WRITING YOUR BOOK: Ten Tips to Get it Done!
June 16, 2008
By Lou Bortone, The Book Writing Coach
Most entrepreneurs and executives really want to become a published author, but few have the time or resources to write their book. Writing a book is a big commitment, and many aspiring authors just can’t seem to get started. If you fall into that category, you may decide that you need a ghostwriter or a writing coach. On the other hand, you may just need a gentle nudge to get started.
If you’d like to make this year the year you finally write your book, these 10 tips to getting your book done can help:
1. Make the Commitment – In order to write a book, you really have to decide to do it. Make the commitment to begin. Write it down as a goal with a deadline. Be intentional and take action!
2. Write One Hour a Day – Every day, make time to write – even if it’s only an hour a day. Get up a little earlier to establish a set time daily. Carve out an hour and do nothing but write!
3. Blog Your Book – If you want to chunk down your writing and make it less intimidating, try “blogging” your book. Start a blog and post your entries every day or so. Before you know it, your blog content will grow into the chapters of your book!
4.Write What You Know – Make book-writing much easier on yourself by writing what you know. Use your background, expertise and experience to create the content of your book. When you go with what you know, the writing will just flow!
5.Repurpose Existing Content – If you’ve created a seminar, speech, article or e-book, then you’ve already got some content for your book. Be sure to review your existing materials – from blog posts to e-courses - and recycle what you can.
6.Write Fast, Edit Later – Set a timer for 30-minutes and just write. Don’t put too much thought into it, just get the words down. It’s a lot easier to re-write than it is to write, so write first and edit later.
7.Develop Your Structure – Don’t jump blindly into writing without an outline or chapter structure. You may change it on the fly, but working without an outline is like working without a safety net!
8. Break Through Writer’s Block – There are many tricks for overcoming writer’s block, but most of it comes down to discipline and determination. If you’re stuck, take a break; do something different; then come back at it with a vengeance!
9.Use Writer’s Groups – Joining a writer’s group gives you accountability partners and support. Take advantage of the power of groups, whether it’s an online group or an in-person group.
10. Get Some Help – If all else fails, enlist the support of a writing coach, a collaborator or even a ghostwriter. You may want to explore the possibility of working with a co-author to split the work and make the journey more enjoyable.
Whatever tactics you choose, make this year the year you finally write that book!
Lou Bortone is a writer and entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in marketing, branding and promotion. Before starting his own company, Lou was an award-winning marketing executive in the media industry. Lou served as National Promotion Manager for E! Entertainment Television, and later as Senior VP of Marketing and Advertising for Fox Family Worldwide, a division of Fox, in Los Angeles. Today, Lou helps entrepreneurs and solo professionals build and promote their online businesses with services such as copywriting, ghostwriting, video production, video graphics and creative services.
Visit Lou’s websites for free info resources at http://www.LouBortone.com, http://www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com and http://www.TheBookWritingCoach.com.
Why Hire A Ghostwriter?
May 19, 2008
There’s no question about the many benefits of writing a book and becoming a published author. Writing a book gives you instant credibility with clients and prospects, solidifies your expert status and builds your personal or corporate brand. In fact, studies indicate that, while more than 80% of the population wants to write a book, only tiny 2% will ever actually do it! Why? Most aspiring writers cite lack of time, lack of focus or lack of knowing how to physically undertake such an ambitious project.
Enter ghostwriters. No longer those shadowy figures lurking behind the scenes, ghostwriters today are experienced professionals who help aspiring authors write the book of their dreams. These writers and journalists work with their “authors” for months at a time to make sure their book gets written right. Most executives call upon ghostwriters to write for them simply because they don’t have the time or resources to do it on their own.
The price and quality of ghostwriters span a wide range. Like anything else in life, you usually get what you pay for. You can take your chances and try to find a low-priced freelance writer on Elance.com, but you’re far better off trusting your project to a pro who comes recommended from a trusted source or referral. That said, you can expect to pay a good ghostwriter upwards of $50,000 for a full-length, non-fiction business book.
The writing process can take 4 – 6 months to complete your manuscript, but good ghostwriters also serve as an advisor during the process, making sure that you’re project stays on track and is ultimately marketable. However, most ghostwriters rarely get involved in the actual publishing process.
Ultimately, your book is only going to be as good as the material and creativity you provide to your ghostwriter. You’ve got to stay engaged in the process and provide ongoing feedback in order to end up with the book that you envision. Still, with weekly meetings and timely feedback, the process can go smoothly and quickly.
Remember, not all writers are created equal. Look for a ghostwriter who is professional, dependable, collaborative, discreet, easy to work with and not afraid to tell it like it is. Find the right fit and you’re on your way to becoming one of those elite 2% who actually write their book!
