Contrary to popular perception, the publishing industry is alive and well, with as many books published today as ten years ago. And it’s not just household names like JK Rowling and Terry Pratchet that are filling the Christmas stockings. These days there is an army of new authors out there — people writing books to support their business.

Sounds strange? OK, you may never have thought of the idea, or think you do not have the required skills. But why not — to many it has been a lifetime dream.

Writing a book can be a good way to raise your business profile, secure new clients and add a bit of extra income. And thanks to self-publishing it’s increasingly possible with lots of people out there to help you get into print.

It may seem like a big undertaking but like any large activity — be it learning a new skill, or training for a marathon or major walk — when broken down into manageable chunks, with deadlines and milestones, it can be achieved. For those who like to set themselves a challenge, this could be one for 2011.

Think about it. You could write something about a management issue in which you have experience (such as leadership), your business/occupation, for example, marketing, or a skill that you can teach others, such as presentation.

And with more of us having to work harder to survive — being self-employed, I know the challenges many businesses are facing — this can be an effective way to stand out from the crowd.

Grainne Ridge, a business advisor and trainer from Reading, has written three short books to help people in their personal development: on Time Management, Training Skills and Handling Difficult Customers.

She said: “Having published books means I get a ‘wow’ response from people. It provides me with credibility.”

While some people choose to publish their own books which gives greater control over production, sales and income, Ms Ridge went through the Directory of Social Change, an organisation that provides training and other support to the voluntary sector.

This meant she has not had to do any of the books’ marketing — instead she was paid a fee for each one.

Each of what DSC brand as its ‘Speed Reads’ (32 pages each) took Ms Ridge about five days to write — although as the first books in a series, some of the time was spent establishing the format.

Each book also required a few days editing and proofreading and time to collate quotes and ideas.

Sounds manageable, doesn’t it? But make sure you heed her advice and work out a structure before you start, as well as a clear idea of how your book is going to be used.

And before you say finding a publisher is very competitive, self-publishing offers a way around that — with advantages.

This way you have complete control over the production process — such as the book’s printing, branding, and publication date — and all the sales revenue is yours, bar any percentage taken by retailers you use.

You can also do smaller print runs. Google and Yellow Pages are good places to find people who can help.

You will even find websites where you can do the whole process — plan the book’s design, upload files and print – just like arranging your own business card.

On the downside, however, you don’t get the backup and services provided by traditional publishers.

You are responsible for everything, including sales. But some people are happy to take on these roles — and you can purchase any you need, either privately or from your self-publisher.

The overall choice depends on what is most cost effective for you, and whether you are trying to maximise sales, or raise your profile and credibility.

Simon Thurston, from Tetbury, recently had his first book published.

The Death of Traditional Marketing provides an overview of the benefits of e-mail marketing, social networking, blogs and other online marketing.

But the book is of value not just to its readers.

Mr Thurston said: “It’s an excellent marketing tool for being considered an expert in an area of business.”

As a much longer publication (130 pages), it took Mr Thurston about three months to write.

He added: “Sales have gone well, but I didn’t write it to become a millionaire author.

“I wanted to put my ideas on paper and for personal satisfaction. Being looked at as an author gives me an edge over competitors.”

o Robert Bullard is holding a course, Get Your Business Book Started, on January 24 at the Weston Manor Hotel, Northampton Road, Weston-on-the-Green OX25 3QL. It costs £200 including materials and a three-course lunch.

Contact: Robert Bullard, 01865 423785.