Carma Spence's Blog, page 39
December 12, 2023
Your Book Can Be More than a Magnet
#Countdown2024, Day 20: This simple perspective shift will make your book more than just a lead magnet.
https://youtube.com/shorts/eNMKRM7cLFI
https://youtube.com/shorts/eNMKRM7cLFI
December 11, 2023
Overcome Your Non-Writer Doubts
Have you ever felt that your insights could inspire many, yet doubted your ability to put them into words as an author? In today’s episode of The Author Switch, I share 10 tips (plus a few bonus tips) on how you can embrace your expertise, effectively communicate your ideas, create compelling content, and connect authentically with your audience, turning your knowledge into a powerful tool for business growth.
Listen: AuthorSwitch.com/spotify | Watch: AuthorSwitch.com/overcoming-non-write...
Listen: AuthorSwitch.com/spotify | Watch: AuthorSwitch.com/overcoming-non-write...
December 10, 2023
Your Story Matters
#Countdown2024, Day 22: And now for some inspiration.
In spite of the world being filled with diverse voices and experiences, your story holds a unique power – the power to inspire, educate, and transform. Believe in the value of your journey, the depth of your experiences, and the strength of your voice.
Every challenge you've overcome, every lesson you've learned, and every moment of joy you've experienced is a treasure trove of inspiration. Your book isn't just a collection of words; it can be a beacon of hope, a source of wisdom, and a catalyst for change.
Whether you're sharing life lessons, professional insights, or personal adventures, remember that your narrative has the potential to touch lives and make a lasting impact. It's more than just your story; it's a gift to readers who find themselves in your words.
So, pour your heart onto the pages, and let the world hear your voice. Your book can be a powerful force that enlightens, empowers, and transforms. Believe in your story, for it can change the world, one reader at a time.
In spite of the world being filled with diverse voices and experiences, your story holds a unique power – the power to inspire, educate, and transform. Believe in the value of your journey, the depth of your experiences, and the strength of your voice.
Every challenge you've overcome, every lesson you've learned, and every moment of joy you've experienced is a treasure trove of inspiration. Your book isn't just a collection of words; it can be a beacon of hope, a source of wisdom, and a catalyst for change.
Whether you're sharing life lessons, professional insights, or personal adventures, remember that your narrative has the potential to touch lives and make a lasting impact. It's more than just your story; it's a gift to readers who find themselves in your words.
So, pour your heart onto the pages, and let the world hear your voice. Your book can be a powerful force that enlightens, empowers, and transforms. Believe in your story, for it can change the world, one reader at a time.
December 9, 2023
4 steps to an effective book PR strategy
#Countdown2024, Day 23: Crafting an effective public relations strategy for your book doesn’t need to be hard. Here are four steps you can take to identify your hooks and gain media attention for your books.
1. What is the big problem your book solves that others are not talking about or not talking about effectively? This is your “big idea.”
Example: The problem is of those who say they want to write a book, 85% never start, most likely because they get stuck at choosing their idea. I’ve developed a system that helps entrepreneurs identify a best-seller-worthy book idea in about 15 minutes.
2. Can you tie your “big idea” to a natural hook: Something that is happening in the news or an annual observation? This is your pitch.
Example: National Authors Day is Nov. 2, 2024. 81% of people dream of being an author, but only 15% start. I have a system that will help those who are stuck identify their best book idea in about 15 so they can begin writing.
3. Identify the best publication and reporter match for your pitch. Once you identify the right reporters, get on their radar by following, commenting on, and sharing their content on social media. X (formerly Twitter) is the best platform for this.
4. Time your pitch appropriately for the publications cycle. Newspapers are usually daily or weekly, so you want to pitch up to one month ahead of time. Magazines are usually monthly or quarterly and often plan up to a year ahead of time. You can pitch them 4, 6 or 12 months ahead of time.
5. Bonus tip: Download the Media Kit for the publication. This usually includes the next year’s editorial calendar. This will help you tie your pitches to their content plans. Magazine are more likely to have a media kit than newspapers, but weekly and monthly newspaper often have them, as well.
Follow these steps and you’re on your way to an effective media plan for your book.
1. What is the big problem your book solves that others are not talking about or not talking about effectively? This is your “big idea.”
Example: The problem is of those who say they want to write a book, 85% never start, most likely because they get stuck at choosing their idea. I’ve developed a system that helps entrepreneurs identify a best-seller-worthy book idea in about 15 minutes.
2. Can you tie your “big idea” to a natural hook: Something that is happening in the news or an annual observation? This is your pitch.
Example: National Authors Day is Nov. 2, 2024. 81% of people dream of being an author, but only 15% start. I have a system that will help those who are stuck identify their best book idea in about 15 so they can begin writing.
3. Identify the best publication and reporter match for your pitch. Once you identify the right reporters, get on their radar by following, commenting on, and sharing their content on social media. X (formerly Twitter) is the best platform for this.
4. Time your pitch appropriately for the publications cycle. Newspapers are usually daily or weekly, so you want to pitch up to one month ahead of time. Magazines are usually monthly or quarterly and often plan up to a year ahead of time. You can pitch them 4, 6 or 12 months ahead of time.
5. Bonus tip: Download the Media Kit for the publication. This usually includes the next year’s editorial calendar. This will help you tie your pitches to their content plans. Magazine are more likely to have a media kit than newspapers, but weekly and monthly newspaper often have them, as well.
Follow these steps and you’re on your way to an effective media plan for your book.
December 8, 2023
Be a lighthouse, not a mouse trap
Countdown2024, Day 24: If you do it right, your lead-generating book will be like a lighthouse in the fog. It will guide your readers from where they are, to one step closer to where they want to be.
