Giving Your Book the Test of Significance

My Jumpstart Writing Your Book Tip for today is in the form of a few questions. I call these questions the test of significance. The begining question is, “Is your book worth writing?” Then I ask, “Will it sell in the book marketplace? Admittedly, these may seem like simple questions. But aspiring authors all over the world tremble in their tracks; for they don’t know if their book will sell in the marketplace or even if it’s worth writing.

I can’t say that I blame them; for who wants to invest time, effort and even money into a sinking ship? You’re right; no one wants to do that. If you’ve been wondering, you can stop the doubt today with giving your manuscript the simple test of significance.

But first let me tell you about a friend of mine who came to me saying, “Earma, I doubt if I’ll ever write a book. Because there are already too many books in the world about any topic I could come up with.”

I encouraged her with the same words I’m about to give to you. Yes, there are a lot of books in the world already. But there’s only one you. There’s only person that has the exact experience, knowledge and expertise that you have. There’s only one person that can express your message quite like you can. I am convinced there’s an audience waiting to read what you have to say about their problem. They are waiting to read your stories and your solutions.

Even as I convince you of the importance of your perspective, I must warn you there are no guarantees! It will still take a leap of faith. But you can put your mind at rest on whether it is worth the risk. I know lots of people that regret procrastinating for years in writing their book. But I know no one that regrets they finally did it.

Anyway, here’s some questions that will help you know if your book is worth writing and even if it will sell in the marketplace.

1)Do you have a specific skill set, information, or experience in your area? Hundreds and even thousands of people search for specific information every hour of the day. They are looking for simple to read and easy to understand information. Aim to educate your audience; engage them with questions, tips, tutorials, case studies and list that grab their attention. Make it your goal to help your readers cut costs, make money or solve their hardest problems.

2)Will your book provide solutions to your audience problems? Put this in place and you could have a best seller. Do you know the solution to a complex problem in your field or industry? Have you overcome a major health challenge? Embed the solution in your book. You might be surprised at who’s searching for a little relief. If written well, your book could be just the magic pill they are looking for.

3)Does your book offer expert advice to a specific group of people? Target your message to a group of people within your broad market. For example, the Chicken Soup series for mothers, prisoners and teen-Agers sold way better than the original more general Chicken Soup for the Soul.

4) Will your book offer an opportunity to learn something new or interesting? Sprinkle throughout your book little known but interesting facts about your subject. Even so, don’t create information overload with pages and pages of detailed statistics. Sprinkle the facts as tender morsels all the way through your book. Doing so, will create an anticipation that will lead your readers through to the end. People love bite-sized trivia and even statistics in small doses. You can do this with just about any topic.

5) Does your book offer an easy to read style to learn about something? If your field of expertise is a complex subject but of high interest to common people, then make it simple and easy to learn. Do away with trying to impress. Just make it easy for your reader. Most people enjoy an easy reading language. They will reward you by reading your book to the end. Then they will tell all their friends how easy you made it to learn such a complex subject.

6) Will your book offer unigue, original, different information? Have you thought about what makes a new weight loss book sell well even when there are scores of weight loss books on the market? One key factor is, the expert author presents their original set of successful weight loss rules, their exercise program, their view point, their customer testimonials and their credentials. They use a different, unique set of information for the same results.

7) Does your book inspire people to do something good for mankind, animals or our planet? If you have a favorite cause, here is your opportunity to impact the world. Weave your personal and related inspiring stories into your book and sell more. Remember, the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by James Maxwell spent 18 straight months on the (Business Week) Business Best Seller List. You may have noticed, Dr. Maxwell started each chapter with a short story of a famous person successfully using the chapter’s principle of leadership.

Are you ready to start writing your book yet? Did your book idea pass the test of significance in one to three areas? Great! It only takes one to two areas to make your book significant. If your book passed the test of significance in over three areas, you could have a best seller on your hands. Now that you know your book is significant, go ahead jump in. Don’t procrastinate any longer. Begin today. The world is waiting for your unique ideas, perspective and solutions. Make it different. Make it count. Make it yours.

But she lacked the know how and simple steps to get from (a) getting started to (z) completed book. Years later, I found out she took my advice. Her book is now finished, published and selling well in the marketplace. She explained the single tip that helped her the most was this: Write a short book first.

When she first mentioned it to me, I thought I must share this principle. I know there are others that can relate. For example, when I was writing my first book. I kept writing and writing, until my book was becoming a huge monster.

