Book Publishing Snafu #1: What is your book's job?

Happy Monday! I'm on a high today after the kickoff of the Empire Builders Mastermind Class of 2023! We had a tremendous few days together and we've got big goals for the upcoming year. If '23 wasn't your year but you've got your eye on maybe joining the group in the future, go here to sign-up for my monthly email update.

Now, let's get down to business. Empire Building Business, that is! Almost every single day I see someone announce the release or upcoming release of their book on social media. Unless they've published with some guidance and a team of experts, chances are I'm making the same face as this guy, above, when I see their post on social media.

I know you're smart. I know you can figure things out on your own. But wouldn't you like your book to do the job you "hired" it for--to make royalty income and brings new business to your door? If you want to build a book empire (with multiple income streams), you've gotta make sure the foundation of it is rock-solid.

The first in this series is the job of the book.

What is the role of the book in your business? No, your book is. not. your. baby. Your book is an asset, a revenue-generating, client-seeking, process-sharing asset for your business.* It is the hub of your business wheel, therefore, you should craft the cover, interior, content, bonus material, and back cover copy with that in mind. Also, you should design your pre-launch, launch, and marketing initiatives based on the job (or jobs) of the book.

Book Publishing Snafu #1: the author doesn't have a clear job for their book. And it shows. I can tell when someone has high hopes for their book, but they don't back up those hopes with intention, purpose, and action.

Like I said, you're smart, so I know you want a book that provides income and clears a path for multiple income streams in the future. Start with identifying the role your book will play in your business, the job of your book.

Is it:

*meant to generate royalties or direct income from ebooks, audiobooks, hard cover editions, and paperbacks? Any or all of those?

*a handbook for prospective clients and/or folks who couldn't afford to be your clients but would benefit from your expertise?

*a way for prospective clients to sample your thought-process, sense of humor, or your work process?

*the basis for a course, overview of a coaching program, or synopsis of a consulting service you provide?

*something else?

Get clarity around your book's job before you put pen to paper--or at the very least, before you write even one more word. I know from experience there is a world of difference between just writing and publishing the book I want to write, and intentionally designing a book that will be a work horse for a decade to come. Yes, I've had epic failure and yes, that's my measurement now: the write a book that will sell for at least a decade. I've got a book coming out in March that will help you, stay tuned. When you set that expectation, you don't just "go with the flow" or "hope it's going to do well." Right? Right!

Answer these questions: (a) What is the role or job of my book? (b) How can the book help my business? Clarity is power and it will help you make the right and best choices for your book.

If you're still wondering if you should write a book, check out this video, Why Every Entrepreneur Should Write a Book, on the EBMc YouTube Channel. If you know you want help, but aren't sure of your options, go here. (P.S. EBMc is short for the Empire Builders MasterClass, a platform full of courses for entrepreneurs by members of the Empire Builders Mastermind. Find out more here.)

*The only exception to this is if you are independently wealthy and you just want to memorialize some of your thoughts for your future blood relatives. And even then, why wouldn't you produce the best possible book?

See you tomorrow with Snafu #2!