DISCOVER the best way to WRITE YOUR BOOK
You have a fantastic idea for a book. You’ve been thinking about it for weeks, months — maybe even years. But you have a problem. How do you execute your idea? This can be particularly hard with non-fiction books, or books geared toward amplifying your voice as a coach or consultant. As well as if you're looking to build your niche and audience.
There are many choices in the publishing world. It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few things to consider.
1) What you love to read - what speaks to you.
2) Trends in the industry.
It is essential to know the trends. And the only way you can know that is by READING. It's a circle. Reading books gives you
To figure out how to execute your book, I have a simple method.
What is the idea you have for your book?
Step one - write it down.
Keep it to a short paragraph. Then, discover your choices. That means you may have to take a trip to the bookstore or library. Roam the aisles and go to the different sections. Look at the books on the tables and the new releases. What catches your eye? Can you find a book similar to your topic? What kind of book is it? How does the writer get their point across to you?
Also, think about what you like to read. Look at your own bookshelves and your e-reader. What do you see the most?
Don't get scared if you see a trend in your choices that you feel is out of your writing skill set. You've absorbed a lot of that writing style already. You're already attracted to it - most likely you have it in you to write that way.
As far as trends in the industry - writing your business book, your self-help manual, your story doesn't fit into one box. It's not one size fits all - it's what works for you and your reader. The only way you're going to know this is if you read.
Even if you're writing to get speaking and consulting opportunities, you need a book that speaks to your audience. But, first it has to speak to you.
Perhaps you want to write a memoir or biography, but you don’t like memoirs or biographies. They bore you. Consider writing it as fiction based on true life. A piece of fiction can be a tool just as much as a self-help book.
Here are some quick options I came up with.
Poetry
Blog
Short e-book
Graphic Novel
Fiction (Chick Lit, Book Club Lit, Thriller, Mystery, Literature, etc.)
Non-Fiction
Online Series you add to every week.
Medium (On-line platform)
Remember when I said look at your bookcase and e-reader? That is going to be an excellent resource for you. This is an exercise I have my clients do before they write. Pull out your favorite books. What makes them your favorite? Are they all the same type of book? Are they told in present tense? Past tense? What’s the point of view? Are they all non-fiction? Look for a theme. Most important, how much of the author's voice is in the book?
What is important here, when creating, is that you create in a way that feels right to you — not what everyone else is telling you.
I also recommend talking to other thought leaders, consulting with book coaches. Survey the speakers circuit and notice the types of books speakers are writing. Talk to other writers, get feedback about what they liked about their process and what they didn’t like. Maybe it will resonate with you.
Once you discover HOW YOU WANT TO EXECUTE YOUR BOOK — you’ve already overcome your first major hurdle. You are on your way to writing that book.
Want help discovering how you should tell your story? I have a free 30 Minute Get Your Book Done Session that will help you. And hey, it's FREE. Click here to book your time.
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