Of course, I thought at first I would struggle with coming up with enough information. That was not the case. It was getting so huge that my mentor said to me, “Why don’t you divide your monster book into two separate books. It will be simpler for you to write and easier for your reader to read.

It was like a light bulb went off for me! When I decided to write a shorter book. I felt relieved. I felt more energized, more pumped to get it done. Maybe it will be the same for you.

Remember if you feel stalled in your writing or just need a jumpstart consider this, “Write a short book first.” There are three main reasons I encourage you to write a short book first.

1. You reach your goals faster. When you reach your goals faster, you gain momentum. You might be surprised at the charge you receive from one small success. The momentum you gain through writing and completing a short book first will propel you into success in other areas.

2. You make it easier on your reader. In the 21st century, your readers are busy. They want to be able to fit bite-sized reads into their bite-sized time slots. Shorten your book and you may find your audience will engage faster in reading it. Shorten your sentences, shorten your stories and illustrations. Wait; even though you give your book the big slash still make it compelling.

3. You take your book to market faster and profit sooner. Let’s face it; if you never finish your book you have no chance of profiting from it. Finish it; bring it to market and profit sooner.

If you don’t use this tip to jumpstart your book writing, you may be this time next year still wondering if it will work. Write a short book first, finish fast and profit sooner!

If you’re ready to learn more about how to jumpstart writing a book go visit http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm for 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book. Find out how to write a book fast and create new profit streams.

Earma Brown is a 15 year book author and book writing coach who helps people get their book out of their hearts and minds into the hands of their readers.

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Stop Waiting & Start Writing

For example, with a book writing web cam series I was working on I kept waiting and putting it off. I was waiting for the perfect camera. I was waiting for the perfect mood, the perfect time and then I waited some for the perfect hair day.

Finally, I said to myself the perfect day may never come. I decided to take my own advice and stop waiting. I said, “I will wait no more!” You’ve probably already guessed it; I made my first web cam video tip and called it, “How to Jumpstart Writing Your Book and Stop Waiting!”

Of course, it’s not the best video I’ll ever make; it’s not even close to perfect either. But, I did what I’m encouraging you to do, stop procrastinating. Perhaps, you’ve been doing some waiting of your own. You may have been waiting for the perfect writer’s space. You could be waiting for the perfect computer to get started or the perfect mindset. Throw caution to the wind and stop waiting. Get started with writing your book; now is better than later. The perfect time may never come for you either.

I’m a teacher at heart. For even as I encourage you to stop procrastinating, I hear my students in my head asking, “Alright, I should stop waiting but how do I get started.” I came up with three simple steps for my students and anyone else needing to end the wait.

1. Make a decision. Decide this is the year to get your book written. Embrace the fact that NOW really is better than later. Remember, you probably won’t do what it takes to get your book written if you don’t make a firm decision to do so.

2. Put a plan in place. Make your plan simple. If you’ve been waiting to get started, you need something as simple as possible to act on. If it’s not easy to take that first step, you might wait some more. Your easy plan may be as simple as signing up for a book coach’s ecourse to get simple starting tips. Or your simple plan can be as easy as setting up a schedule for your book writing time.

3. Take action. Yes, these steps are super simple. But I’ve discovered over the years of writing books that we often make a decision, put a plan in place then fail to take action on it all. Let’s get real, you could read what I’ve written so far, make a firm decision and even set aside time for writing your book. Then if you don’t take action, two weeks later you are right back where you started.

If you don’t begin today, you could be still waiting this time next year. Let’s recap, make a decision that now is the time to write YOUR book. Put a plan into place and take the first step. Sign up for a book writing course and setup your writing schedule. Most journeys are easier with a friend that’s traveled the road before. Now, go get started. Your friends, your family and the world are waiting for your book.

If you’re ready to learn more about how to jumpstart writing a book go visit http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm for 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book. Find out how to write a book fast and create new profit streams.

Earma Brown is a 15 year book author and book writing coach who helps people get their book out of their hearts and minds into the hands of their readers.

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Like other professionals who took the plunge and wrote their book, you can create a new monthly income stream. In all fields but especially business, people are looking for practical information and knowledge. So, whenever you’re ready here’s 5 proven ways to write profit into your first book:

1. Write a short book first. A short book will do wonders for your confidence. Short doesn’t mean the same thing to every person. So, let’s say 50-100 pages is short; even 149 sounds less intimidating than a 300 page book. Your future customers are busy and usually read only what takes the shortest amount of time.