Lou Bortone
lou.bortone@gmail.com
www.GhostwriteForYou.com
Get the Media to Do Your Marketing For You
March 23, 2008
Here’s a great teleclass that I’m taking. If you’re trying to promote your work, become an expert or publicize your latest project, you may want to check it out!
Visibility Expert Nancy Marmolejo has just announced her latest teleclass to help entrepreneurs position themselves as sought after, recognized experts.
Nancy enjoys a flurry of free PR and effortless marketing, now she’s ready to share that with others.
How to Get Free Publicity and Attact New Clients With the Power of Your Expertise, taking place April 1 and 8, will show business owners how to take what they know and turn it into a marketing strategy that will attract new clients and free publicity.
She created How to Get Free Publicity and Attract New Clients to meet the needs of people who want the information she teaches in a short time frame. (Nancy’s coaching program, Spotlight U, offers an intense 6 months of coaching and mentoring for a select group of entrepreneurs.)
http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2324502
Over 2 teleclass sessions, she’ll cover how to:
- Identify which of the 4 stages of expertise you’re currently in and how to quickly move into the “credibility spot” (without credibility, no one will listen to you)
- Learn over 29 quick and simple ways to become a recognized expert in your field (and how to quickly implement at least 1 in the next week.)
- Clearly understand the scope and value of your expertise so you can strategically use it to create products, form joint ventures, and open doors to bigger opportunities
- Discover how to create your own Visibility Blueprint with your best content topics and a timeline at your fingertips
- And much, much more.
Nancy is known for her creative, spirited style. Her teleseminars are always fun and informative, with plenty of opportunities for “spotlight coaching” , her version of the hot-seat.
Learn how to get the media to do your marketing for you by checking out the class now… remember space is limited and it is sure to fill. The class starts April 1, so act now!
http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2324502
Why Hire a Ghostwriter?
February 20, 2008
There’s no question about the many benefits of writing a book and becoming a published author. Writing a book gives you instant credibility with clients and prospects, solidifies your expert status and builds your personal or corporate brand. In fact, studies indicate that, while more than 80% of the population wants to write a book, only tiny 2% will ever actually do it! Why? Most aspiring writers cite lack of time, lack of focus or lack of knowing how to physically undertake such an ambitious project.
Enter ghostwriters. No longer those shadowy figures lurking behind the scenes, ghostwriters today are experienced professionals who help aspiring authors write the book of their dreams. These writers and journalists work with their “authors” for months at a time to make sure their book gets written right. Most executives call upon ghostwriters to write for them simply because they don’t have the time or resources to do it on their own.
The price and quality of ghostwriters span a wide range. Like anything else in life, you usually get what you pay for. You can take your chances and try to find a low-priced freelance writer on Elance.com, but you’re far better off trusting your project to a pro who comes recommended from a trusted source or referral. That said, you can expect to pay a good ghostwriter upwards of $50,000 for a full-length, non-fiction business book.
The writing process can take 4 – 6 months to complete your manuscript, but good ghostwriters also serve as an advisor during the process, making sure that you’re project stays on track and is ultimately marketable. However, most ghostwriters rarely get involved in the actual publishing process.
Ultimately, your book is only going to be as good as the material and creativity you provide to your ghostwriter. You’ve got to stay engaged in the process and provide ongoing feedback in order to end up with the book that you envision. Still, with weekly meetings and timely feedback, the process can go smoothly and quickly.
Remember, not all writers are created equal. Look for a ghostwriter who is professional, dependable, collaborative, discreet, easy to work with and not afraid to tell it like it is. Find the right fit and you’re on your way to becoming one of those elite 2% who actually write their book!
Lou Bortone
lou.bortone@gmail.com
www.GhostwriteForYou.com
Update your web copy!
January 13, 2008
How far into January are you allowed to wish a happy new year, anyway? With all our new goals and a fresh, new start this time of year, why not refresh and recharge your web copy or marketing materials?
Just like you’ve got to replace those smoke alarm batteries every once in a while, you should give the words on your website a facelift at least once a year. If you’ve got a website or marketing materials that could use a “fresh coat of paint,” what better time than the new year to update and upgrade your copy?
BTW, we can help you if you’re stuck. We do website copy upgrades and copy editing quickly and inexpensively! Just E-mail me if you’re interested at lou.bortone@gmail.com.
Get motivated!
January 12, 2008
My friend and colleague Wayne Kelly just released a great new audio product.
It’s “success interviews” with 52 of the best and brightest motivational gurus in the biz!
You can see for yourself here:
Check it out!
New Writing Courses starting soon!
January 5, 2008
My colleagues at The Renegade Writer site are offering some great, new writing courses this month. Here’s the blurb from their site, along with a link to find out more!
