Top Ten Ways to Write a Book That Sells, By Judy Cullins
Is there a book inside of you? Yes? Then why don't you write
it? Or, if you've already written a book, wouldn't you like to
sell more? So many of you have a great idea for a book, even a
dynamite title, but much more is needed to write a book that sells.
Here's the top ten ways to write a book that sells:
1.Write what's interesting to you and what will still interest
you in two plus years. You can maintain all of the parts to writing
a book much better if you know a little and want to know more
about your subject.
2.Have passion about your topic. If your book is an extension
of you, you'll be more willing to do the work involved. You'll
need sustained passion to develop talks, seminars, articles or
consulting services. Passion helps you be a titillating radio
or teleclass guest.
3.Prepare for each chapter before you write. Have a format plan
that includes headlines throughout to organize your chapter so
well; your reader can't put it down. To avoid a thin chapter list
questions and facts that relate only to the one chapter and thesis
you work on at a time. You will then answer these questions, thus
fulfilling your need to benefit your audience. These techniques
make it easy for your reader to understand.
4.Commit to a regular writing schedule. Lackadaisical or non-focused
efforts fail. A book doesn't finish itself. A page a day equals
a book a year. Think about your circumstances. Just how much time
can you put into this effort with all of your other priorities?
Take a minute and decide to let go of something not as compelling
for the moment. Dong it all at once dilutes your efforts.
5.Write fast so you can produce chapters fast enough to get published
sooner to get the cash flow going faster. Use the "fast-forward"
writing technique in chapter seven of the book "How to Write
your eBook or Other Short Book--Fast!" Each chapter must
answer all of your readers' questions. All non-fiction chapters
have a similar length because their format is the same. Remember,
you can write a short book (25-90 pages) your first time.
6.Market your book as your write each chapter. Know and write
such essential "hot-selling points" as your 60-second
"tell and sell," your specific audience, your sparkling
introduction that is a mini sales letter, and your back cover
or Web sales letter for each book you write.
7.Know your audience before your write your book to keep it organized,
flowing, and compelling. Keep their picture by your workstation.
Write your audience profile first to include their sex, their
top interest, what they spend money on, their Internet savvy,
what books they want and need. Your subject must benefit your
audience or they won't buy your book. What audiences want what
you have? Who will let go of their hard-earned money to buy your
book?
Remember that women buy 78 percent of all trade books. Is your
subject narrow enough?
8. Write your non-fiction, self-help book first. While writing
a novel may draw you, start with the moneymaking book first, so
you can finance your other efforts. Think a shorter first book,
maybe 30-90 pages. Today, people are busy. They want information
fast and easy. Make your chapters shorter too. If you answer 4
questions about one chapter topic, you will create a four-page
chapter.
9.Put your book into your readers’ hands. Think first,
"What's the purpose of my book?" Think about your audience
and your fame. Will they really go the bookstore looking for your
book? Since distributors often go broke, think about distributing
your book yourself. Today it is easy with the number one way to
promote--Online. And, it's free with a short learning curve. Ask
your book or Internet marketing coach.
10.Make things happen. Even if you are one of the chosen 1-2%
an agent or publisher accepts, if you are an unknown, they will
provide little marketing. After a book tour and placing your book
on the bookstore shelves for three months, you'll have to pick
up the talon and lead your own marketing efforts.
So start early and take a teleclass or read a book on how a non-techie
can sell a book Online through free articles and other free, easy
ways.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judy Cullins, 20-year book coach works with emerging authors who
want to write a print or an ebook, make a difference in people
lives, and make a consistent life-long income from it. JHer 10
published books include "Write your eBook and Print Book
at the Same Time," 10 Non-Techie Ways to Marketing your Book
Online, and "How to Drastically Increase Website Traffic
and Sales." http://www.bookcoaching.com
Judy@bookcoaching.com