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The Book Coach Says - January 2006
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FEATURE ARTICLE:
"Is Finishing Your Book Your New Years Resolution?"
Judy Cullins c. 2006
Think of the resolution "I'm going to lose weight this
year"--a statement that doesn't show intention because it's
vague. Talk is cheap. So are you still talking about your
book, yet don't really want to finish because it's too much
work, too much money, and has too many steps?
For some of you the reality is you won't finish. And the
longer you "work" on your book, the more time gets between
you and publishing time to make a difference in other
people's lives. For 5% of you who will do what it takes,
this reminder is for you.
Don't wait any longer to write your book. Now is the best
time to get it out. When you ponder and linger, you lose
interest and motivation. That's why I like the idea of the
"Fast-Forward Writing Technique," that produces consistently
well organized chapters that hook your reader and motivate
in each paragraph so your readers finish and recommend your
book to others.
Remember the benefits of writing a book. It gets your unique
word out to help others to a better life. It brings
solutions to your readers' challenges. It can "brand" your
business-much stronger than a business card. It makes you
known as the expert in your field. If writing fiction, it
entertains and educates. Finally, like me it can make half
of your monthly income indefinitely.
Remember you can add marketing pizzazz to each and every
chapter in its title, its introduction and its conclusion.
Apply the "Essential Nine Hot-Selling Points" before you
finish and your book will sell so much better when
published.
To manifest your book dream this year, make sure you make it
real.
1. visualize your book finished and a great success. See
the checks and credit card orders coming in each day.
2. Save money in a special bank account so you'll have
enough to get some coaching through teleclasses and writing
groups and a small amount for copies printed. (You don't
need 1000 printed at first).
3. Know it will cost some money. If you book is so
important, don't be too cheap as to what you invest in it to
get it finished.
4. Honor High Level Activities each day. Spend real writing
time on your chapters, your introduction and your back
cover. Aim for 1-2 hours each day or divide to suit your
schedule.
5. Stop writing without feedback from peers or a qualified
bookcoach. You don't realize that even if you are a
professional, you don't know all that makes a chapter
sizzle. Old writing habits such as using "is, was" or other
passives mar your style, and make it long and unwieldy so
your reader will yawn and turn away. You need to keep your
reader engaged.on each page.
6. Don't give up. Your project may take some time. I
recommend writing a short book first so you can finish fast.
7. Consider self-publishing because the traditional path
takes far too long and even if you are chosen, you'll find
the time and energy you put there will not pay off nearly as
much as when you learn a few promotion tips to implement
yourself. The sad truth is that the publishers won't give
you much in promotion time.
8. Write your print and eBook at the same time. Service your
online audience as well as the audience at your talks. They
love and buy books. They want information on all kinds of
topics. They have money to spend. Promoting to this audience
is far easier, cheaper and productive than other methods.
Finally, put your book project in the top three priorities
of your life. Business, Family, Friends, Book! If you don't
include it in these, it just won't happen.
COACH'S CORNER:
A New Year, A New You - The Author
This is the week I laid the groundwork for next year's
author's adventures. Yes, I love all that I do to share new
helpful books with my audience. Yes, I love teleclasses.
Yes, I love the interactive bookcoaching in the small
groups. And, this coming year since I left my in house San
Diego weekly book writing group, I wanted to create more
interaction with audiences to hear my how to's on book
writing, publishing, marketing as well as Internet Marketing
for small businesses. I started a speaker's book in which I
now have scheduled 5 new talks for 2006. This is just a
start. My intention is clear-Meet local audiences who a want
to learn these great skills. Of course I can also present at
conventions and yearly association meetings. anywhere in the
U.S. maybe internationally.
If you know any groups in San Diego or in the US that need a
professional speaker in my topics, I'd appreciate a
contact--so much I'll gift you a free book or your choice if
it works out.
So what new adventure do you have in mind for 2006? Write it
down in your Brains' Book.
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