In December I was talking to a young lady who had an almost finished book.
Me: Why haven’t you published it?
Author: It’s only about 20 pages. (Translation: I need more pages for it to be a “real” book.)
Me: What is the topic of your book?
Author: Being patient and waiting on God’s timing.
Me: What are you waiting for?
Author: I don’t know.
If you have a draft of a book, no matter the number of pages, you are so close to completion. Here are nine tips I gave her to move her to a published book within 90 days. I hope they help you, too.
1. Know that Your Message is Needed
Having your message filed away is not helping those that need it. Who could not be reminded that everything happens in God’s time and not yours, no matter how much time, money and effort you put forth?
2. Don’t Worry About the Number of Pages
I promise, I read a book that has an18-point font, at least 2 inch margins AND double spacing. This alleged 96-page, 8.5×11 document is easily a 20-page report or 6×9 booklet. That’s with a 12-point font, 1-inch margins and single spacing.
And I have not mentioned the large images the author used to make the book even longer. That book was a farce; but it sold.
My book, How to Write a POWERFUL Professional Bio, is approximately 10 pages. But you will have a good bio, or at least the content to create a good one, by the time you finish it.
I’m not an expert but I can confidently say that people would rather read 10 pages of meaningful messages that resonate with them than 96 pages of fluff, images and repetition.
3. Get Honest Feedback
Find at least three people you trust to give you honest feedback. One should be a close friend or relative who would be unapologetically honest; a friend or colleague who’s an avid reader; and a colleague whose opinion you value.
4. Pay an Editor
No matter how good your writing skills, invest in an editor. A good editor will find and correct grammar and typing errors you miss; provide feedback (ask them to use a red pen); and make suggestions that will enrich your message.
5. Invest in a Cover Design
Some people suggest doing this yourself. I disagree. If design is not your strength, pay someone to do it. You can get inexpensive covers made at Fiverr. Or, if you want to develop long-term relationships and brand your works, consider using one of my partners in creativity.
6. Set a Publishing Date
This will help you stay the course and keep you focused.
In the case of the young lady above, I suggested a goal date of 90 days. This gives her time to research resources, get feedback and address other unexpected things that occur.
7. Publish What You Have Right Now
The young lady said she was thinking about adding more information to what she has. I advised her to publish her current draft and add more later.
I did this for two reasons. First, to keep her focused on her publishing goal. She’s almost done and doesn’t need any reason to prolong what she’s already put off. Second, to establish her credibility as an author.
8. Publish Electronically
I suggested this for three reasons. First, this is the most economical way to go in terms of time and money. Second, you can establish your credibility as an author. Third, you can do this yourself.
Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords provide comprehensive guides on how to publish your book on their platforms for free.
9. Get an Accountability Partner
Having someone to report to does wonders for your productivity. This could be a formal or informal relationship.
Pick someone who has already published a book or who is committed to completing a book in process.
Every time the young lady hits a goal, she texts me to let me know, which is great. To date, she’s gotten feedback from two people; she’s researching how to publish her book; and she joined Toastmasters and has completed several speeches.
She is excited and I’m proud of her progress.
Those were the nine tips I gave this young lady to move her to a published book within 90 days. Based on the feedback she’s giving me, she’s almost there.
How About You?
Do you have a book draft of at least 10 pages? Want to publish it within 90 days?
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