Think of the resolution "I'm going to to lose weight
this year"--a statement that doesn't show intention because it's vague. Talk is
cheap. So are you still talking about your book, yet don't really want to
finish because it's too much work, too much money, and has too many steps?
For some of you the reality is you won't finish. And the
longer you "work" on your book, the more time gets between you and publishing
time to make a difference in other people's lives. For 5% of you who will do
what it takes, this reminder is for you.
Don't wait any longer to write your book. Now is the
best time to get it out. When you ponder and linger, you lose interest and
motivation. That's why I like the idea of the "Fast-Forward Writing Technique,"
that produces consistently well organized chapters that hook your reader and
motivate in each paragraph so your readers finish and recommend your book to
others. .
Remember the benefits of wriing a book. It gets your
unique word out to help others to a better life. It brings solutions to your
readers' challenges. It can "brand" your business-much stronger than a business
card. It makes you known as the expert in your field. If writing fiction, it
entertains and educates. Finally, like me it can make half of your monthly
income that goes on indefinitely.
Remember you can add marketing pizzazz to each and every
chapter in its title, its introduction and its conclusion. Apply the "Essential
Nine Hot-Selling Points" before you finish and your book will sell so much
better when published.
To manifest your book dream this year, make sure you
make it real.
1. visualize your book finished and a great success. See
the checks and credit card orders coming in each day.
2. Save money in a special bank account so you'll have
enough to get some coaching through teleclasses and writing groups and a small
amount for copies printed. (You don't need 1000 printed at first)
3. Know it will cost some money. If you book is so
important, don't be too cheap as to what you invest in it to get it
finished.
4. Honor High Level Activities each day. Spend real
writing time on your chapters, your introduction and your back cover. Aim for
1-2 hours each day or divide to suit your schedule.
5. Stop writing without feedback from peers or a
qualified bookcoach. You don't realize that even if you are a professional, you
don't know all that makes a chapter sizzle. Old writing habits such as using
"is, was" or other passives mar your style, and make it long and unweildy so
your reader will yawn and turn away. You need to keep your reader engaged.on
each page.
6. Don't give up. Your project may take some time. I
recommend writing a short book first so you can finish fast.
7. Consider self-publishing because the traditional path
takes far too long and even if you are chosen, you'll find the time and energy
you put there will not pay off nearly as much as when you learn a few promotion
tips to do implement yourself. The sad truth is that the publishers won't give
you much in promotion time.
8. Write your print and eBook at the same time. Service
your online audience as well as the audience at your talks. They love and buy
books. They want information on all kinds of topics. They have money to spend.
Promoting to this audience is far easier, cheaper and productive than other
methods.
Finally, put your book project in the top three
priorities of your life. Business, Family, Friends, Book! If you don't include
it in these, it just won't happen.
TOO TOUGHSome people may say, "This is the year I
meet and marry my soul mate." That's a lot to wish for. What makes more sense
is to come up with some simple steps to put yourself in a position to make this
happen. How can you put yourself in the path of the person you hope to meet?
Think big, but also set up some small action items you can take to guide your
daily decisions about how you spend your time and the things you will DO to
make your dream a reality.
TOO ONE-DIMENSIONALMany people would prefer their
homes and offices to be more organizedand vow to do so each year. "This
spring I really will clean up the clutter," they will say. Yet, in spite of a
bit of spring cleaning, the clutter continues to pile up throughout the year.
For many, seeing is believing. Maybe the motivation you need is a photograph of
your ideal office or a clutter-free home. Put it up where you can see it. Go to
an open house or two and marvel at how neat and clean a home can be. Create a
"Dream Board" with images of what you want your ideal environment to look (and
feel) like and put them up where you will see them.
Now we know why most people fail to stick to their New
Year's resolutions. The solution to making lasting changes in your life is to
engage all of your senses and use both sides of your brain in the planning
process. When you know exactly what you wantwhat it looks like, feels
like, sounds like and you can picture and describe it in amazing
detailyou are much closer to getting it. Also, by breaking down the dream
into small micromovements you can do on a daily basis, you can make it happen
one day at a time. Using this approach to your resolutions guarantees a great
year in 2006.
If you are serious about your success you will find The
Whole-Brain Goal Planner by Lee Silber extremely helpful in planning your year.
Included is everything you need to set yourself up for your best year yet. To
get a goal planner send $49.95 to Lee Silber, 822 Redondo Court, San Diego, CA
92109. We will also include The Ultimate Day Planner Pad for free (a $10.00
value).
Designing every chapter and knowing your "Essential Nine
Hot Selling Points" before you write bring out your best writing that is clear,
easy to read, and inspiring to your readers. These techniques will bring
thousands of buyers rather than hundreds..
Judy Cullins ©. All
Rights Reserved. ABOUT THE AUTHORJudy Cullins,
20-year Book and Internet Marketing Coach and author of 10 books including
"Write Your eBook or Other Short Book Fast" offers free help through her 2
monthly ezines, "The Book Coach Says. . .," and "Business Tip of the Month" at
www.bookcoaching.com.