Renegade Writer E-Courses
If you dream of being a writer — or are already a professional and want to boost your income — the Renegade Writer e-courses are for you. We’ve hired instructors who are highly-qualified freelance writers, editors, and teachers, and they worked hard to construct courses that will help you reach your writing goals. These successful freelancers are ready to share their success secrets with you!
How the courses work: Each Monday, your instructor will e-mail you a link and password to that week’s lesson and assignment. You can do the assignments on weekends, at night, or during your break at work — whenever YOU have the time. If you signed up for a version of the course with e-mail or phone support, your instructor will give you personalized help with your questions and assignments. In other words, you’re not crammed into a group course on some e-mail discussion list. The best part is, you can use the lessons you learn in these courses over and over again.
Here’s that link! http://therenegadewriter.com/?page_id=340
Courses include:
Writing for the Women’s Markets with Denise Schipani
Introduction to Food Writing with Monica Bhide
Make Money Writing for Trade Magazines with Pat Curry
Magazine Writing Basics with Elaine Grant
Get Published in Magazines with Linda Formichelli - Premium Version Full…Still Accepting Students for the Basic Version
Who else wants to make big bucks as a ghostwriter?
January 2, 2008
If you can write, you can ghostwrite! Cash in on your expert status or freelance writing skills today.
Give a quick click on over to www.GhostwriteSuccess.com and find out how you can make your writing way more productive and profitable.
Join our new affiliate program!
December 31, 2007
Join Our Unique Affiliate Program!
Generate easy revenue while helping kids around the world!
Our Affiliate Program is an easy way for you to promote our products and services to friends, family, colleagues, or your e-mail list, and earn quick commissions! You’ll also be helping children in need… Register here!
Affiliate Program Highlights:
Generous 30% commissions on all products!
Additional 10% donated to World Vision, a humanitarian organization dedicated to helping poverty-stricken children in need around the world.
Easy to join – Easy to promote – Easy to earn cash!
Useful and popular information products to benefit your clients!
Several varied products and programs to choose from! (Online Video, Ghostwriting, Business Marketing, etc
Help your clients turn their expertise into income – and make some cash, yourself!
Provide your customers with valuable “insider” information about how they (and you!) can earn extra income just by sharing their expertise as a ghostwriter! Just promote our popular e-book and guide, “Shut Up & Write: How to Make Big Money as a Ghostwriter,” and watch the commissions roll in! And remember, we also donate an additional 10% of every sale to World Vision, to help kids in need.
Not a partner yet? It’s fast and free to join! You can start by registering here.
It’s free to join and help sell our products. There are no fees or obligations. You simply earn 30% commission on each sale of our products that are generated by visitors who come to our site as a result of clicking your affiliate link.
New to the affiliate profit-sharing game?
Here’s the skinny: An affiliate, associate or referral program is simply a revenue-sharing agreement between a person with a product and a person who knows others who could benefit from the product. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. We both make money on a sale that might not have happened without your help.
WIIFM? (What’s in it for me?)
More money in your pocket, for starters! For any sale that you refer, you get a nice 30% cut. Every product. Every sale. Every time. That’s passive revenue just for promoting useful, quality products to your existing clients. On top of your 30% commission, we also donate another 10% of every sale to charity.
An Added Incentive: Helping Kids in Need!
Not only is this a mutually beneficial partnership, but by participating in this affiliate program, you can also do something special for children around the world who desperately need our help. For every single affiliate sale, I’ll donate an additional 10% of all sales to World Vision, an international, non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping children in need all over the world. So you can make money and know that you’re helping kids who are less fortunate, all at the same time. Everyone benefits!
Sign up HERE!
GHOSTWRITING GURU OFFERS NEW E-BOOK (press release)
December 27, 2007
Freelance writer, ghostwriter and entrepreneur Lou Bortone is helping fellow entrepreneurs turn their expertise into extra cash, by sharing the secrets of ghostwriting. Lou’s new e-book is titled “Shut Up and Write! How to Make Big Money as a Ghostwriter.”
The book explains, in simple, step-by-step instructions, how to profit by ghostwriting for others. Entrepreneurs from any field now have an opportunity to supplement their income by using their expertise to ghostwrite for others. Even with very little writing experience, small business owners and solo professionals can generate new revenue streams with lucrative ghostwriting projects.
In addition, freelance writers and authors have a unique opportunity to significantly increase their writing income by following the strategies outlined in “Shut Up and Write!”
The comprehensive e-book also features ghostwriting contract templates, helpful checklists and sample timelines. As a special bonus, the book also includes a “what to charge” rate card and a special section on ghostwriting resources and software – with live links directly to the websites.
The e-book and bonuses are being offered for a limited time at a special introductory price of $47.00 USD. (Normally $67.00) For more information, please visit: http://www.ghostwritesuccess.com/home/
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