Honoree Corder's Blog, page 10

Making a Living as a Writer, Part 2

Last week I talked about What it takes to make a living as a writer.
When I reviewed the email, frankly, I was left wanting more. Maybe you were, too, so I’ve decided to expand on my thoughts. In fact, I’m going to turn this into a short series.
Consistency really does play a huge part of making a living as a writer. Another key factor is networking.
Networking isn’t just for business professionals. In fact, you won’t have a robust career or be able to make a solid living as a writer without a network of other writers.
It wasn’t until I connected with other writers that I was able to:


Discover new tips, tools, and strategies for writing and publishing. I didn’t know about Scrivener, or BookFunnel, or even Smashwords before I started building my writer network.


Learn how to write better! Connecting with other writers connected me with better, more experienced editors. The feedback and insight

I received was, and is, priceless.


Feel normal (a.k.a. not feel totally weird). Writers are a unique breed, and if for some reason you don’t feel at home in your current network, perhaps it’s because you haven’t yet found “your people.”


It’s true–you will make a better living with a solid network of other writers (and people who serve writers).
You might be wondering where all of these wonderful people are, and how to connect with them. So glad you asked!


Join Facebook Groups. I have one:  The Prosperous Writer Mastermind  is for anyone who wants to write, from aspiring writers to multi-time authors. There’s a group for people who use Dragon Dictation to write, and Michael Anderle’s group, 20Booksto50K, is growing by leaps and bounds. In any group, you can ask questions and either crowd-source the answers or get help from experienced authors.


Join writer groups. Through Meetup.com, you can join any number of writing groups right where you live, or start one.


Go to writer’s conferences. General conferences, like the Smarter Artist Summit, are a terrific place to connect with other writers. You can also go to the conference that caters to your niche such as Romance Writers of America or Thrillerfest. You might have to overcome the desire to stay home (Hi, fellow introverts, I see you!), but I promise it will be well worth it!


Making a living as a writer is multi-faceted. I’ll be back with you next week with some other ideas to consider. What do you think the most important factors are that most contribute to whether someone is able to make a living as a writer? Feel free to email me or post a comment on the blog.

 

More Good Stuff…
~Would you like to read my new book before it’s released? The Advanced Reader Team for The Prosperous Writer’s Guide to Making More Money is now open! My author buddy, Brian Meeks, and I are here to help you write full-time. Sign up here .
~Boost your professional relationships to the next level. Get a free eBook of my networking book, Business Dating, here. Hurry before it’s gone!

Stop Thinking and Start Inking!

I can hardly believe January has come to an end, this first month of the year just flew by!
Before we get started, I’d love for you to send me an email and tell me how you discovered me and my work.
I know from getting your emails, that many of you have been meaning to start working on your book but you haven’t quite gotten started yet. Perhaps you’re trying to figure out who your avatar is, or find the time to write, but you haven’t gotten past the cogitating stage.
I understand. I’ve been “working on a fiction series” for almost a year. It wasn’t until I put it on my calendar and started writing a little every day (and by little, I mean sometimes 5-10 minutes a day!).
Well, if you need a little kick in the ass, I’m your gal. Take it from someone who knows, you have to stop thinking, you have to stop meaning to start writing, and you have to just start doing it.
Pull out your calendar right now and schedule some time tomorrow to work on your book. You can start at the beginning of You Must Write a Book , take notes, or work through the exercises. You can work on your outline, or write down commonly asked questions, or open up a Word doc and just start writing. It’s up to you, the main idea is that you just begin.
I promise you that if you put an hour on your schedule (or 30, or even 15 minutes a day) and when the time comes you actually work on your book, a magical thing will happen. The book will begin to take shape before your very eyes (even without taking a massive amount of time).
But you can’t become an author without writing your book! You won’t be able to add “author” to your bio without taking the action it takes to write your book.
Are you writing? Not writing yet? Committing to writing?  I want to know.
In February of 2018, you won’t regret having a book. The time to start, re-start, or keep going is today.
What is the date you have in mind to publish your book? Comment below (or pop me an email) and commit (to yourself and to me). 
 
 
***RESOURCES***

~What’s the difference between being interested in writing success and committed to writing success?
~ 5 Tips for Editing Your Own Work
~Does your book’s description give someone the need … the need to read? If not, read The 11 Ingredients of a Sizzling Book Description.

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

 

What does it really take to make money as a writer?

