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I frequently receive calls from consultants and professional
speakers who want to write a book, but have neither the time nor the writing
skills (sometimes one, sometimes both). The most frequent comment is, "I get stuck
almost as soon as I sit down to write."
"That's your problem," I say.
"What?"
"Sitting down to write - that's your problem."
"Well, then how am
I supposed to write a book?"
I say: "If you can talk, you can write."
I'm about to reveal to you a technique that will help you to
get your book written in record time. Here are the seven steps to "speaking"
your book.
Step one - the planning phase
Most people will get an idea and start writing. They might
complete one, maybe two chapters before getting bogged down in the details. The
details should be the easy part, not the roadblock. The planning phase is
actually the most critical part of writing a book. This harkens back to my
project management days, when I discovered that a failed project could always be
traced back to a lack of planning.
This is one place where, if you're strapped for cash, hiring
a book writing consultant can be the best thing you ever did for yourself. A
good writing consultant will "talk" you through the plan. He or she will ask a
number of questions and have a pleasant conversation with you about your target
market, the purpose for your book, and the subject matter. By the time you're
done with your conversation, the consultant will have helped you to create a
writing project plan AND a general outline.
Step two - the outline phase
If you're working with a coach or consultant, he or she will
talk you through the creation of a very detailed outline of your book. Spending
a few extra hours in this phase will cut your writing time by as much as 10
times. Seriously - it's that important.
Your speaking skills will come in handy here. If you don't
have a coach or consultant, and you're not an experienced writer, then you'll
want to call on a friend or two. You will (for each chapter):
- Take the outline you created in the planning
phase, and divide each chapter into a "conversation" you'll have with one or
more people (no more than two at a time, please).
- Sit down with your friends, colleagues, or intelligent
child, and "talk" about the chapter. What are the most important points you
want to make in the chapter? What stories do you remember or would like to
tell? And, most importantly, what are the biggest emotional needs of your
target market that can be addressed in this chapter? Record your entire
conversation, and make notes as you go along. You won't remember what was said
- trust me.
- Have the call transcribed, then simply construct
a detailed outline from what was said. You may have to rearrange a few things,
but all the main points will be there.
Step three: preparing for the first draft
You've got a detailed outline. Now is the time to start
filling in the pieces. Go through each item on your outline list and determine
whether or not you need additional information or data. You might need to find
a story or gather research data to back up your main point. Go get the
information and insert it into the right place on the outline. This is the
ultimate version of plug and play.
As you review the outline you'll naturally see things you
want to add, change, remove, or move. Go ahead - this is the perfect time to do
a little cleaning and organizing.
Step four: writing the first draft
Now comes the easy part. You'll sit down with your recorder
(or with a friend/colleague if you're better with people), your detailed
outline, any additional notes or information, and a fresh mind. You know your
material inside and out, so this won't be hard.
Talk through each item on your outline. That's it. No
writing is required.
Have your recording transcribed and put into a word
processing document (and printed).
Step five: editing the first draft
Congratulations. You already have a first draft of your new
book. Read through the entire book, chapter by chapter. Does it flow? Are your
points clear? Is it interesting to read? Read it as if you are your target
market. How does it feel?
Make notes, and either talk through the changes, or write them down. You can have someone else make the
changes to the document; or, you can make the changes yourself. At this point,
do what is most effective and that will ensure PROMT completion of the second
draft.
Step six: let go
Send your second draft to a professional editor; or, if
you're really strapped for cash, a friend with an editor's eye who might trade
you for a yummy dinner or massage. You MUST have someone else read the book for
consistency, flow, and for general editing. We all leave out words, sentences,
and even complete paragraphs because we "see" it in our minds, even when it's
not there. Your editor will see your minor omissions as blaring errors.
Step seven: final review
Now all you have to do is a final review of your book. Read
it through again, even though by this time you're sick and tired of the thing
an probably don't like a word you've written.
Not to worry - this is common. Few authors actually like
what they've written when it's done. There can always be improvements. So what?
You're done now!
Go get your book printed!
Oh, and don't forget to sell thousands of copies
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