20 tips for business book authors

I wanted to try something different for June last month, so I posted one short tip for business book authors every weekday. The aim was to distil my expertise into soundbites and I covered proposals, writing, production and marketing business books. In case you missed it, here are the tips all together with a link to a longer article for further reading.

1. Briefer is better.?Too many proposals are overlong or bloated. Think about the amount of time a potential buyer might have if they see your book on a shelf or online. The publisher can always ask for more information if they need it. Read more here - Why might a full manuscript be a problem?
2. It might need work. It’s incredibly rare to commission a book as it comes so be prepared to iterate and perfect your proposal to suit the publisher and the reader. Read more here - Why am I asking you these awkward questions?
3. Why would they buy? There are thousands and thousands of business books on all topics so if you're thinking of writing another, what's your angle? Why would readers buy this over the others available? Read more here - 10 Business Book Questions: Q8. What's my competition and why would people buy this instead?
4. Be realistic about your expectations.?Sometimes I receive a book proposal that promises to sell millions, yes millions, of copies but in a niche area. This isn't realistic and can affect my judgement of the book idea. Read more here - How many copies will I sell?
5. What does the finished book look like? Be clear on any expectations you have. Are you expecting colour? A bookmark ribbon? A bespoke text design? These things might not be possible but they avoid issues down the line if you have expectations that the publisher can't deliver. Read more here - 10 Business Book Questions: Q7. What’s inside and how does it look?
6. Estimate the length.?I know it's hard, but if you can include how long you think the book would be, include it in your proposal. Word count is better than pages as pages vary depending on size. Try writing a sample chapter and extrapolating if you're struggling, i.e. 4,000 words x 12 = 48,000 words. Read more here - What is the right length for a business book?
7. Get feedback sooner rather than later. Feedback is scary, but the sooner you do it, the more time you'll spare and it will improve the rest of the manuscript. Read more here - Don't write in a vacuum
8. It takes longer than you think.?Allow time for editing and finessing - writing a book in a month is a very ambitious goal if you have a day job too! Read more here - Writing a manuscript takes longer than you think
9. Be clear on what you'd like, but not stubborn. We ask authors to make clear in their final manuscript how things should look. Where should this image go? Is this a textbox? What is a heading? This helps us to typeset the manuscript more efficiently but where things aren't possible, we try to explain why. Read more here - What is the right balance between theory and practical content in a business book?
10. Include sources and references. Don't worry about the format or style, but include sources for any third-party material you are using or adapting so your publisher can determine whether permission needs to be cleared. Read more here - How do you ensure the quality of your published content?
11. Use your editor. If you're struggling with a deadline, writer's block, or where to start, then your editor will be able to help. They've coached many authors through this process before and will have useful advice for you. Read more here - Use your editor as much as possible
12. Production schedules. Traditional publishers will be very sure of timescales. You can’t make a book production time, shorter unless shortcuts are taken. If you deliver late, it publishes late. Read more here - What goes on behind the scenes? 7. The Production process
13. Proofs aren't for rewriting. Production isn’t the time to make a lot of changes the manuscript you submit should be final. Read more here - Will my book be copyedited or proofread?
14. Know you need to let go.?Some authors expect several rounds of proofs but often this isn't possible - each round costs and takes time and if we did as many rounds as expected, the book would never be published. Read more here - How do you set a delivery date for your business book?
15. Every book will include a few mistakes. We strive to check and proof everything, but occasionally mistakes creep in. This can happen when there are lots of corrections to proofs or even printing errors. But this is what reprint corrections are for. Read more here - What goes on behind the scenes? 7. The Production process
16. Keep it up. It's not just the burst of activity at publication - you need to keep promoting your book long after it's published. What is the author's role in marketing their book?
17. Don’t just post photos of your book. Lots of authors post photos of their books in a shop, but this just feels congratulatory. Get people interested with nuggets of content and a reason why they should buy your book. Read more here - Have you considered an author email newsletter?
18. Keep it simple. You must be active but do what works for you. Choose a platform that suits your audience and post regularly, rather than trying to post to all platforms. Read more here - How can I ensure my business book is recommended reading?
19. Don't commit to stuff you can't/won't do. If you discuss marketing plans with your publisher, then they should be achievable. Don't overpromise if you don't have the capacity or willingness just to get a publishing deal. Read more here - Should I have a book launch?
20. Be the authority. You should view the book as part of your portfolio as an expert, and position yourself as the authority in this area. Get involved with events, write articles, and be visible in those communities. Read more here - 10 Business Book Questions: Q9. Why are you the right person to write and promote this book?

I hope these insights and suggestions are useful. Is there anything I've missed or you'd like more information about? Let me know!

The Pearson Business Book Club

The Pearson Business Book Club is open to all who would like to learn more about our business books or a particular topic, and the webinars are free to attend. You can also view the on-demand videos of previous sessions on the Book Club website.

Our Business Book of the Month for July is The Mindfulness Habit by Lisa Wren . Her webinar is Dispelling the myths about mindfulness and why what you think is wrong. Join us on Tuesday 23 July 2024, at 2 pm (UK time) and register at https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/higher-education/students/careers/book-club.html , and let me know if you have any questions in advance.

Just Published / Noteworthy books

Move Up or Move On: 10 Secrets to Develop your Career by Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov, Ph.D. (Pearson Business, 2024)

Do you feel dissatisfied with the contribution you're making? Afraid I’m falling behind? Stuck in your job with no way out, or passed over for jobs, projects or clients?

If the answer is 'yes' to any of the above, this book is a blueprint for pursuing a career on your terms, whatever stage you’re at. With 10 practical ways to understand your strengths, you’ll get clarity on where you are now, your career options, what you need to do, and how to keep evaluating your progress towards your goals. With case studies and examples revealing the secrets of why some people have more success at work while others falter, you’ll understand what you need to do to get where you want to be. Get out of your career rut and get the job you deserve.

"Packed with science-based hacks and clever practical tips, is essential reading for those interested in navigating the complex world of work and organisations." Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Professor of Business Psychology at Columbia and UCL, and Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup

"The entire time I was reading this book, I was either thinking "I wish I had this 20 years ago" or I was thinking of others who would benefit from its practical and well-researched advice." Mel Steinbach, Chief People Officer, MasterClass

Angela Lane is a senior executive with more than 25 years of experience leading global Human Resource functions. ?Angela is an in?uential HR thinker, producing award-winning strategies in talent management and leadership development. Angela has led transformational change of the talent landscape across a range of Fortune 250 companies, by equipping leaders with practical tools, steeped in the science of high performance. ?

Sergey Gorbatov is a management consultant, educator and coach in the disciplines of human resources and organizational behaviour. He writes, speaks and teaches about the complex science of human performance, while making it simple.?

What am I reading?

I'm finally reading Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling and it's fab. It's the perfect mix of short personal anecdotes, theory, entertaining insights and short chapter summaries. It's an excellently written book and I'm learning a lot.

Finally

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for future newsletters? Did I strike a chord with anything in this newsletter? Is there a business book you've enjoyed recently that you'd recommend? Add a comment or email me at [email protected] .