For example, a friend of mine wanted to learn how to create ebooks. She said she didn’t hesitate to buy a short book of 65 pages at $24.99 to help her learn the ropes of creating and marketing ebooks.

2. Focus on one topic in your book. It’s a known fact bestsellers focus on one main topic. Focus on one topic then write each chapter to support that subject. You could write down a list of problems your book solves and write the solutions in each chapter.

3. Offer the magic pill inside your book. Offer solutions to your audience. Offer the magic pill with simple steps to solve a problem in your field. Every one loves it when we get simple solutions to our problems. Get this right and you could have a best seller. Do you know the solution to a vexing problem? Write the solution in your business book. You might be surprised at who’s searching for a little relief.

4. Give your readers what they want. Target and get to know your audience. Let’s face it not everyone will want to read your book. Most uninformed authors write what they feel is a great book; spend tons of time and sometimes money looking for people to buy it. Instead match your expert knowledge with an audience you can serve or already serve.

5. Write compelling copy. Copy that appeals to the emotions of your reader sells your book. Your future customers want word pictures that they can respond to with their emotions. Get a professional editor or book coach to help.

Don’t let your ideas, knowledge and expertise fade away. Put it to work for you in a book. Remember, if you need help contact a professional book coach or take an e-course to inform yourself. Here’s to seeing your book in print soon.

Are you ready to get started writing profit into your book? Go get my free 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book! You can get instant access to this ecourse and other How to Write a Book tips at the http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm web site From Earma Brown, 15 year author and book writing coach

You might think aha; I knew it was a catch. No really. You can easily write your book of memoirs. It’s the same with everything. You have to want it first. If you want to write your life story fast, here’s 5 top tips that will speed you on your way to a successful book of memoirs.

1. Know every life story is important. Every fingerprint is unique and so is every life story. If told effectively, realize there’s hundreds if not thousands that will benefit from your life experiences. Your story, your events, your unique journey is worth sharing. Even if it’s just for the next generation of your family, do it for them.

2. Discover how to tell your story well. Though important, the details of your story are boring. No one wants to hear about the small and insignificant things of your life. Find out how to develop story telling abilities. Unless you are already famous, most people will not naturally want to read your story. They would rather go to the dentist and endure a root canal.

3. Recognize all stories fade. Less than a couple of hundred years from now people probably won’t remember you. Let’s be real; can you remember your great grandfather’s full name without looking it up? Most people can’t. Just think; your great grandparents more than likely lived less than a hundred years ago. They laughed, cried, accomplished things, went through things. Yet no one remembers their name not even family.

Let’s bring it closer to home; in 4 or 5 decades no one will remember you either. So it’s up to you. You have to write your important life story so generations to come will remember.

4. Make your memoirs eventful. Not many people will naturally be interested in your life story. They might see the details and turn away. Don’t worry that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write your story. All of our daily lives are boring. To make your memoirs eventful, punctuate it with the events of high points, unusual occurrences and excitement. Did you grow up dirt poor and become wealthy? Did you kick a drug habit or overcome the effects of an abusive marriage? Now is the time to make use of any high drama you’ve gone through in your life.

5. Give your story a mission. Don’t fall into thinking that just because your story is important and eventful, everyone will rush out to get a copy to read. Your memoirs should have a purpose that will benefit your reader. It should help someone (directly or indirectly) overcome an obstacle, achieve a goal, solve a problem or inspire them to progress. That purpose could be success in raising a strong-willed child, getting a dream job, becoming wealthy, operating a business, overcoming adversity, getting an education against insurmountable odds or overcoming a bad habit. (Drugs, alcoholism, binge eating, etc.)

If you don’t get started writing your book of memoirs, you could be this time next year wondering if you’ll be remembered. Don’t let your life pass you by without recording it. Your story deserves to be told; there’s a generation coming who would love to hear and remember.

© Earma Brown, 15 year author and business owner
helps small business owners and writers who want to write their best book now! Author of “Write Your Best Book Now”, she mentors other writers and business professionals through her monthly ezine “iScribe” at How to Write a Book Tips Subscribe now at http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm
iscribe@writetowin.org

Jumpstart Writing Your Book Web Cam Series Tip #1 –
Stop Waiting to Write Your Book! Now is better than later. Discover how to overcome procrastination concerning your book once and for all.