Why one step?
A book cannot effectively offer a full transformation, and if you are using your book to grow your business, you don’t want it to.
You want your book to pull them one step higher than where they are, open their eyes to the possibility of more, and entice them into your world so that they will want to work with you.
But your book can’t be that lighthouse if you follow most lead-generating book advice: “Give them the what but not the how. Give them the how, but make it sound complicated and hard.”
You are told to use artificial and manipulative tactics to persuade readers that you are their only and best option.
That’s not a lighthouse. That’s a mouse trap.
And it doesn’t respect your readers.
Instead, go deep into that one step. Give your readers everything they need to climb that first step and experience a win. At that point, they will want more. And, if you were meant to serve them, they will want more from you.
There is no need for manipulation. And without it you will build better relationships with your readers, leading to higher-quality clients.
Why one step?
A book cannot effectively offer a full transformation, and if you are using your book to grow your business, you don’t want it to.
You want your book to pull them one step higher than where they are, open their eyes to the possibility of more, and entice them into your world so that they will want to work with you.
But your book can’t be that lighthouse if you follow most lead-generating book advice: “Give them the what but not the how. Give them the how, but make it sound complicated and hard.”
You are told to use artificial and manipulative tactics to persuade readers that you are their only and best option.
That’s not a lighthouse. That’s a mouse trap.
And it doesn’t respect your readers.
Instead, go deep into that one step. Give your readers everything they need to climb that first step and experience a win. At that point, they will want more. And, if you were meant to serve them, they will want more from you.
There is no need for manipulation. And without it you will build better relationships with your readers, leading to higher-quality clients.
December 7, 2023
Help me choose the perfect icon for the Body Banshee!
Vote for your favorite and you could win a prize worth $500. Your voice matters in shaping how I visualize the physical barriers to creative brilliance. Vote now! AuthorSwitch.com/poll
Leverage Your Book for Exponential Growth
Countdown2024, Day 25:
Your book can be more than just pages. Watch this video on transforming your book into a comprehensive content strategy. Learn to leverage your book for exponential growth in authority & client attraction. Watch on YouTube now!
https://youtu.be/a-lFsPKoLNc
Your book can be more than just pages. Watch this video on transforming your book into a comprehensive content strategy. Learn to leverage your book for exponential growth in authority & client attraction. Watch on YouTube now!
https://youtu.be/a-lFsPKoLNc
December 6, 2023
Why Short Books Are More Engaging Than Ever
#Countdown2024, Day 26: Check out my new blog post that explores why Pocket Positioners (concise books) can capture & hold your audience's attention more effectively than webinars or quizzes. Authorneering.com/why-a-short-book
December 5, 2023
Align your book with your business goals, not your whimsy
#Countdown2024 Day 27: Sometimes, the urge to write a book comes from a deep, personal desire. I've been there, crafting stories and ideas that resonated with me, pouring my heart and soul into the pages. It's a fulfilling journey and can bring financial rewards. However, it is also a path ruled by chance. Each book created this way is a roll of the dice, and you never quite know if it will be met with fans or crickets.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. You just need to know that going in so that you won't be disappointed when a few copies sell and no one is begging for your autograph.
What does that mean for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business with a book? Does it mean they should throw their hands up in the air and give up?
Heavens, no! When it comes to leveraging a book for business growth, you need to be thoughtful and strategic. That's the secret sauce.
As an entrepreneur, you can't just write the book your fancy wants to write. Your fancy it tied up in dreams and imaginings and not grounded in the reality of business. What you need to do instead is align your book with your business goals. Ensure that every chapter, every word resonates not just with your interests, but also with our business strategy.
Writing a book that grows your business demands a blend of your unique insights and a keen eye on your business objectives. It's about ensuring your book is not just a Unicorn project, but a powerful piece of your broader business puzzle.
So, before you dive into writing your lead-generating, authority-amplifying book, ask yourself: How does this book fit into my business strategy? How can it amplify my business goals?
Make the shift from just writing a book to satisfy an itch, a curiosity, a passing fancy ... to crafting a strategic asset that elevates your business to the next level.
#BusinessGrowth #StrategicWriting #AuthorEntrepreneur
Not that there's anything wrong with that. You just need to know that going in so that you won't be disappointed when a few copies sell and no one is begging for your autograph.
What does that mean for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business with a book? Does it mean they should throw their hands up in the air and give up?
Heavens, no! When it comes to leveraging a book for business growth, you need to be thoughtful and strategic. That's the secret sauce.
As an entrepreneur, you can't just write the book your fancy wants to write. Your fancy it tied up in dreams and imaginings and not grounded in the reality of business. What you need to do instead is align your book with your business goals. Ensure that every chapter, every word resonates not just with your interests, but also with our business strategy.
Writing a book that grows your business demands a blend of your unique insights and a keen eye on your business objectives. It's about ensuring your book is not just a Unicorn project, but a powerful piece of your broader business puzzle.
So, before you dive into writing your lead-generating, authority-amplifying book, ask yourself: How does this book fit into my business strategy? How can it amplify my business goals?
Make the shift from just writing a book to satisfy an itch, a curiosity, a passing fancy ... to crafting a strategic asset that elevates your business to the next level.
#BusinessGrowth #StrategicWriting #AuthorEntrepreneur
December 4, 2023
Make a lasting impact with your book
#Countdown2024 Day 28: Want to elevate your book from good to unforgettable? Want it to leave a lasting impact? Watch this video for an essential perspective shift that goes beyond the ordinary.
https://youtube.com/shorts/QNaPWlovcZ8
https://youtube.com/shorts/QNaPWlovcZ8
