“Every writer or wanna-be writer has ideas for books. The problem isn’t finding an idea, it’s choosing one” ― Jo Linsdell
I was approached last week by an acquaintance who was looking for writers to write books that he had ideas for. The deal was that he would supply the idea and 30-40 pages of material (more about that later**) and the writer would write the book. He would also promote the book and the writer, taking half of the proceeds for the first book, a little less on the second, a little less on the third. After all, he had promoted the writer to prominence, the second and third book would bring more money than the first – he deserved a cut of those profits.
Now I looked upon this as a sort of Faustian bargain but that could be my own prejudice against the acquaintance. Personally, I have notebooks full of ideas for books. For me, it truly is a matter of choosing one. At a time…
But I think some writers might take him up on his offer. Because frankly, writing the book is only the beginning of the job. Promoting and marketing your book, getting it out there and noticed, and YES, selling the darn thing is beyond tough.
But a book as a marketing tool for your business, particularly if you are a speaker, coach, trainer, or business leader presents an entirely different world of possibilities. You already have an idea – after all, you are using the book to increase your business and your visibility.
And the book is probably not meant to be your sole means of support. (Or, as I tell some of my eager coaching clients, “Don’t quit your day job. Yet.”) Whether you are writing an authority book (see Your Signature Book) or a course manual for your coaching students, your book is meant to be one tool in your marketing arsenal. If the book takes off, it can create its own economy. (Think of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Four Agreements.)
Think about what you want your book to do for you and your business. What is the purpose of your book? Do you already have an audience for the book or will you use the book to gain an audience? Is this book a step-by-step course manual or an overall look at how you practice your business and attain your results?
Once you know what you want your book to do for you, then you can go about outlining and writing to address that specific purpose.
You have the idea. Now let’s make it reality.
** And from experience, I can tell you those 30-40 pages of content are more like 3-4 sentences scribbled on a napkin.
