Publishing Secrets

First 5 Series Finale: Connecting the Dots (Re-Air)

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Episode notes

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

2 possible ways to handle the inevitable challenges you will face as an aspiring author — and which one will carry you through to success
Scriptures to stand on when you feel discouraged or held back by doubts
What you need to understand so you can offer your readers a unique perspective from which to approach their problem
How to get people invested in what you have to say, even beyond the first book

Here we are at the end of the road! We’ve covered all five of the first steps you need to take to write and publish a successful, impactful book. Now it’s time to connect the dots on those five steps, so you can take meaningful action.

Here are the five steps we’ve covered throughout this series, and what you need to do next to get started.

Step #1: Find Your Fuel

Before you begin, you must find your “why” for writing this book. The road to becoming a published author is filled with many “ups” — very high moments — but also low moments when you just don’t feel like it. These low moments are days when you’d rather be doing something else or when the words just don’t seem to come.

On those low days, remember that setbacks are common to both successful and unsuccessful people. The difference is how successful people respond to those setbacks.

You see, there are two ways you can handle the challenges on your road to becoming a published author:

React emotionally
Respond prayerfully and thoughtfully

Too many aspiring authors are led by their emotions rather than focusing on the mission they have been called to and partnering with God to make it happen. But you don’t have to fall into that trap!

Step #2: See Yourself as Successful

One way to avoid being led by your negative emotions is to see yourself as successful. You can't allow the negative voices in your head to have their way. The cognitive distortions we discussed in this episode cause you to imagine a negative future for your life and create hurdles that you are unable to overcome.

These beliefs and thoughts are rooted in lies. You have to believe it in order to achieve it — that means you've got to consciously choose to believe the truth of God's Word over the lies of the enemy.

Remind yourself of these verses when you’re feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)
“Resist him [the devil], standing firm in the faith…” 1 Peter 5:9

Remember, with God’s help, you CAN do this!

Step #3: Pick Your Persona

Both in writing and in running a business, when you sell to everyone, you end up selling to no one. Why? Because you fail to make an emotional connection.

People want to be understood. They want to know that you get them and their struggles. So when you give a really broad message, it doesn't connect.

Instead, one of the best things you can do as an aspiring author and a future business owner is to get clear on the persona or the group that you have been called to reach. Often, that is a group of people whose journeys very closely resemble the journey you've been on and the setbacks that you've experienced.

But don’t stop there!

Step #4: Test Your Theory

So many aspiring authors make assumptions. We assume things like:

We know what our readers need
We know exactly what problem the reader is facing

But here’s the thing: those assumptions can be wrong. The best way to know something for sure is to ask, so make sure you test what you believe to be true.

Talk to some people that you believe meet the profile of someone who would benefit from your book. Listen to what they have to say and how they say it. This will help you make an emotional connection with the reader.

Step #5: Organize Before You Outline

This final step is where you look at all the conversations you’ve had with people who meet the profile of your ideal reader. Ask yourself:

What patterns can I find among the things these people said?
What challenges do these people say they’re up against?
What do they wish other people understood about them?
What have they already tried?

You have to understand these things if you want your book to offer a unique perspective on how they can approach the problem. Remember, they’re already looking for solutions — and you can be the person who enlightens them on the best path for them to take. And when you do that, people will naturally hang on your every word, because they want to see what else you have to offer.

Then, as you launch your career as a speaker, coach, or consultant, they’ll be more than willing to show up for you and invest in what you have to offer. Because you have demonstrated that you understand them — and the problem they face — and that you can guide them, with God's help, to victory.

Want more tips on writing and publishing your book so that it truly makes an impact? Join us in the Christian Authors Network to get support, resources, and much more!

BIO:

My name is Tamara "Coach Tam" Jackson and I am a published author, Facebook© Certified Digital Marketer, host of the Top 100 Publishing Secrets podcast, and founder of The Christian Authors Network (C.A.N.) Facebook© community. I specialize in helping mission-driven authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs increase their exposure, impact, and income through strategic self-publishing and digital media appearances. Just say yes and we will work together to attract a tribe of loyal followers that 1) "get you", 2) love what you do, and 3) are happy to invest in your book, business, cause, or movement. Plus, we will accomplish all of this without fake, salesy, sleazy, or manipulative tactics. Yes you CAN write, publish, and profit in a way that honors God; join the community today at https://christianauthors.net/fbgroup.

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