Top Ten Tips To Get Started Writing Your Book

You are far more likely to successfully write and publish your book if you follow these tips before you [start writing] write a single chapter.  Part one of this article is available at www.bookcoaching.com/freearticles/article-55.shtml

6. Write down your publishing goals for this book.

Which suits your more-- self-publishing or getting a traditional publisher?  Think about Print on Demand such as Deharts.com. These printer/publishers can help you at little cost, and can deliver in little time.  Know the differences between them so you suit your particular purpose. Did you know you can write your print book and eBook at the same time for different audiences?

Remember that you can delegate to a book coach what you don't know about self-publishing and your cost and time will be at least half of the traditional path.

7. Organize your book files.

We waste over 150 hours a year looking for mislaid information. To get easy and fast book files retrieval:

First, create a master folder with your book's title. Inside, keep a separate file for each chapter. Name each chapter to make sense later. If you don't have a chapter title, put the topic or incident if it's fiction. Within those, put your different notes, research or resources. Title and date each file easily to find it later. Keep how to files too, such as a special report on how to format each chapter. 

This system allows you to manage your multiple projects easily and compares to filing important hard files alphabetically and vertically.

You will now stop wasting time and money because unfinished projects that don't get shared, don't make you money and get your unique word out to your awaiting audience.

8. Write down your chapter's format.

Readers expect a clear map to guide them. They like consistency.

In non-fiction, each chapter should be approximately the same length and have the same sections. To make your chapters sparkle, use stories, anecdotes, headings, photos, maps, graphs, exercises, tips. Readers like easy-to-read side bars in boxes.

In fiction, gather important questions for each chapter that your audience wants answered. Include the who, what, where, when and how.

9. Write the back cover sales material before you write your book.

This "outline" helps give your book direction and helps you focus only on what's important to your readers. Your back cover has around 8-20 seconds to impress your prospective buyer. For most books, you will only have room for 50-75 words.

Include what sells: reader and famous people's testimonials, a benefit-driven headline to hook the reader to open the book and read the table of contents, and bulleted benefits. Later, you can recreate this back cover piece into a longer sales letter for your Web site. Always think marketing as you write your book.

10. Mock up a front cover in your book's early stages.

Keep it by your workstation to inspire you. To sell your books, your cover and title have around four-ten seconds to sell your reader. Covers are the number one thing that sells a book. Browse the bookstores and copy a few ideas to get you started. Choose colors that suit your audience. Blue and red work for business books. Aqua, yellow, and reds work for personal growth books. Study covers on pertinent Web sites such as Fostercovers.com.

Writing a book is so much easier when you approach it in small bites.  Knowing these ten parts help you ask and answer the specific questions and challenges your audience wants solutions for. Then, your book has a chance to make you consistent, ongoing income.

Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," and "How to Market your Business on the Internet," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says...and Business Tip of the Month at http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml and over 140 free articles. Email her at mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com

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