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...
That ugly thing they’re going to find out
I’m always fascinated by people who have a love/hate relationship with attention. Maybe because I do, too. Turn a video camera on me when I haven’t spent hours primping and preparing, and I choke. Like I've got a 6-oz ribeye lodged in my throat. Take my friend, who...
That time Oprah called about your book
I want to write a book so good, so meaningful, that it lands me on Oprah. I want to sit beneath her shade tree in that lovely wicker chair and talk about, not just my book, but our shared philosophy of life. Tell me, do you think I have a shot? That's a question I...
The brilliance of Jeff Walker and his book, Launch
I'm a huge fan of internet marketing expert, Jeff Walker. So much so, that I'm part of his inner-circle community. Guy opens his mouth, and I learn something new. Every time. If you've ever enrolled in my super digestible course, Turn Your Book Into a Money Machine,...
Can I charge more if I have a book?
The other day, I was talking to a student enrolled in the Influential Author Formula. She asked, “Can I charge more money if I have a book?” God, I love this question, which is why I’m going to share my answer right here. Let’s come at this from two angles. If you’re...