Getting laid, getting paid, looking fab

Writing a book should serve one of three goals.

How to save $27 and lose $200k

I spent 12 hours saving $50. Here’s what it taught me about writing your book.

My therapist said Candace was a gift. I asked for Prozac.

Jealousy is there to show us which part of our lives need work.

The Real Reason You Can’t Finish Your Non-fiction Book

It’s not because of writer’s block, a busy schedule, or perfectionism.

Three Questions That Tell You If Your Book Is Actually Stuck

Here’s how you can tell the real reason you haven’t finished your book.

You finished the book. Now cut the snow blocks.

Finishing your manuscript feels like the summit.

The book that nobody picked up (and it was free)

I watched ‘book people’ walk right past it

The word that makes me want to set a manuscript on fire

It’s one of those little tells that can make a perfectly polished manuscript feel…off.

Pain: A Love Story

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...

5 things every expert-positioning book should include

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…

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

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

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

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...