My 3B Approach

Why do I preach the 3B approach? (Book, Brand, and Business Plan) Because they’re all connected, and most have experience with only one or two facets.  If you’re going to write and market a book,  or want a publisher to acquire your book,  you...

Case Study: Idea To Published Author in 15 Months

Which is worse — not publishing a book, or having a garage full of unsold books? Some would say it’s worse to not “ship” your book, or better to have written and lost than never to have written at all. I disagree. Because there’s another option. Instead of being a...

The 9 Most Important Pages in Your Book

(And only one page is part of your manuscript!) Writers rightly obsess about a manuscript. Keep doing that. But here are overlooked elements that make a book successful. And by “successful” I mean outcomes that go beyond the purchase of a book to build your brand and...

Your Book is Not Your Boss

I was advising an author recently about his book launch and realized that he was pouring all his time and energy into making sure this book was a success. What’s the problem with that, Mike? Well, books come and go. In five years, this book will be a memory, and at...

10 Mistakes Authors Make on their First Book

Books can make, break, or elevate a brand. A book is the ultimate business card and a creative way to expand your voice. Most of all, publishing a book is a powerful way to share your story and expertise in a way that can change someone’s life. I can’t imagine my...

5 Reasons your Brand is More Important than your Book

You’re working on a book. But are you focused on the right elements? I’m not asking about grammar, voice, and flow. I’m referring to the most overlooked aspect of the business of writing: your personal brand. Believe it or not, your brand is more important than your...