Before I tell you what I think about today’s topic, kindly allow me to thank you for reading this post.
According to statistics, only about 20% of people who subscribe to a newsletter ever even open it, and the numbers are even more dismal for engagement. So, if you’re reading this, I want you to know I appreciate you and the fact you’re taking the time to read this. I’m also curious about something. If we haven’t corresponded directly in the past, would you take a moment to tell me how you discovered me and my work? I really would love to know.
Today I want to answer a question I am often asked:  What does it take to make a living as a writer? 
I can answer this in a few different ways:


It takes consistency: consistent writing, consistent production, consistent publishing.


Here’s something cool: 250 words a day is 91,250 words (a good-sized novel or about 1 1/2 or even 2 non-fiction books) over the course of a year. If you type 50 words per minute (and you can type a lot faster with even a little practice), that will take all of about 5 minutes a day. One novel or two books a year, 250 words a day … in about 5 minutes.


I just mentioned one novel or two non-fiction books a year. No, not the breakneck speed of some writers, but definitely a sustainable pace you can fit in around work, school, friends, and family obligations.


Year in and year out is the key. Since 2004, I’ve published over 20 books. I “took off” 2005-2008, but since 2009 I’ve published at least one book, and in 2016, a total of 11 book projects. I will continue to publish at least four non-fiction and one fiction (coming soon!) book every year — probably for the rest of my life.


I know nothing I said was very sexy (consistency, I’ve heard, is viewed more as boring than sexy), or even exciting … but the continuous increase in royalties allows me to continue to be a full-time writer. And honestly, there’s nothing I’d rather be!
What about you? What do you secretly, or not-so-secretly, want from your writing? A full-time career? Enough money to afford a bigger house, nicer car, or a better education for your kids? I’d love to know.
One last thing: I’ve been writing this newsletter weekly for awhile. How do you like it? Do you look forward to it? Do you wish it would come every two or even four weeks? Is there a question you want to ask, but haven’t? Feel free to email me or post a comment on the blog.
Honorée Corder

Grateful Author

 

MORE GOOD STUFF…
~Would you like to read my new book before it’s released? The Advanced Reader Team for The Prosperous Writer’s Guide to Making More Money is now open! My author buddy, Brian Meeks, and I are here to help you write full-time. Sign up here .
~Learn how to market your book like a pro. 27 authors and book marketing experts joined together in this summit. They’ll teach you step-by-step how to sell more books!
~Need a way to easily share your ebooks? Try my personal favorite! BookFunnel.com! (I have no affiliation, I’m just a super fan.)

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

 

Reader Question – How do I fit in writing?

I hope this finds you well! I can hardly believe January has come to an end, this first month of the year just flew by!
Before we get started, I’d love for you to send me a quick email and tell me how you discovered me and my work.
I got the following question from a reader:
I work full-time. I’m married with four children (ages 15, 11, 8, and 3), and my wife also has a busy career. I was inspired to write a book by your book, You Must Write a Book, but I’m having a hard time figuring out how to get started. Also, I have no idea how I’ll find the time to actually get it written. Any suggestions? –Walter, St. Louis, MO.
I can relate, Walter! With eleventy-billion items (give or take) on our to-do lists, it’s amazing we have time to fit in writing at all. Yet I’m sure you can agree that when you’re committed to something, you find time to get it done. Being inspired isn’t enough, you do have to set yourself up to win! Otherwise, you’ll find yourself really wanting to write a book, instead of holding one in your hot little hands!
Following are the Chapter One exercises from The Nifty 15: Write Your Book in Just 15 Minutes a Day (my book with Brian Meeks),  along with tips from members of The Prosperous Writers Mastermind group on Facebook:
1. Commit to writing 15 minutes a day over the course of 100 days. Identify your day one (and then ask Siri what the date is 100 days from then). Example: If day one is February 16, day 100 is May 26 (in a leap year).
2. Identify your work in progress (WIP). Remember it’s a work in progress, not a work in perfection. Your goal is to make progress daily over the course of 100 days.
3. Adopt the belief that you write whenever you sit down to do so. Reinforce that, and any other positive belief you need, by reading other encouraging books, listening to podcasts that share the stories of other successful writers, and joining a community of like-minded writers (we suggest the Prosperity for Writers Mastermind on Facebook).
4. Write these two sayings on 3X5 cards and post them where you’ll see them when you need them the most:
Do something today your future self will thank you for!
Don’t give up what you want for what you want right now!


