Writers often get stuck because they make assumptions about writing,
finishing, publishing, and promoting their books. A recent client confessed
that he thought a book was just too big a project. With professional,
respected information, writers can finally realize their book dream.
1. They postpone writing their book.
I don't know an author who is sorry they wrote a book. They only wish they
had written it sooner. Speakers can expand a talk; coaches can expand how-to
articles; business people can share tips and short information pieces.
Everyone put out a salable, respected book. They sell well today-on the
Internet, at back-of-the-room, and can be a great boost to your credibility
as a professional.
2. They write chapter one and other chapters before investing marketing time
in the essential "Seven Hot Selling Points," one being writing the book's
thesis.
The thesis evolves from answering what one major challenge or problem your
book will solve. If the author can't answer his potential buyers question
"Why should I buy your book?" clearly, quickly and concisely, he won't sell
many copies. Another advantage of writing the thesis before writing the
chapters is that the writer will write more focused, compelling copy, saving
time not going off track or writing two books under one cover. The thesis for
Time Management for the Creative Person, by Lee Silber, is "Offers
right-brain strategies for stopping procrastination, getting control of the
clock and calendar and freeing up your time and your life."
3. They think they have to be an expert, great writer, or do mountains of
research.
Write books on subjects you have passion for, and want to learn more about.
As you research, interview, and write, you become the expert. Rough out what
questions your readers will want answered; organize them in categories, which
can then become the table of contents and the actual chapter titles. Know
your book's message is significant, and has readers who want and need it.
4. They aren't sure their book is significant enough to warrant their love,
attention, and time.
If your book shares something new, something unique, something useful, it is
significant enough to be written. Think about your audience out there, what
they want and need. Think about yourself too. We each need to share our gifts
with others. If we don't, we stagnate, wither and stop the natural flow.
Whether your book becomes a great seller or not, write it because you can.
Expect rewards too. "Affluere" from the Latin meaning to flow, translates to
affluence. The more you put your self into your book; the more rewards will
flow your way.
5. They wonder if their book will sell.
Plentiful markets or your preferred audience want your information. Whether
you write personal growth, how-tos, business, or even poetry, your audience
awaits your talent. When you stir their emotions with specific benefits, they
will pay the price. Check out what is on the bookstore shelves, and on web
publishing sites to see what's selling well. Self-help sells well, so do
mysteries, parent/children, romance and sex.
6. They think they are alone is a long, difficult project.
Use your friends and associates to brainstorm with you. Let them give you
feedback on the title, thesis, and one chapter at a time. They become peer
editors, and also will give you even better words and ideas than yours to
help make your book dream a reality. Take a community college, teleclass, or
adult school class in book writing and publishing. Research on the Web.
Subscribe to newsletters on book writing, publishing, and marketing. When the
time is right, hire a book coach.
7. They think publishing is too long, too expensive, and too difficult.
With the eBook and Print Quality Needed (PQN) and Print on Demand (POD)
printing technologies, an author can get their professional looking book out
within a month, a few months, but definitely in less time than with
traditional publishing. With coaching and other professional services for
parts of the project, the author is already selling books before they are
printed -and writing at least three times faster, at practically nothing to
one-third the cost. One client, Daisy Williams, of "Some Daisies Do Tell"
sold almost 100 copies before she printed through PQN. Think of the cash flow
she created to invest in advanced marketing.
Rethink your former assumptions about book writing. They may be quickly
corrected when you do a little more investigating.
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Judy Cullins: author, publisher, book coach
Author of Ten Non-techie Ways to Market Your Book Online
and Write your eBook or Other Short Book-Fast!
http://www.bookcoaching.com/products.shtml
Subscribe to FREE ezine "The Book Coach Says..."
mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com
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