Today, I'd like to share a powerful book planning tool for all of you authors and future authors.
1. Take out a piece of paper or open your Notes app.
2. Write down the titles of the last five books you read.
3. After each one, make a note of the reason you read it.
Here are some common reasons:
1. You know the author.
This could be because they're in your network or your industry, because you met them at an event, or because you've read their books before and therefore know what to expect from them.
2. You have a problem the book promised to solve.
Many nonfiction business or personal development books fall into this category. Perhaps you've taken on new responsibilities career-wise and needed a guidebook. Perhaps you're feeling sluggish and need to up your energy. Maybe it's a problem with your kid or teen. You need help! Right away!
3. The title or subtitle caught your eye.
Sometimes a book offers a contrarian or fresh take on an issue you care about, and you have to read it to learn what the heck the author is arguing. You're open to having your mind changed.
4. The book has buzz.
You wanted to see what the fuss was about. You many have heard the author on your favorite podcast or in another media outlet and it piqued your curiosity so much so that you took action and went to a bookstore. A lot of novels fall into this category. We want to be entertained!
As an author, you can plan to be in one of these buckets.
Think through the reason someone will devote ten+ hours of their lives to your book.
🔔 Is it because they know you personally?
🔔 Is it because you are a leader in your industry and others who operate in your world want to know what you've learned?
🔔 Is it because you have a contrarian or fresh take on something?
🔔 Is it because you're solving a vexing problem in a new way?
🔔 Is it because you've created buzz by going on many podcasts or attracting media attention?
The main point here is to keep the focus on the reader and their motivations.
No one will read your book because you want to be a speaker.
No one will read it simply because you want to tell your story.
You have to meet the reader's needs or wants.
Does this make sense? I hope so!
Feel free to reach out to me via email for a more tailored discussion about how your book could connect with an audience.
Love, Laura
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