Here are tips from how my fellow writers fit in their writing:
Cindy Howdyshell writes: Before the day starts! 15 minutes every morning! too loud in the evenings. but I’m usually editing in the evenings…
Carolyn Dean said, I make it a priority, and start at 5 a.m.
Chris Hunter shared, I jot down or binge write a few pages.
Elizabeth Badame Viggiano shared her busy mom tip: I’m home with 2 kiddos (4 and baby), so I created a cyclical routine that includes 30 mins of “alone” time in each rotation. If our day is going poorly and I don’t make my work count goal, daddy takes over after dinner until I do.
Tony Jacobsen said,  I write on every device whenever possible (MacBook, iPhone, iPad). I also handwrite on my Bullet Journal and on any scrap of paper that has space. However, my most creative and productive time is at 5 a.m. I make coffee and write on my MacBook. I started this schedule last July and finished my first draft at the beginning of January.

As you can see, with commitment and a little bit of creativity, you can get that book written! I’d love to know: how are you fitting in your writing –or– what is the biggest challenge I can help you overcome when it comes to getting your book written?
Until next time, happy writing!

 

***RESOURCES***

~One way to write your book is by using dictation (one of my favorite strategies by far!). Here is a whole episode on one of my favorite podcasts sharing the how-tos as well as the best equipment to use.
~ Do you make any of these 11 Common Grammar Mistakes?
~Need a way to easily share your ebooks? Try my personal favorite! BookFunnel.com! (I have no affiliation, I’m just a super fan.)

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
  Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

 

Two Surprising Ways to Write More, Better, Faster

 

Everyone wants a magic bullet. In fact, I have searched far and wide for a pill I can take that will defeat my love of frosted sugar cookies and pizza (which I have not found to date, BTW). But I have great news for you today, my writer friend, because I have not one but TWO magical things you can add to your daily routine to maximize not only your writing productivity (and thereby your prosperity) but literally everything else in your life, too.

Now, before I tell you what they are, for those of you for whom the words  add to your daily routine  stuck out right away, don’t shoot the messenger. I promise what I’m about to tell you can change your life for the better.

Magic Action #1: Meditation. I’ve been practicing meditation since my early 20s. I credit meditation for a few things in my life, including my ability to write lots and lots and lots. People are often surprised when I tell them my age, and I’m still able to workout with the same intensity I enjoyed in my 20s. Many highly productive and happy people I know swear by meditation, and whether you’re a Patriots fan or not, you have to tip your hat to Tom Brady (who also swears by meditation). I think meditation makes me more productive, more efficient, more effective, and need less sleep. It has been said that taking the time to meditate actually gives you more time in the long run–and I absolutely believe it! I also know I haven’t committed even one single homicide in my whole life, thank you meditation!

How to Avoid the Errors First-Time Authors Make

In this post, I’m going to cover common errors first-time authors make. And believe me, I’m not pointing fingers — I’ve made almost all of them myself! I’m sharing so you can benefit from my experience.
Error 1: They don’t publish professionally. The concept of producing an MVP (minimum viable product) can save you time and money, but not when it comes to your book. Your book represents you when you’re not around, and a book with shoddy production is the same as wearing shorts and flip flops to a black-tie wedding. What to do: In the 5 Components of a Bestseller, I share how to make your book look, feel, and read as though it were published by a traditional publisher. I cannot stress enough how important it is to intentionally create a quality product. Even if it takes longer and costs more, the time and additional investment are worth it over the long haul.

Error 2: They don’t treat their book like a business. Your book isn’t your baby. It is supposed to either be a stream of revenue or a way to generate new business. Think of your book just like you would an employee or other collateral material: as a means to connect with others and help them and generate revenue directly or indirectly. In addition, your book business is supposed to be profitable. What to do:  Look at your book like any other product you offer. Create a plan for creation, launch, and marketing. Keep track of your expenses with the goal to be in the black as soon as possible!

Error 3: They get reviews from the wrong readers. Your Aunt Mary can review or endorse your book, but if she doesn’t fit the profile of your avatar, her 5-star review of your book will confuse the algorithms the major platforms use (especially Amazon) to determine to whom they market your book. What to do: Identify your avatar and focus on getting as many reviews as possible from them as close to launch date as possible. This will help those who discover your book know for sure they need to buy and read it! And, it will help online booksellers to market your books effectively.

