Are you looking for a way to jump-start your written words? Earning recognition in a writing contest is one way to create buzz for your book or credibility for your brand. A winning entry will give you a sense of accomplishment and a needed boost of motivation for the next project on your list. It may even open some marketing doors for you. Continue reading
Some writers have an idea for a story, other writers begin with a character, and some have no clue what they’ll write until they start. But no matter the path, what happens if you’re stumped? What happens if you become consumed by the dreaded “writer’s block” or the fear of one day having writer’s block? Continue reading
The saying used to be that “those who can’t get published, self-publish.” With business leaders, like Seth Godin, and fiction titles, like The Shack, proving that self-publishing (aka indie-publishing) can be done well and profitably, that old saying no longer proves true. So what have you got to lose?
With print-on-demand, anyone can publish a book these days. The trick is doing it in a way that boosts your credibility. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Show, speaking coach and podcast host Jane Atkinson and I talk about indie-publishing and using your book as a tool to market yourself and earn more as a speaker.
Listen in! And if you have a question about indie-publishing, leave a comment below.
Are you ready to write your book? Get started today with these 7 Simple, Proven Steps.
Do you have a book in you? Popular polls indicate that 81% of people say they want to write a book … someday. If you are one of those people, you are clearly in good company! And if you’re a speaker, coach, expert, or leader, a book is a powerful way to build your brand and share your message. But how do you get started? And what do you do when the first draft is complete?
In this podcast interview on The Simply Marketing Show, host and marketing expert Alison Teare and I discuss some of the most common questions new authors have about writing and publishing.
Listen in and add your own question in the comments below.
Are you ready to write your book? Get started today with these 7 Simple, Proven Steps.
Stories help bring meaning to your message. In this interview with Rory Vaden, we talke about the power of story telling–and how to do it well. We discuss the critical elements that make up a great story and the most common mistakes people make.
• People want authenticity and connection. Stories create that connection. –@ErinKCasey
• If you’re writing, you need to have a hook–something that draws people in. –@ErinKCasey
• To be effective, you have to be relevant. –@ErinKCasey
• Tell an “I” focused story with a “you” focused message. –@Rory_Vaden
Not long ago, I was coaching an entrepreneur who wanted to write a book. Every time I inquired about her progress, there was very little to show. She kept procrastinating and simply couldn’t follow through with the writing activities and prompts. She was perfectly clear about the topic she wanted to write about and knew the audience for her book. Her lack of enthusiasm for getting the book done and in print puzzled me.
“What’s really holding you back?” I asked.
“There’s so many books out there by experts. I don’t feel like I’m an expert enough on that topic. Who am I to write this kind of book?” Continue reading
A motivational speaker / business coach recently sent me a great question about ghostwriting. Because there are so many variables (and more than a few scams out there), I wanted to share the question and my response with you, too.
What are upsides & downsides to getting book done with a ghostwriter? [I’m] Getting bids from ghostwriters offering to write 20,000- to 30,000-word books using my speaking and coaching recordings at a cost of $250-$400.
Ghostwriting is an excellent option for people who simply don’t have time to write or who have a story to tell but don’t have the skill or language background to do it well. That’s the upside.
The downside is that it isn’t inexpensive.
A fee of $250-400 is exceptionally low—barely covering the cost of transcription—even for a short book. That might equate to around $8-15/hour if the writer could knock out 2,000 words an hour. As a professional, would you work for that rate? Continue reading
When most people think about publishing a book, they think about getting an agent, or submitting a proposal, or figuring out self-publishing (or what’s also known as indie-publishing). But before you get there, in fact to HELP you get there, you have to get great at sharing your message.
It may sound silly, or too simple, but to succeed with publishing you have to actually share your message. And that can be scary!
I remember the first paying article I ever turned in to an editor. It was actually on paper, and as I handed it over to the editor, my hands were shaking so badly that the paper rattled. The article wasn’t personal; it was an assigned piece. I don’t remember the topic, but I do remember the feeling of being vulnerable and putting my words and myself out there for someone else to edit, critique and comment on. Continue reading
Aaron Hogan holding his first copy of Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth. An awesome moment for any author!
Blogging is one of those things that most authors, coaches and speakers know we “should” be doing. It helps us test our ideas. It allows us to gauge audience interest. It provides an opportunity to reflect on our experiences and explore new concepts. And it’s a practice that I have yet to master. That’s why I love to hear from people who are doing it well. Aaron Hogan included some great insights on the why and how of blogging in his new book, Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth, and he graciously offered to share some of his thoughts on blogging here. He speaks from an educator’s viewpoint, but I believe his message is applicable to any field. If you’ve been thinking about blogging or about blogging more consistently, Aaron’s advice will help you find your voice, figure out what to write about, and fit it into your busy schedule.
Everyone has experiences that are worth sharing. That includes you. (Yes, even with the excuses that just ran through your head.)
But it’s not enough to simply have some experiences that are worth sharing. Thomas Paine said, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.” Make no mistake–blogging, or any other form of sharing your learning, is an act of bravery. I love that Paine isn’t saying that it’s brave because there’s a big audience waiting or because of what others might think. I think his claim recognizes how hard it is to thoughtfully reflect on our own experiences. What he’s talking about is disruptive.
Make no mistake--blogging, or any other form of sharing your learning, is an act of bravery. ~ @Aaron_Hogan Click To TweetIt’s courageous. It’s risky, yet rewarding. Yet it’s surprisingly simple for you to pull off as a blogger.
I loved watching my friend Terri Sjodin on Today this morning promoting Scrappy: A Little Book About Choosing to Play Big. As I watched, I noticed a few things she did extremely well. Here are a four quick nuggets from her interview that may help you promote your book: