8 Tips Before You Write a Book

Almost every business leader has contemplated or been told “You should write a book!” Writing a book can build credibility and serve as a tremendous asset for connecting with your audience. It can also be an integral part of a strategic marketing plan. But, before you sit down and start creating content, there are a few things you need to know. This article highlights our experiences and 8 important considerations to get you started on the right track.?

1. Develop a Solid Book Outline

By developing a solid outline, you will save yourself a lot of time in the creative process. Take it from me, once you begin content creation, you may forget what concepts you have already discussed in the book. After all, when you’ve written 50-90,000 words (average word count for a 200-300 page book), it’s easy to lose your place or develop writer’s block. Even the most famous authors develop a plot or book outline – check out the collection of scrawls and diagrams by J.K. Rowling and James Salter . Your outline is the framework that will keep you on track as your book project progresses.?

2. It's Not About Book Sales

Writing a book, for businesses or business owners, is not typically about getting book sales and signings. It is an extended marketing endeavor that allows you to establish credibility while sharing your unique experience and expertise. It is the number one way that business professionals enhance their brand, so don’t expect those royalty checks to come rolling in – this is a marketing/brand play.

3. What’s the Purpose??

Many people struggle with identifying the purpose of the book. However, if you can’t identify ‘why’ someone should read your book – neither will your audience. Crafting a clear, compelling concept that the entire book can build upon is crucial. ?I always recommend asking yourself, “What do you want the reader to say afterthey have read your book?” ?

· “Wow – that was really informative on (subject matter)!”

· “That was so inspiring.”

· “I related to the author and can see why they are so successful.”

· “I feel like it gave me the tools I need to (take action).”

As you can see, each of these reader comments suggests a different concept takeaway and ties back to the compelling reason that you are writing the book in the first place. There are thousands of business and leadership books published each year, so starting with a clear purpose and takeaway will help keep you on track. ?

4. Define Your Audience with Precision

The five forbidden words in publishing are: "This book is for everyone!" ?While you might envision a global market opportunity, those with experience in publishing rarely buy into this mass approach. ?So, defining your target audience and your desired takeaways is critical. This will also guide your writing style and content depth and shape your marketing strategies. Coincidentally, this kind of focus may actually provide more opportunities, down the road, to publish additional titles for other audiences.?

5. People Love Stories

Storytelling is a fundamental element in the art of writing a book. A well-crafted story provides a framework for the readers to connect with, on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding. It enables the conveyance of complex ideas, themes, and messages in a compelling and relatable manner, making the content more accessible and memorable. Storytelling entertains and educates, allowing authors to share insights, cultural nuances, and universal truths that resonate across diverse audiences. In essence, storytelling is the glue that binds together the various elements of a book, transforming it from a mere collection of words into a rich and immersive experience for your readers. When you begin the outline process, ensure that you have stories to support each topic.?

6. A Strong Network is Key

Speaking of audiences, your return on investment is contingent upon a strong (or weak) network. After all, these are the people who will serve as ambassadors for your content. It is always advisable to have a strong social media following and, while it’s not a hard rule, it certainly makes marketing your publication much easier. You may even want to invest in a social or community building campaign, prior to releasing your book.

7. Marketing Plan That Ties to Your Goals

It’s not hard to get a book listed on Amazon for sale – virtually anyone can self-publish and sell a few ?books here and there. Aligning your goals for publishing with a strategic marketing plan helps you set and achieve your goals. It can also help you define a realistic budget, manage expectations, and develop an ROI plan.?

For example, if you’re looking to establish yourself as a thought leader and build credibility with your target audience, this will require a different budget and approach than if you’re trying to hit the Top Seller List and leverage the book for lucrative speaking engagements.?

8. Don’t Go It Alone

In the intricate journey of authorship, the role of a trusted advisor becomes paramount. Collaborating with an experienced guide can significantly impact the development of your message, content, and overarching marketing plan. Before delving into the writing process, engaging in thoughtful discussions with an advisor ensures that your book's concept aligns seamlessly with your objectives and resonates effectively with your target audience.

A trusted advisor brings a fresh perspective, helping refine your message and content. After all, who will help you ensure that your ideas are unique and compelling to your target audience? We always work with our clients through collaborative brainstorming sessions, so that we can help you fine-tune your concepts, making them more engaging and relevant to your readership. This process not only enhances the quality of your book but also strengthens its potential impact in the market.

Working with a trusted advisor establishes a valuable feedback loop. You can iteratively refine your message and content through ongoing discussions and feedback sessions. This iterative process ensures that your book evolves into a polished, cohesive work that effectively communicates your ideas. Moreover, the feedback loop extends to the marketing plan, allowing for adjustments based on insights gained during the collaborative process.

Search for a trusted advisor that you like to work with. This collaborative synergy can be a dynamic force that goes beyond the realms of content creation. We believe that writing a book should be a fun and engaging creative process.?

Your advisor should be able to guide you through the process of writing a book with expertise in:

· Strategic marketing and branding expertise,

· An in-depth understanding of your target audience and how to best communicate with them,

· Content creation and editing,

· Publishing experience and latest trends,

· A collaborative approach with constructive feedback.

A book advisor is key in the creative process and should be one of your first decisions. By understanding your objectives, your audience, and your brand, they can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve your goals for writing a book.

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Ideas360 helps our clients create a wide variety of content. We have extensive experience with content development for books, eBooks, resource guides, articles, award programs, videos and magazine features. As an advisor, our ultimate goal is to position you as the expert in your business. Schedule a consultation!