Error 4: They take advice from “experts.” Not everyone who has published a book is someone who should be giving advice about selling books, and yet anyone can say they are an expert. But if they don’t have a strong Amazon Author Rank, have only published a few books (or less), and their books rank in the hundreds of thousands or millions, they might not be a true expert. What to do: Three quick questions things to ask before taking someone’s advice: 1. How many books have you published? 2. What is your Amazon Author Rank? 3. What is the rank of each of your books? Hint — great answers are: 1. More than a dozen. 2. Top 100 in their book’s category. 3. At least one book in the top 10,000, and top 100 in their book’s category.

Ask me anything! What’s the one burning question you have about writing and self-publishing your book? Leave a question in the comments, and I’ll feature your question in an upcoming message!

Happy writing!



***RESOURCES***

~Write faster. The Author Biz Podcast featuring tips for using dictation to write your book. I use Nuance’s Dragon Dictate and love it!
~Write even if you’re busy! You can write your book in as little as 15 minutes a day. I wrote a super quick read about it with my fiction author buddy Brian D. Meeks.
~Write with support. I have a supportive and positive Facebook group, the Prosperity for Writers Mastermind, you might want to check out. It was formed when I wrote what I thought was going to be my one and only book for writers (Prosperity for Writers), but we welcome everyone who is working on their books. We’d love to have you.

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .  
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

 

Writer Resources for 2017, Post #4

I’m excited about this topic today!
Today, we’re talking visioning and turning your vision into your real-life reality.
If you missed the first three, here they are: one, two, and three.
Last week, I suggested you write a 3-5 sentence vision statement and then turn it into an affirmation to jump-start you on the path to full-time writer. Well, you know how when you’re writing a book you start with just a few ideas or thoughts and then expand upon them? That’s what it’s time to do with your vision!
If you’ve been working with your affirmation this week, you might have noticed some cool things happening (like you’re finding … or making … time to write, perhaps?). If not, just keep at it. Sometimes it takes awhile.
Imagine being able to turn on the turbo jets and propel yourself into a whole new stratosphere? My friend, a brilliantly clear vision will do just that!
It’s time to craft your vision. Just follow these steps to design a vision that propels you forward:
One. Expand Your Vision. Write what your life is like as a full-time writer, making a full-time living from your writing. How soon are you a full-time writer? (I’m FT now. Originally, I have a 5-year vision.) Where do you work? (I work on my couch, in coffee shops, and on my bus.) How much do you earn? (I earn multiple seven figures.) When do you write? (I write for at least two hours in the morning, with a workout in between. One hour for non-fiction, one hour for fiction. When do you nap? (I nap between Noon and 2 p.m. Smile.) Who is with you? (My husband and daughter are with me, of course.)
Two. Chunk it Down. If you’re at all like me, there’s a bit of a runway on your vision. When I turned 40, I wanted to be a full-time writer by the time I was 45. I got the right income level by age 43, but I kept doing other things and now I’m down to one. I always have a one-year vision, and a 100-day vision.
Three. What’s Your Why? If you don’t have a strong enough why, you will quit when you’re tired, frustrated, or book sales are slower than you’d like. Why do you write? (I write because I must! I write because I have a heart for others, and want to give back. I write because, while it’s hard to believe sometimes, people seem to like my writing and will pay for it!)
Four. Get Laser Focused. Pick a period of time (one year or 100 days work well) and define your top 3 goals and your six daily actions. You can make a lot of progress when you focus like a ninja. You are a ninja, I just know it!
Five. Accountability Equals Achievement. If you’re like most people (and you are, aren’t you?), you must engage in some form of accountability to ensure your success or you will fail. You’ll let yourself off the hook, or you’ll get off track and never get back on. Hey, even ninjas fall off the wagon now and again. Find an accountability partner, mentor, or form a mastermind group. Additionally, it’s important, almost crucial, to find a coach to provide the level of accountability, critical thinking and strategic planning needed to achieve new heights.
My mentor used to say, Success might be simple, but it’s not easy. I sort of agree, but I also believe that almost anything is possible with the right plan and action items to support it, and these same plans and actions certainly do make attaining success easier!
Just like your vision, you’re gonna review your vision every single day. I have mine as a document in Evernote and I can read it on my computer, phone, and iPad. I read it at least once a day (and it takes me about fifteen minutes total). Just like your affirmations, your vision will program your subconscious mind … and because your subconscious mind is like the most amazing computer ever it will take care of the rest.
That’s it for now. Have fun crafting your vision!

