How To Write A Book That Positions You As An Expert

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One of the things that frustrates me the most about reading the Bible is when Jesus answers a question with a question. Effectively, he gives a “non” answer.

The Pharisees would ask him, “Do you claim to be the son of God?”?

Jesus would reply, “Who do you say I am?” or “You said it, not me!”

I’m thinking, “Bruh! It was a simple question… can we get a straight answer???” ??

Whether you view Jesus as another historical figure, respect him as a prophet, or declare him to be Lord and Savior, you’ve gotta admit…

Jesus had jokes!

I think of that because I’m about to frustrate you by giving a similar “non answer” to a question I received.

In a previous article, I asked your opinion on what you’d like to see me write about in the future. Here are two responses.

Shout out to Dr. Kinga Mnich and Rushauna Beckles . Since the requests are in the same family, I’m addressing them together.

My answer to the question, “How do you write a book that positions you as an expert,” is simply to write the book.

Yeah, I know! It’s a Jesus-like answer! ??

But let me explain.

THE ACT OF WRITING A BOOK IS THE ANSWER TO THE INHERENT QUESTION

The potentially frustrating part of my answer is that it doesn’t really address the “how to write a book” part. But don’t worry, I’ll get to that before this article is done.

What it DOES address is a subtle point that is oft overlooked.?

The mere act of writing and publishing a nonfiction book on a topic is all the expert positioning you need.

Even though many people receive an education, not everyone writes a book.

In the past, authorship carried prestige. It still holds weight in 2024. It assumes the writer has a certain level of specialized knowledge and experience with their book’s subject.?

Crossing the publishing finish line grants you immediate access to expert status. You won’t have to say anything in defense of yourself. Other people will assume you are one and those who revere you as such will passionately windmill on your behalf in comment sections across social media!

So if you’ve been wanting to raise your brand profile and be seen as an expert, the simple answer is to write a book.

WHAT TYPE OF BOOK SHOULD YOU WRITE TO BE SEEN AS AN EXPERT?

Naturally, the next question is, “What type of book should you write?”

To be seen as an expert in a particular field, you need to write a book that is related to your field or to the products and services that you offer.

This may sound intuitive, but we humans don’t always make decisions that are in our best interests.

People sometimes have a passion book they want to write. It could be creating an inspirational journal. Some want to tell their personal story while others dream of writing a children’s book.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with writing these types of books or making them your first foray into writing and self-publishing.

But consider this.

Imagine if you built a brand as a grant writer who helps women-owned businesses get government funding and contracts. Writing your “passion” book will make your soul feel good. However, that book will not help you attract the right audience, clients, collaborators, or growth opportunities for your brand.

If you were my grant writing client, I would recommend you write a “money book.” This is what Carol J. Dunlop Web Designer-Best-Selling Author calls it.?She was the first guest on my Sell Your Book Podcast.

A money book showcases who you are and what you do in a way that helps you get more clients and business opportunities.?

There are three types of “money books” that consistently sell well in the marketplace. Better still, their formats have “expert status” baked right into them.?

These book types are:?

• The “How To” Book.
• The Methodology Book.
• The Success Story Book.

You can learn more about each of these book types and so much more in my free Virtual Book Writing Coaching Session - writingwithdeniserenee.com/freecoaching.

WHAT TO WRITE IN YOUR “EXPERT STATUS” BOOK

The final question you’re probably asking yourself is, “What exactly should you write in your book so that you’ll be given the “expert” stamp of approval?”

In the following video, I share three useful frameworks that will help you get some ideas flowing. These frame works are perfect, even if you don’t feel as though you have enough experience to write a book.?

The frameworks are:?

• The 3rd Year Med Student Approach
• The Travel Blogger Approach
• The Journalist Approach

Dig in to each of them in this video.

HOW TO GET STARTED WRITING YOUR EXPERT STATUS BOOK

While the ideas are still fresh in your mind, it’s best to take action now. But how do you get started? What are your first, second, and third steps?

If getting started with writing a book isn’t intuitive for you, I’m happy to walk you through a series of coaching questions that will help you untangle your thoughts and reveal your expert status book.

I call it my Virtual Book Writing Coaching Session; credit card NOT required. Learn more at https://writingwithdeniserenee.com/freecoaching.

I hope you found this article helpful. Let me know what other book writing challenges you have or topics you’d like to see me address in the future… clearly, I listen and respond! ??

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ABOUT DENISE RENEE

I coach professionals, entrepreneurs, and content creators through their journey of writing a book that connects them to their ideal audience, clients, collaborators, and other brand-expanding opportunities.

I’d love to help you get clear and get started writing this type of book at no financial cost to you; you will, however, need to pay with your attention and intention to implement what I share. Interested? Learn more at https://writingwithdeniserenee.com/freecoaching.