Jumpstart Writing Your Book
Web Cam Series #1
By Earma Brown
http://100daystoabook.com

Want to sign up for the mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book? Click Here

Even with these findings, I still encouraged my friend to write her book. I suggest writing for the more active audience. An active audience doesn’t have the time or don’t take the time to read long books anymore. So I say still write your important message into a book just make it a short book. Here are 5 irresistible reasons to write a short book and prosper even when people are reading less.

1. Write a short book to make it easy on yourself. Write your book into the simpler, shorter, and punchier version. Shorten your sentences, stories and analogies. Use a professional format which includes a strong heading (question) your reader needs answered and the answer. This professional formula presents the problem and solution quickly without a lot of words.

2. Write a short book to gain momentum. Completing your first book will build your confidence. I know short doesn’t mean the same thing to every person. For books, let’s agree 50-100 or so pages is short, even 140 sounds less intimidating than a 200-300 page book. Your future customers are busy and usually read only what takes the shortest amount of time. For example, a colleague of mine wanted to learn how to conduct tele-seminars. He said he didn’t hesitate buying a short book of 70 pages at $19.97 to help him learn the ropes of tele-seminars.

3. Write a short book to make it readable. Fill your short book with anecdotes, short stories and case studies. But don’t make it read like a long boring speech. It will put your readers to sleep just as a long winded speaker does. Make your short stories reflect real life situations. Your readers will love it and tell all their friends about your interesting book. The stories will breathe life into your book and keep your readers reading to the end.

4. Write a short book first to reach more people. Slash your BIG book in half. Too many aspiring writers overwhelm themselves with goals of a 365 page book first. Shorten your book to 25-90 pages the first time or divide your large book into a smaller book one and two. Though you shorten it, still fill it with useful information by using the question and answer format for each chapter. Using the same format and length for each chapter and answering all your readers’ questions will not only speed your writing process but it will result in a successful book.

5. Write a short book to get your book to market faster and profit sooner. Because your book is shorter and easier to write fast, you can expect to go to market sooner. To speed up your writing time, write your book in chunks, chapters, sections and parts. Writing this way will allow you to refine, repeat and repackage your information. Develop a continuing flow with a website, a stream of articles, reports, follow-up products and even services to build your book, your brand and your profits further.

If you don’t decide to take the shorter easier route of writing a short book first, you may be this time next year still wondering if you should or shouldn’t write a book. Don’t hesitate any longer; write a short book first and profit sooner.

Are you ready to get started writing your book? Go get my free 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book! You can get instant access to this ecourse and other http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm tips at the http://www.writetowin.org web site From Earma Brown, 15 year author and book writing coach

Dreaming of writing a book? But overwhelmed by the task! You can do it with a little help, a little focus and determination. Find out where to go to receive FREE bonus reports, FREE Coaching, 12 Weeks, 12 Lessons, 100 Days to Your Book. Visit http://100daystoabook.com for full details

Imagine your book already finished. Think about the benefits you’ve gained. You know the added respect from your colleagues, the added income to help pay the bills or fund your next vacation. Picture your customers writing in about how much your book has helped them. Hear them telling all their friends about your well-written helpful book. Imagine how excited you feel about finally fulfilling your dream of writing a book.

Did you dream the bigger dream? Great! It can happen; you’ve already seen it. Now follow these seven principles and make your book dream come true this year:

1. Write a book with passion. Choose a topic you’re passionate about. Perhaps you’re passionate about your work or a cause. Your customers can be your biggest resource. Solve their problems. Answer their questions. If you’re a speaker, use one of your main talks and expound on that subject.

2. Write a book with a vision. Write your vision down and make it plain. Write the dream you just dreamed. Be specific with the details. Name the date you will complete it. Write the specific outcomes you will have as a result of writing your book. For example, see yourself watching your bank balance grow from book sales. Write, “I see myself with increased income and more clients.” Anyway you get the idea; create your vision statement including see, hear and feel.

3. Write a book with intention. Now put your book on your list of things to do this year. Write a plan. Get the necessary resources in place to accomplish your dream of writing a book. Educate yourself about book writing. Sign up for a class, course or seminar. Set aside a special bank account for book cover design, editing, page layout and promotion. Without the money needed to fund your project, your book dream may die or stall at the finish line.