 

More Good Stuff…
~Get more sales and a higher ranking for your book. Karen Dimmick interviewed 28 of the top book marketing experts in The Book Marketing Summit. The best part? You can get access to the videos for free for 2 days with this link.
~Want to learn more? I was a guest on Hal Elrod’s Achieve Your Goals Podcast: 5 Easy Steps to Turn Your Vision to Reality.
~ 100 Great Articles to Read . I met James Clear a couple of years ago, and he’s continued to impress me with his writing. Some of his articles might be great for you, too, particularly this one on creativity.

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

 

Start Growing Your Prospective Reader List Now

When should you start building a list of prospective readers? The minute you decide to write your book! You might be wondering, How do I find readers, especially before I have a book?
I have several recommendations, each of them individually will help you find readers. Combine them and you can grow your list of readers to ultimately reach the goals you have for your book!



Have a strong website presence. Several options here: (1) Have a website with your name (yourname.com), (2) add a dedicated book page to your existing site, (3) get a separate website with your book’s title (yourbooktitle.com), (4) get a separate website with author + your name (authoryourname.com), or (5) add a link to purchase your book on a retail site, such as Amazon, on your existing site.


On your site, you will have the option for people to join your list so you can communicate with them about your book and the other products and services you offer.



Design a professional page on Facebook.Even before your book is published, you can set up a page on Facebook dedicated to your business and your book. Read  Sell More Books with Less Social Media by Chris Syme to learn everything you need to know about social media and your book (and your business … including Facebook).




Your newsletter list is your prospective reader list.As a businessperson who most likely sends out a weekly or monthly newsletter, you already have a list of prospective readers. But is everyone who should be on that list actually on it? With permission, of course, ask fellow members of your Rotary Club, Toastmasters, BNI, Chamber of Commerce, and other social and civic organizations you belong to if you can add them to your list. Add your book to your signature:



Your Name
Author of the upcoming book:  Your Title Here. (

 

Two important things to note:
First, your newsletters aren’t advertisements for your products and services, right? They actually are high-content, informative, and helpful to the reader … when this is the case, no-one will mind receiving it.
Second, it is super cool to be an author! And, people love someone who is writing their own book! Especially if said book might be of interest to them once it’s finished.

 

Network with other business book authors. Authors love other authors, and if said authors are super cool and fun, love to help them with their books. A strong author network will help you in multiple ways: other authors can share your book with their networks, and help you in other ways, too (one example: if you are also a speaker, they can provide introductions or even recommendations). You can offer an advanced copy to other authors for them to read (which is a big ask), review, and/or recommend your book, which can add lots of prospective readers and clients to your list.




The Great Giveaway. Prospective readers and clients alike will join your list in exchange for something of value you offer at no charge. You can give away a free assessment, quiz, or access to something of monetary value in exchange for their email address. While you’re in the process of writing your book, think of what you can give away and set up an opt-in page (example) on your email newsletter server.


Building your list of prospective readers begins today and ends, well, never. (Smile). The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Did I leave anything out and you have a question? Leave it in the comments below and I’ll answer it right away!
Next week, I’ll talk about what to put your on book’s site or dedicated page and share some examples.
Happy writing!


***RESOURCES***

 

~Amazon wants you to write your book in 2017! 
~ Want to get ahead of the game? Learn how to market and up your book sales with this free summit {including an interview from yours truly}.
~If you’d like my strategic help with your book, I have two spots available for the week of January 30th. More info here.

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

 

Writer Resources for 2017, Post #3

 
This post is the third in a series of posts to help you write whatever you want (or need) to write, is focused on developing the habit of writing.
If you missed the first one, it’s right here; number two is here.
Writing consistently, and writing a lot, isn’t a super power. It isn’t something you can order from Amazon (although wouldn’t that be cool?). Prolific writers aren’t actually special. Writers who consistently write content are able to do so because they sit down to write.
Habits, specifically the habit of writing, is developed one day at a time. Recently, I was in the gym and one of my girlfriends was back after a hiatus. She said, Not everyone has your discipline. While I appreciate the sentiment, it caused me to examine why I consistently do the things I consistently do (working out and writing among them), and it is because (drum roll): they aren’t something I do, they are a part of my identity … i.e., I do them automatically.
Each of us acts in concert with who we are, who we see ourselves being, behaving, what we know we must do. Vegetarians eat vegetables and say no to meat. Athletes go to the gym. And writers, well, writers write.
Let’s take you from I want to write to I am writing as part of  your  identity.

One. The first step to building part of your identity as a writer is to develop a vision. I’ll tackle visioning in a future post, but for now, write down 3-5 sentences about your vision for yourself as a writer.
Two. Next, write one simple statement about how often you want to write, and how many words (or for how long). Example: I write 500 words a day, six days a week.
Three. Finally, repeat that phrase to yourself one hundred or more times every day. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, write it at least fifteen times in your journal.

