When an aspiring author contacts me, one of the first things they often share is, “I’ve been working on this book for years.” They started, got stuck, and tabled the book. Maybe later, they returned to the project only to lose momentum once again.
Or life just got in the way. They don’t seem stuck, just distracted.
Does that sound like you? If so, read on!
Just Added!
I wrote this post and linked to it in today’s newsletter…and then I realized maybe I should have addressed WHY you might want to finish your book! If you’re not connecting with your big “WHY?” you’re not going to do anything I just wrote about below!
So, before I share HOW to finish your book, here are some WHYs. I strongly encourage you to make your own list of “Why write my book and finish it!” Here are some Why’s that have prompted clients of mine who recently published–or are about to publish.
While these are not direct quotes, they reflect what several clients have told me or shared in our Get Your Writing Done or coaching sessions or by email:
- Because parents are desperate to help their teens and tweens to navigate the challenging landscape they are growing up in. And that author is now on TV, radio, podcasts, news media, giving parents the information they so desperately need and want to support their children.
- Because I’ve seen how powerfully these tools work and I want to reach more people with these powerful tools. Beta readers of the final draft have reported amazing results, including yours truly! I personally can’t wait until this book is published, now that it’s complete. I am going to buy it for my entire family!
- This is a legacy of my life’s work. My students have been after me to write a book for decades! And now that book is complete and students are reading it, sharing it, going deeper with the work!
- There’s a confidence and fulfillment that comes with becoming an author—something I’ve wanted to accomplish for decades. It feels amazing! And that book comes out in September!
- I know I’m meant to play bigger and make a profound impact in the world and my book is a crucial foundation. That author is already reaching out with launch plans to expand her reach, get keynote speaking gigs and grow her business.
- To give disadvantaged youth access to the programs that turned my life around. That author sold thousands of books in just a few months.
And Here’s a Client on Track to Sell 100K Books!
As I was working on adding this section to my blog post (given that the newsletter with the link already went out!), I spoke to a former client whose book was published in 2018 and hardcover in 2019. He told me that years after publishing, he now is on track to sell over 100,000 books by early 2027. WOW.
The strategy? Amazon ads!
Now, those ads cost quite a bit of money and his book was traditionally published by a large publishing house, so likely he is earning around $1 per book (it would be even less for a new author signing a book contracdt today). But if you do any public speaking or your book helps new clients find you, can you see how book sales like that might also mean a signficant income boost.
So, feel free to add something like boost my business and income to your “Why” as well.
Okay, before you read the rest of the post, I invite you to make a list of your “Why write a book” reasons. If you need more inspiration, this article on 40 reasons to write a book can help (with very specific examples of authors, their book titles and their results.
You Have Your Reasons; Now You Need a Plan
Without a solid plan, many a writer’s book dreams slip away. Most people who complete their books and publish successfully start by putting together a plan. Their plan goes something like this:
- Here’s who this book is for.
- Here’s what I want to accomplish with this book (vision/goals)
- Here’s why people will want to read and recommend my book!
- Here’s how my book will support my readers’ transformation and/or accomplishments.
And then there are the logistical parts of the plan:
- Here’s when I’m going to write (days, times).
- Here’s how I’m going to be accountable.
- Here’s what I need to learn and how I’m going to learn it.
- Here’s how I’ll get feedback.
- Here’s how I’ll make sure the writing is clear, engaging, entertaining, valuable, compelling.
- Here’s how I’m going to determine my next steps to publish.
etc.
And then, you’ll plan the content:
- The tone that will resonate for your readers.
- The version of your authentic voice that empowers and engages your readers.
- The features of your book that will make it most effective and valuable to your readers.
- The structure of your book, starting with the Table of Contents and becoming more detailed.
Once that plan is complete, you’re ready to write.
The Easy Way to Reengage with Your Dream and Get Your Writing Done
If that list above seems daunting, don’t worry! There’s an easy way to reconnect with your dream, get your writing done, and complete and publish your book.
Yes, I’m talking about my Get Your Writing Done program (opens in a new tab).
This program offers a number of components:
- 18-16 hours of live sessions on Zoom. We begin with some fun and easy mindful movement to get us into a flow state. Then we each set a brief (a word or so) intention for our session. Most of our time on Zoom is spent writing, AND you also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet with me in a breakout group, and often someone reads a brief excerpt and receives feedback from the community and me.
- Access to all my self-study programs for nonfiction book-writing and for writing a book proposal. These tools include self-study courses, videos, interviews, exercises, ebooks and more to help you get started with your book concept
Let’s look at the program from the point of view of your book-writing plan.
Writing Your Book, Step by Step:
Looking back at what goes into your book-writing plan, here’s how you’ll get it in Get Your Writing Done:
In my Quick Start workbook, you’ll get guidance and exercises to help you determine your book concept. This includes :
- Here’s who this book is for.
- Here’s what I want to accomplish with this book (vision/goals)
- Here’s why people will want to read and recommend my book!
- Here’s how my book will support my readers’ transformation and/or accomplishments.
And you’ll also answer many of the logistical parts of the plan:
- Here’s when I’m going to write: You can start with our Zoom sessions on Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM ET, and/or Thursdays, 11:30 – 1:30 ET. Of course, you can add additional times. And the Quick Start workbook gives you tools to figure out your schedule and timeline.
- Here’s how I’m going to be accountable: The program itself provides some accountability, including the option to meet weekly with an accountability partner and to answer the 5 empowering questions to stay on track. Some people add coaching or editing to their program to get even more accountability.
- Here’s what I need to learn and how I’m going to learn it: When it comes to what you need to learn about writing and publishing, we’ve got you covered. While Get Your Writing Done provides self-study tools, including detailed guidance for editing your work (without AI!), you can also get your individual questions answered by me on our calls. And we can brainstorm whether you need additional learning in your subject area.
- Here’s how I’ll get feedback: Because the program focuses on each person being efficient with their writing time, we spend only a little time on calls, with one reader sharing an excerpt and receiving feedback on each call. However, it’s amazing what participants have gleaned from those short reading/feedback sessions. And on some calls we break out into groups of two to read an excerpt and receive feedback, so that everyone can share (or you can choose to keep writing and skip the breakout!). In addition, you’ll find a great deal of guidance in my Inspiration to Author self-study program — also available on the private program website. Guidance includes how to identify beta readers, the best questions to ask them, how to find an editor and more. Plus, I am happy to make referrals, or you can hire me as a coach/editor (and receive Get Your Writing Done at no cost with a coaching program).
- Here’s how I’ll make sure the writing is clear, engaging, entertaining, valuable, compelling: Again, the feedback on the calls is a helpful start, as is the extensive self-editing guide. We can also brainstorm in the Zoom room or in a breakout group for additional support.
- Here’s how I’m going to determine my next steps for publishing: The Inspiration to Author self-study program provides support with publishing decisions, and you can also get support on our calls, in the large group or in a breakout with me.
In addition, from time to time, I identify an area where the group could use additional guidance or support and create bonus material for participants. This includes a course I offered in March on developing a “creative abundance plan” that includes time for writing, self-care, and other activities essential for a fulfilling writing journey. The course was free to everyone in Get Your Writing Done. If that sounds cool—and useful—there is now a video and course materials available to you when you sign up for the Get Your Writing Done program.
The Invitation
A few details
- Join us on Wednesday evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 pm ET, and/or on Thursdays, 11:30 – 1:30 ET. There’s no cost to come twice in a week!
- Cost is $247/month. Or save big and sign up for 6 months for $997!
- You can cancel your subscription at any time and will incur no additional fees.
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