“Which Book Should I Write?”: Writing Advice from a Book Coach
“Which book should I write?” I hear this question often and happen to have just received an email asking for advice on the topic. In today’s post I offer several ways to examine and explore the question of which book to write. A Markets View of “Which Book Should I Write?” In the case of the author who wrote me this morning, the three books were for three very different audiences. I advised the aspiring author to think about the future with each book. Imagine yourself connecting with each of those audiences (so answer these questions for each separate audience): How… Read more
Should I Edit as I Write? Plow Ahead? Help!
“Should I edit as I write?” “Should I really write a crummy first draft? It feels so raw and uncomfortable.” “I keep finding myself wordsmithing and then I get so little writing done. Is that okay?” The short answer is that everyone finds what works for them, and you’ll need to experiment and see what works for you. Generally, I do encourage emerging authors to write a rough first draft and edit later. There’s a freedom and power to getting it all down and then working with the raw material. However, not always. Here are my… You’re not sure whether… Read more
8 Tips to Get Great Amazon Book Reviews
One strategy that can help catapult your book to page one on Amazon results are your Amazon book reviews. Of course, your book needs to be categorized well on Amazon (with the right keywords and categories). It needs to be well-written, too! But after these “givens” reviews rock. Why are Amazon Book Reviews Important? #1: Amazon Takes Reviews Seriously. The Amazon Algorithm looks at book purchases but also at reviews. A large number of 5 star reviews (and 4 star as well) shows Amazon that the book has merit among readers. Amazon will, however, discount reviews if they are from… Read more
Beta Readers: How to Find Them & Questions to Ask
Beta readers, also known as pre-readers, are a writer’s best friend—or can be. What are Beta Readers? Beta readers are people who will read a sample chapter (or the whole book) and give you feedback, while you are in the writing or editing phases of your book. When to Look for Beta Readers Generally, you want to have a fairly strong draft to send to beta readers. That way, you make the best use of their time and will get the most benefit. However, if you feel stuck and feel you need feedback before your chapter is polished, that’s fine…. Read more
How to Choose a Book Idea: Are You Writing the Right Book? 7 Ways to Be Sure
Aspiring authors often wonder how to choose a book idea. Do you wonder whether you are “writing the right book”? How to Choose a Book Idea How can you tell if you’re writing the right book? What do you look for? Your book concept should match your vision: Look at your vision or mission statement for your book. Would this particular book help you bring that vision to fruition? Make sure you have the right audience: Are these the people you want to reach, that you feel called to work with? Your book should be marketable, if one of your… Read more
How To Write A Great Book
Someone asked me recently how to write a great book. She wondered, “Is there a formula?” Rather than a formula, I would suggest there are important guidelines to help you get started to write your book. Get clear on these before you get writing—or as soon as you are able—and you are more likely to write a great book! Here’s the most important thing to know: Yes, You Can Write a Great Book! I’m sure you want to write a book that makes an impact—inspires, supports, guides, creates positive change for readers. The kind of book readers share with friends,… Read more
How to Get Started Writing a Book: How to Pin Down a Book Idea
As we approach the start of the Bring Your Book to Life® Program, I find myself leading many book concept consultations in order to help people pin down a book idea and get started writing. Are you wondering how to clarify your book idea? You may wonder: “How do I get clear about what my book is—and what it’s not?” “How do I get started on my book?” “What is my book idea at its essence?” “What do I need to know before I start writing?” “What happens in a book concept consultation?” Good questions! Book concept consultations vary depending… Read more
San Francisco Writers Conference 2018: How to Tap Into The Magic!
San Francisco Writers Conference 2018 Guest Post by Cathy Turney “Ingenuity, plus courage, plus work, equals miracles.” —Bob Richards, Olympic pole vaulter and decathlete Magic happens when you try to do the thing you didn’t think you could do. At any age. It certainly did for a technophobic baby boomer who began writing in her “mature” adult years and ended up publishing three books and speaking at the San Francisco Writers Conference—about Twitter (Twitter!). Yes, that would be me. Get Thee to The San Francisco Writers Conference! If you’ve ever thought about writing, you need to go to writers conferences…. Read more
The Writing Effect: How Writing Well Improves Your Life and Vice Versa
Writing Well and Living Well On a radio interview with Lorraine Giordano the other day, Lorraine and I grew especially excited as we explored how learning to write well enhances your life and how living well improves your writing. In fact, it was my first radio interview standing up the whole time! I often see my clients grow as they write. Sure, some may expect such results to some degree, anticipating that they will gain confidence, feel empowered and learn new things as they write their books. Even with such expectations they are often surprised by additional benefits from writing… Read more
Ask Your Book Writing & Publishing Questions Here
If you were on my Q&A call, then you know the questions were terrific. If you missed any part of it, you can listen here: [Download MP3] I’ve also answered some book writing and publishing questions below—ones we did not get to on the call. A few people asked about where to start if they have lots of ideas but don’t know which book to write or where to start. Many people find my Quick Start to Kick Start program the perfect starting place—particularly for a self-help book or how-to book. Read more about Quick Start to Kick Start… Read more
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