Printed Books Are Dying; Or Are They?

I have been avid reader since childhood. Not by choice but mainly because I was “grounded” often as a child and teenager and my mother had a special relationship with our local librarian. I was sent to the library to read as a punishment on many occasions. Over the years, I would immerse myself in almost any book I could get my hands on. So, when I came across a New York Times article entitled "The End Of Books" the title intrigued me so, I felt compelled to read it.

In this lengthy article, the New York Times reported "In the world of video transmissions, cellular phones, fax machines, computer networks, and in particular out in the humming digitalized precincts of avant-garde computer hackers, cyberpunks and hyperspace freaks, you will often hear it said that the print medium is a doomed and outdated technology, a mere curiosity of bygone days destined soon to be consigned forever to those dusty unattended museums we now call libraries."

Not so fast! That article was published in 1992 and people read more now than they did at any other time in human history. How do you figure, you say? Think about it. Between emails, texts, online newsletters, e-books, self-published Kindle books etc., we now read more words in a day than we did 50 years ago.

Independent book publishing is taking over!

Did you know that you can take your message directly to whose lives you want to change, and you can do so today?

People will listen to your audio program or podcast in their car, at the gym, on a plane and people will watch your videos on their laptop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV. They will take your self-published book to bed with them and you will get inside of their head in their own voice for hours!

What Is A Self-Published Book?

It is...

* The Ultimate Expression of Your Expertise

* A Suggestion of Infinite Promise

* The Most Intimate Way you can connect with your audience

* For many people, writing a book is a dream come true for the writer and a joy for the reader.

Have you ever desired to write a book and bring your expertise to life and to help others? I co-authored a #1 Best Selling and self-published book on the subject of LinkedIn for luxury auto dealers in November, 2014. We had a goal in mind prior to creation of the book and it took an incredible amount of work. However it's been an incredibly rewarding experience and the book is opening doors for us that we would have never thought possible.

How do you get started creating a book?

There are 3 key elements to becoming a successful author: Market, Author and Promise. These elements are a must to consider prior to book creation.

Market- There are only 7 reasons people will buy a book:

1. People buy non-fiction books to solve a problem they know they have
2. Allows people to take advantage of an opportunity they believe exists
3. To learn more about a subject they are already fascinated with
4. Live vicariously through the lives of others
5. Follow compelling characters through a fascinating story
6. To laugh
7. To be visually stimulated

Author- Make your case as to why you are the best, the only, or the first author to write about your topic. Here are three things you need to prove to your reader before they will believe you as the appropriate messenger:

Social proof or proof of expertise. Do you have statistics or case studies of solutions to problems outlined in your book?

1. How people can relate to you and your story in your author bio
2. Show them your unique position. What do you have that no one else has?

Promise- Promise is transformation. It is how someone’s life is going to change after reading your book. Sell the promise, not the premise. Titles are a great way to do this.

Great titles and examples:

1. Make a promise (4 Hour Body)
2. Give direction (Think and Grow Rich)
3. Provides information (How To Win Friends and Influence People)
4. Make you laugh (I am America-And so are you)
5. Pique Curiosity (The Secret)
6. Create Controversy or Confusion (The God Delusion)

Don't worry too much about the title of the book. It is the subtitles that will give the promise.

Here are some examples:

1. Rich Dad, Poor Dad - What the rich teach their kids about money, that the poor and middle class don't
2. The 4 Hour Work Week - Escape the 9-5, Live anywhere and join the new rich
3. Make Yourself Unforgettable - How to become the person everyone remembers and no one can resist
4. Getting Past No - Negotiating in difficult situations
5. Go Pro - 7 steps to becoming a network marketing professional

So, how important would it be to you to get inside the head of the reader with your message of transformation, of empowerment or business?

Tracy Enos is a #1 Best Selling LinkedIn Author, LinkedIn Speaker & Trainer, Owner of Local Hoopla, a marketing agency specializing in Non-Fiction Book & Podcast creation and distribution, Social Media Marketing & Consulting. Inquiries regarding consultation, services or referrals should be directed to: [email protected] or call: 816-607-1570.

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