How to know if you’ve written a memoir or something else…
A good memoir: Has a razor-sharp focus on one element of life.Does not have filler. Every detail has to connect to the focus/theme.Is not a record, a report, or a list. It is a combination of active scenes.Has a vivid concrete setting. A Where. Every scene must have a...
Why, you CAN tell a book by its cover
Why, you CAN tell a book by its cover
Pain: A Love Story
Dr. Serena Sterling wasn't sure she'd ever finish her book project. There were times, as her content developer, I wasn't sure she would either. Because Serena wasn't just writing about her business--helping people overcome chronic physical and/or emotional pain--she...
How do you know when your book is done?
How do you know when your book is done?
5 things every expert-positioning book should include
This week, I've had my nose in a couple of manuscripts that have landed on my desk for doctoring. There are gems within each of these manuscripts, but the overall thing doesn't work because in each, there's a lack of a few key elements. My job is to slip these in,...
It all starts with your clever title…
Writing a book to attract ideal clients and expand your reach? Well, you're going to want to consider the big promise you make to your reader, the first indication of which is your title. That's how we ALL decide if a book is worth our time. Will the eight+ hours we...
Small minded and petty
When I came out of Harvard, I had visions of becoming the next literary superstar. That's what we all talked about in grad school. I wanted to sit along the Grand Canal like Hemmingway and work on my writing all day. (You know, wine, seagulls, and interesting friends...
Give your readers stories, not more facts and figures
Hey, successful entrepreneur writing a non-fiction book for your business. Here’s the the best way to turn your readers into clients and/or fans: Give them stories, lots of stories As opposed to saddling them with a dry textbook chuck full of concepts, facts, figures,...
Narrow your scope
Hey, successful entrepreneur writing a non-fiction book for your business. Want to know what to include in a book? Want to turn your readers into clients and/or fans? Well then, spell out a CLEAR SOLUTION to AN urgent problem. Don't try to solve every problem known to...
Give your narrative some structure
Hey, successful entrepreneur writing a non-fiction book for your business. Here’s another way to turn your readers into clients and/or fans: Have a solid structure with a clear transformation path As opposed to taking your reader on a wild goose chase over hill...