How to write and publish a book that sells

by Peter Anderson
BrokeSucks.com Editor

One of the best ways catapult your name in to the position of an expert is to write a book. Seeing someone's name on a hard, printed book says "I know what I am talking about." Having trouble getting your name recognized? Here is your answer.

 

Finding the drive to write

This is tough. So many people struggle with writing. For others, it comes so naturally it is like an after thought.

I am a pretty fluent writer. Between blog posts, e-mail, and message boards, I write pages upon pages of new ideas every single day. Despite all of this practice the first time I wrote a book was a major struggle.

The first week I was very motivated to put my vision to words. I wrote until my hands hurt. Then I stopped. For over six months.

Motivations can disappear as fast as they came. So then how do you force yourself to continue when that inside drive has disappeared? Unlike manual labor writing is a creative process. When the juices aren't flowing the words turn in to a jumble.

Do not be frustrated if you must take a break. That's normal. I don't finding writing under stress very productive or fulfilling. When you read what you have written your mood will show through.

Here are a few specific steps you can take to make the writing process easier:

If you are procrastinating, just sit down and write just one paragraph. It may so happen that you decide to write a little more.

Divide each chapter of you book in to separate files. Writing articles for me is painless; the bigger a book gets for me the slower the writing process becomes. Suddenly I forget what I was writing and what I have already written. Splitting things up in to smaller sections makes the entire project more mentally manageable.

If you do not feel like writing, re-read what you have already written.

Clear outside distractions. Having the TV on in the background is a disaster, sometimes even music will slow you down.

 

Perfecting your work

Once you type that last paragraph you are done, right? Wrong.

One author said that re-writes what his has written as many times as he can. By the time he is finished the meaning is so clear it appears effortless.

Your not trying to be the next Shakespeare. The messages in your book should be clear to the average person. If they have to re-read it to understand what you mean you could do better.

Give your manuscript to other people to read. Avoid friends who will just applaud you. Ideally you can find someone who is in the same market your book is targeted towards. This way they can give you feedback on the actual content rather than pure spelling and grammar.

 

Getting Published

For many writers this is a mine field. I have had the luxury of having access to channels to publish books, even so far as having been offered an advance to write a book.

The old route of writing a book, somehow landing a publisher, and then crossing your fingers in hopes of someone snagging it off the Barns and Noble bookshelf just won't cut it. You must have access to channels that capture a vast segment of your target market.. so just how do you pull that off?

First you need to identify your channels. I recommend two sources: one, large web sites that cater to your market. If you are writing about competitive body building look for a site like BodyBuilding.com. Nearly a quarter of a million people visit this site a day -- thats more than enough to make an impact! Secondarily, look for e-mail newsletters that also have a strong reach.

In an ideal world these guys will find you. Unless you are already an established expert in your field its not happening. You will need to contact the owners of these channels yourself and attempt to strike a deal. Rather than buying advertising offer to give them a cut of sales, write free articles for a year, credit them in your book, etc. One or more of these ideas may be required.

When you have a commitment getting a publisher to print your book, on your terms, is now smooth sailing.

 

Selling your book

The key to getting your book sold is raising awareness of it to your targeted audience. Send free copies to every influential person you can find. Every blogger, business owner, and trade show speaker needs a copy. Include a personal note when you send it to them asking for their feedback. Free plugs are on your way.

Writing articles for print publications and getting quoted in news articles doesn't hurt either.

When you get these opportunities do not just try to sell your book -- sell yourself. I don't mean by bragging about your accomplishments but rather demonstrating your own knowledge in to other subjects. Mention interactions you've had with other influential people. This builds social proof around yourself and you will be much more easily accepted as an expert even if you were a complete unknown just a year before.

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