4. Write a book with focus. No, you don’t have to sell your soul anymore to write a saleable book. Use the cumulative effect of doing a little bit at a time. Even so, unless you want it to take years to write, you must schedule writing time each week. For example, you could write 2 pages a day and have a short book in weeks.

5. Write a book of solutions. Your audience is looking for solutions to their problems. They are looking to you for encouragement to overcome their challenges. Mine your background, your files, and your speeches for the gold called your knowledge. Use speedy book writing techniques and finish your book faster to sell sooner.

6. Write a book with realistic expectations. If you think an hour here or a couple there will get your book done, rethink your commitment. Plan to fit at least 8-14 hours into your schedule to get your book done and out to the world. It may mean getting up in the wee hours of the morning before your family gets up or burning the midnight oil after work. Either way, know consistency will drive you and your book to a successful completion.

7. Write a book with persistence. Persistent writers become successful authors. Don’t give up. Take your dream out of the back seat. Bring your book writing plans to the front. When you do what it takes to author your book, you can reap the rewards through an expert status, increased fees, respect for your know how, fame that grows and many more opportunities that manifest.

Don’t wait a minute longer. Take your book dream off the shelf. If you wait, you can be this time next year without making your dream of writing a successful book come true. You have the knowledge and the solution. Now write it down. Your audience is waiting. Focus, use the principles above and make your book dream come true this year. Make it different. Make it count. Make it yours.

MORE BOOK WRITING TIPS

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© Earma Brown, 15 year author and business owner
helps small business owners and writers who want to write their best book now! Author of “Write Your Best Book Now”, she mentors other writers and business professionals through her monthly ezine “iScribe” at How to Write a Book Tips Subscribe now at http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm
iscribe@writetowin.org

Writing a book is a great way to position you to charge higher fees, create additional income streams and go on more vacations. A book will expand your exposure, add credibility and increase your opportunities for adventure. Still not convinced? Here are 7 more exciting reasons you should write a book now:

1. Write a book now; for now is better than later. Kill procrastination by acting now. Sign up for a course? Read a good book about book writing. Sketch out your book writing plan. Remember you become a successful author the minute you start moving toward your worthwhile book goal. I don’t know anyone that regrets they wrote a book. But I know plenty of people that regret they didn’t do it sooner.

2. Write a Book and extend your reach to the world. When your book is ready for purchase, many people will get it from all over the world. With your extended reach, opportunities for you to interact with people outside of your local area will come. Write a good book; make it easy for your subscribers and customers to tell their friends and associates. Remember, referrals always make the best customers and bring a higher rate of sales.

3. Write a book and go places you’ve never gone. At the least, your book will travel to countries and places you’ve never gone. Better yet, add speaking about your book’s topic to your list of services and watch new doors and opportunities for you open. Either way, writing your book will open opportunities to go places you may not get to go any other way.

4. Write a book and create multiple income streams. Don’t just plan a one book event but plan a series of books. It’s important to expand your thinking to the possibilities after your book is published. Plan to produce articles, books and updates that help your readers and help you profit from your passion. Each new book or related material will create new profit opportunities, further enhance your visibility and reinforce your credibility as an expert.

5. Write a book and become famous. Grow your name to fame. Write a book filled with success experiences that motivate your audience to give more, do more or share more. Share your experiences to inspire your audience. Share how you overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges in your field. It will motivate your audience to think if you did it; they can do it too.

6. Write a book and make your mother proud. Intertwine stories into your non-fiction manuscript. Entertain your audience, make them laugh; they’ll love you for it. Best of all, your family, your friends and your mother will be so proud to tell all their friends about your book.

7. Write a book and get paid higher fees. Writing a book elevates you to expert level. You gain instant credibility just by having author behind your name? And that added credibility gives you the power to increase your fees to expert level up to 400% and more.

Are you ready to join the ranks of successful authors? You don’t have to call your family to tell them you’ll be late again today. You won’t even have to pull in more people to help you work harder. I can’t think of a more opportune way to change your bottom line and even your life than by writing a book. Go ahead; write your best book now and prosper.

MORE BOOK WRITING TIPS

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© Earma Brown, 15 year author and business owner
helps small business owners and writers who want to write their best book now! Author of “Write Your Best Book Now”, she mentors other writers and business professionals through her monthly ezine “iScribe” at How to Write a Book Tips Subscribe now at http://www.writetowin.org/jumpstartyourbook.htm or send email to
iscribe@writetowin.org