Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
A note on fear
A note on publishing options
PART 1: YOUR BUSINESS AND YOU
SECTION 1: GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
what’s your why? or the 20-year perspective
target reader – who are you writing for?
target reader – the persona
write the right book – Venn diagram
write the right book – SO What?
write the right book – priority quadrants
write the right book – decision grid
position yourself
The Curve
try the buy button test
micro-niche and customize
SECTION 2: GROWING YOUR PLATFORM
start with the platform, not the book
plan your content strategy
take a content audit
write your biography
start blogging
blog smarter
build your email list
launch a podcast
SECTION 3: GROWING YOUR NETWORK
map your network
help others to help yourself
create a community
build your street team
create a brain trust
contact hard-to-find people
reach the rockstars
deliver an experience
find your foreword writer
source stories
set up interviews
get feedback on your TOC
bring in the beta readers
write with the crowd
consider crowdfunding
explore JVs and affiliates
SECTION 4: GROWING YOURSELF
rich reading
rapid reading
turn your reading into a conversation
writing as a tool for reflection
freewriting
Morning Pages
find your meaning and fascination
know thyself – Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies
know thyself – where do you get your energy?
know thyself – tips for extroverts
know thyself – tips for introverts
PART 2 WRITING YOUR BOOK
SECTION 1: GETTING CLEAR
draw out your book
create distinctive IP
start with a proposal
nail your title and subtitle
write a summary
decide how long your book will be
structure – do the thinking
structure – create a framework
structure – working table of contents
SECTION 2: MAKING IT HAPPEN
organize your research – the commonplace book
organize your research – index cards
organize your research – online tools
develop your writing habit – find your space
develop your writing habit – piggyback on what’s already there
develop your writing habit – streaking
develop your writing habit – overcoming writer’s block
team up
talk it out
read it out loud
reward yourself
create a writing playlist
use a slide deck
SECTION 3: NINJA TIPS
use a timer
the series in disguise
mind your metaphors
build a boneyard
email tips
SECTION 4: BEYOND THE BOOK
get your marketing collateral ready to go
create online companion material
write a workbook
from page to stage
The Last Word
A non-exhaustive list of content outputs
Useful tools
About the author
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Index
