trying to fit everything into a single project. A little story here. A framework there. A lesson in between. It all starts to blur.
But clarity always wins.
As William Zinsser famously said:
“Clutter is the disease of American writing. We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills, and meaningless jargon.”
Choosing a clear direction helps your story breathe. Whether you’re writing from experience or expertise, focus makes it stronger.
Don’t Blend Genres Without Intention
Each book type — thought leadership or autobiography — requires its own structure and voice.
Blending the two is possible, but only with care. A skilled nonfiction ghostwriter can help you figure out which path best supports your story, your goals, and your readers.
One type of book shows the world what you know.
The other shows the world who you are.
Both have value. The choice depends on what you most need to say.
The Ghostwriter’s Role in Shaping Your Direction
For many authors, the hardest part of writing isn’t the writing itself. It’s figuring out what kind of story they’re really trying to tell.
That’s where a ghostwriter becomes more than a wordsmith. They become a guide.
A skilled nonfiction ghostwriter listens not just to what you say — but how you say it. They pick up on language patterns, emotional weight, and hidden themes.
Often, the decision between autobiography and thought leadership starts to emerge in those early conversations.
Writing — especially when it involves memory — can feel fragile. You may wonder whether the story is ready. Or whether you are.
In those moments, it helps to remember:
“Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar.” – E.B. White
When you work with a ghostwriter, that faith extends to someone else. You’re not just building a book. You’re building a relationship rooted in shared belief in what the story can become.
How to Know What Kind of Book You’re Writing
If you’re unsure whether your book is meant to share ideas or explore your story — you’re not alone.
Many writers don’t know until they begin.
They come with stories, convictions, and questions. Somewhere in that mix lies the real project. The key is learning to listen for it.
As Stephen King put it:
“I write to find out what I think. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of. I write to find out who I am.”
That process of discovery isn’t just for fiction writers. It’s for anyone trying to make sense of their life or their message.
Start With Your Goals
What are you hoping to achieve?
- Want to reflect on the road you’ve traveled? You’re likely leaning toward autobiography.
- Want to influence your field or attract clients? Thought leadership may serve you better.
The same experience can support either kind of book. It all depends on your purpose.
Who’s Your Audience?
Audience matters just as much as intention.
- Friends and family often want to know who you were, not just what you did.
- Strangers may be more interested in your ideas than your backstory.
Knowing what your readers need will help you decide what kind of story to tell.
What Kind of Material Do You Already Have?
Take a look at your notes:
- Filled with reflections, journal entries, and personal scenes? That leans toward autobiography.
- Packed with outlines, insights, and takeaways? You may be writing a thought leadership book.
Still not sure? Some books live in between.
Memoirs like Educated by Tara Westover or Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins blend personal story with broader message. These hybrid models are harder to pull off—but incredibly powerful when done well.
Clarity Comes With Time
You don’t have to force it.
Clarity comes when you begin matching your material to your mission. Let the story reveal itself. The best books are shaped by listening — more than by pushing.
Pros and Cons of Each Path
Thought Leadership Books
✔ Open doors to speaking, consulting, and influence
✔ Easy to structure around frameworks and lessons
✔ Can fuel blog posts, workshops, or courses
✘ May feel hollow if the message isn’t unique
✘ Requires clarity, planning, and audience targeting
Autobiography
✔ Offers emotional depth and personal resonance
✔ Creates a meaningful legacy for future generations
✔ Can be a healing, reflective process for the author
✘ Emotionally demanding
✘ Harder to structure without a clear framework
✘ Privacy concerns may arise
Both paths require courage. One asks you to teach. The other asks you to reveal. Your choice depends on what you’re ready to say—and what you’re ready to share.
Choosing the Right Ghostwriter
Once you’ve chosen your direction, the next step is finding the right person to help you bring it to life.
This is more than a business decision. You’re inviting someone into a deeply personal process.
The right ghostwriter does more than polish your prose. They protect your story.
A Good Ghostwriter Will:
- Be clear about their process.
- Explain timelines, revisions, and how they gather material.
- Show you samples—but also clarify their role in each project.
Ask how they’ve worked with clients in the past:
- Did they interview and write from scratch?
- Did they revise a rough draft?
- Did they shape structure or just clean up prose?
Avoid ghostwriters who rush you or rely on one-size-fits-all packages. True collaborators adapt to your pace and needs.
Different Writers for Different Books
For thought leadership, you need someone who:
- Can translate complex ideas into accessible language.
- Understands publishing trends, audience targeting, and persuasive structure.
For autobiography, look for someone who:
- Listens deeply.
- Is comfortable with emotion and ambiguity.
- Can help shape long-form narrative without taking over.
Regardless of genre, the right ghostwriter should help you hear your voice more clearly—not impose their own.
Your Story, Your Strategy
There’s no wrong reason to write a book.
Some people write to lead. Others write to reflect. Both are valid.
If you’re still deciding what kind of nonfiction to write, that’s a good sign. It means you care about your message.
A thought leadership book and an autobiography may serve different goals, but both are acts of authorship. Both require courage, clarity, and care.
| Need Help Writing Your Nonfiction Book? The Writers For Hire has a team of expert ghostwriters ready to bring your story to life. Contact us today to get started! |
