Why Being a Published Author is the Ultimate Credibility Builder

Why Being a Published Author Sets You Apart in Today’s World

📘 Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 30

This past week, Alex Hormozi broke records with his new book launch—selling over 3.2 million copies and generating an estimated $80 million in revenue on launch weekend.

Now here’s the question I saw floating around online: “Why would someone like Hormozi, with courses, YouTube videos, and massive reach, even bother writing books?”

From an editor’s seat, the answer is obvious: books still reign supreme when it comes to authority and credibility.

And the data proves it.

Books Build More Credibility Than Any Other Content

• A 2017 Smith Publicity study found that having a published book increased perceived credibility by 60% compared to peers without books.
  

• A 2022 survey showed professionals ranked books and published research above blogs, podcasts, and social posts when it comes to thought leadership.
  

• The Edelman-LinkedIn B2B Thought Leadership Study (2021) revealed that decision-makers place the highest trust in long-form, in-depth content. Books are the ultimate form.

So when a potential client is choosing between two consultants—one with a book and one without—guess who they see as the authority? Every time, it’s the published author.

Books Open Doors That Other Content Can’t

• Speaking engagements: You can’t land keynote gigs without a book. Many agencies won’t even consider you unless you’re a published author.
  

• Media appearances: Journalists quote authors, not “creators of YouTube videos.” Having a book gives them a credible source to cite.
  

• Networking: A book is a far stronger leave-behind than a business card. It establishes you as established.

One of my clients carries a stack of his books to every industry conference he attends. It instantly positions him as an expert—before he even says a word.

Books Last Longer Than Any Other Medium

Social posts fade within hours. Videos churn out daily. Courses can feel outdated in a year.

Books? They last decades.

They’re searchable, purchasable, quotable—and updateable. You can revise, release second editions, add an audiobook, or relaunch your book years later. Your book becomes a permanent platform for your authority.

Why It Works Psychologically

Publishing a book signals:

• Discipline. Few people actually finish a book—so the fact that you did sets you apart.
  

• Knowledge. A book shows you have enough substance to fill hundreds of pages with value.
  

• Leadership. Readers naturally associate authorship with expertise and authority.
  

• Tangibility. You can hold it, gift it, showcase it, and cite it—unlike a fleeting social post.

A book isn’t just content—it’s a credential.

Final Takeaway

Alex Hormozi doesn’t need another course or YouTube video. But a book? That’s what cements him as a thought leader for years to come.

And the same is true for you. Publishing a book is one of the most powerful ways to separate yourself from the noise, establish your authority, and open doors to opportunities you can’t access any other way.

Keep writing your story—because the world needs your voice.
—Renee