Even if you don’t write every day, or any day at first, still say your affirmation over and over every single day. Why? Because you won’t be able to affirm something over and over without eventually doing it. You’ll either stop saying it, or you’ll start writing 500 words a day six days a week.
It’s a funny thing, our subconscious mind. It turns what we tell it into the things we automatically do. I promise you will find yourself writing within thirty days. When you do, smile to yourself and then send me an email about it. And yes, it works for anything . Want to know more? There’s a book recommendation below.
That’s it for now. Next time, I’ll talk more about visioning.
Until then, happy affirming!

 

More Good Stuff…
~Think I’m crazy? More information about how to get yourself to do all of the things in this great book: The Power of Consistency.
~Make 2017 Your Best Year Yet! This Author Biz Podcast 2016-focused episode still works a year later.
~Facebook Groups You’ll Love… The Prosperity for Writers Mastermind, 20Booksto$50K (Host: Michael Anderle), and SMART Marketing for Authors (Host: Chris Syme) all provide inspirational and informational spaces for authors. Did I miss one? Let me know!
~Looking for a 5-star read? Micah Joel shares his 5-star ratings for books in 2016. Prosperity for Writers made the list!

 

Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree

Crafting Your Book’s Outline

Ready to outline your book?
Note: I’m focused solely on outlining a non-fiction book (but stay tuned, in 2017 I’m writing a ten book fiction series so I’ll have some thoughts on outlining fiction in 2018).
There are two POVs (points of view) from which to write a book: (1) as an expert, or (2) as a reporter.
As an expert, you have several years experience in your field and you can answer questions on your subject matter as easily as brushing your teeth. Or, you’re a reporter (like Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich) and you’re going to compile information in a specialized area.
Either way, the easiest and most efficient way to crank out a book is to start with an outline. I might just sound like your 10th grade English teacher (I hope she was lovely and gave you an ‘A’).
Create an initial outline. Crafting your book will go more smoothly working from an outline. You’ll write your desired daily word count and reach your goal of having a book faster and more easily with an outline that’s solid and thought out. Start by jotting down the various sub-topics you answer questions about in your daily life (or do some research about what an expert would know), and then organize those sub-topics into a logical order.
Remember your favorite client? The one who become your avatar? In your mind, as you’re writing your outline, picture them sitting in front of you asking you questions.
Before I started writing You Must Write a Book, I crafted a rough outline. Here’s the actual initial outline:
1. Why I wrote a book
2. Who should write a book
3. Why write an actual book
a. Why not a blog or newsletter, etc.
4. How to write
a. Getting it written
b. Publishing
5. Marketing the book
6. Who else has successfully written and self-published a business book.

Above is a pretty rough outline, and not much like the book looks today. I started with what I considered the easiest path to fleshing out an outline: using the w questions: who, what, where, when, and why … and of course, the how. I suggest, at least initially, you use a similar process to flesh out your outline.


Who has the problem you can solve?


What do they need to do to avoid pain or gain pleasure, or both (i.e., what is your advice for them)?


What do they need to do, or avoid doing, to stay out of trouble, get out of trouble, or get the thing, event, or awesomeness they want?


Where do they need to go, or avoid going, to get their desired result?


When do they need to take action?


Why must they do, or not do, what you’re advising?


And, finally, how do they get what they want, or avoid what they don’t want?



This book, even as I write (and review) it, is still changing and expanding as I discuss it with my clients who are writing their books, my author friends, and even my editor. By the time you read these words, the final book will barely resemble the original outline. You can expect that your original idea will evolve into an expanded, even greater version, and this is a normal part of the process.
Once you have an initial outline, writing is going to be a breeze. Why do I say that? Because you’re going to be writing about what you know!
Take a moment and schedule the time to write your outline. Did you do it? Let me know in the comments below!
It’s time to start growing your prospective reader list. I’ll tell you how next week.

Happy writing!
Honorée Corder
Author,  You  Must  Write a Book  featured here.
Read two free chapters here.

 

***RESOURCES***

~ 13 Things to Give Up if You Want to be Successful
~ New Year, New Stories: Write and Publish a Book in 2017  {Amazon.com}
~ Everyone should write a book . I happen to agree. Smile. {Jeff Goins}
 
 
Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
 
Website: HonoreeCorder.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Honoree
Twitter: twitter.com/Honoree