I am planning to write a book. Can we brainstorm ideas?
A Budding Author (name withheld upon request) asks:
I am planning to write a book on (topic withheld upon request.) Can we schedule a call to discuss and brainstorm ideas?
My take:
Actually No.
It may seem like a "cruel" reply so I will give you a few reasons for the "No" and then provide some suggestions at the end.
#1 Can't gauge the commitment from this request
There are several reasons for saying No. Over the years, I have met several people who wanted to write the book but upon closer inspection, they really didn't want to go through the pain of writing the book but mostly wanted the glory that is associated with the published author.
I am sure that you think you are an exception but I have no way of figuring that out. In order to do that I have to first invest my time without knowing you will follow through.
#2 You need a personal brand for the marketplace to see why you are "qualified" to write the book.
At the same time you are writing the book, you should be spending equal or more time building your personal brand to show the marketplace that YOU are qualified to write the book on this topic
Again, I have no way of finding out whether you are willing to make that commitment to build that personal brand.
#3 Writing a book is really the easy part.
It takes some time but with good help you can do that.You can watch a quick 10-minute video on "There is a book in your heart" (my talk at the #140Conf) to see how easily you can write a book. However the real big part happens after that. How do you make someone want to buy your book. There are 11,000 business books that get published every year just in the US alone. What will you "become" and what will you "do" to standout and get the attention.
If writing the book is the "tip of the iceberg," the surrounding part is the "iceberg."
Having said that, here are some tips:
1. Whatever is the topic you are planning to write the book, become an expert on that topic.
2. Produce some accomplishments that will show the marketplace that you are indeed an expert.
3. Start small. Start writing a column or a series of articles on that topic.
4. Start a blog on that topic.
5. Use social media to initiate and join conversations on that topic. You will automatically belong to a tribe on that topic.
6. Read the book "On Writing" by Stephen King. One of the best I have read on the craft of writing.
7.You can also make a better pitch next time. Here are some ideas:
7.1 You can make it relevant to me by pointing to something that I have written or commented on the topic.
7.2 You can demonstrate your thought leadership by pointing to the articles you have written on the topic.
7.3 Have a compelling elevator pitch for yourself that will make me want to talk to you.
7.4 In whatever subtle way, you can - include a compelling reason why I should invest time with you or the project.
Hope this helps. I wish you the very best with the project.
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More about Rajesh Setty
Blog: Life Beyond Code | Twitter: @UpbeatNow | Website: Rajesh Setty | Have a Question?
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