Make Your Book Profitable BEFORE It’s Even Written

Make Your Book Profitable BEFORE It’s Even Written

Ever stared at a blank page, the weight of “what if nobody buys it?” crushing your creative spirit? We’ve all been there. The thought of pouring your heart and soul into a book, only to see it languish on shelves (or worse, in your garage), is enough to make any aspiring author hesitate.

Let’s face it, the statistics can be daunting. “Most books sell between 200-2000 copies, total,” they say. It’s a sobering thought that can easily paralyze your writing ambitions. But what if I told you there’s a way to flip the script? What if you could actually generate income from your book idea before you even write a single chapter?

Yes, it’s possible. And no, it doesn’t involve some magical, overnight success scheme. It’s about strategically leveraging your expertise, building genuine connections, and validating your book’s potential in the real world.

Here’s how you can make money from your book idea before it’s published:

1. Cultivate a Community: The Power of a Writer’s Group

Think of it as a modern-day salon, a safe space for writers to gather and support each other. Here’s how to make it work:

  • Gather Your Tribe: Invite 5-10 aspiring writers who share your passion.
  • Create a Dedicated Space: Establish a regular meeting time, whether online or in person.
  • Charge a Nominal Fee: This ensures commitment and provides you with a steady income stream. Think of it as a “community contribution” rather than a fee.
  • Focus on the Container, Not the Curriculum: The value lies in the shared experience, the accountability, and the community.

Why it works: People crave connection and structure. You’re providing a valuable service that they’re willing to pay for, creating a win-win situation.

2. Turn Your Expertise into Gold: Live Talks and Trainings

Your book idea is built on your knowledge and experience. Share it with the world through live presentations.

  • Identify Your Core Message: What’s the one key takeaway from your book?
  • Craft a Compelling Presentation: Develop a talk that’s engaging, informative, and actionable.
  • Seek Out Opportunities: Approach local organizations, businesses, or community groups.
  • Offer Value Beyond the Talk: Consider selling related products or services, such as worksheets, ebooks, or coaching sessions.

Why it works: You’re showcasing your expertise, building your credibility, and connecting with potential readers on a personal level.

3. Reach a Global Audience: Evergreen Online Content

The internet offers endless possibilities for sharing your knowledge.

  • Create Video Content: Develop engaging videos for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
  • Build Online Courses: Share your expertise through platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
  • Leverage LinkedIn Learning: Create in-depth training courses that can generate passive income.

Why it works: You can reach a wider audience, generate passive income, and establish yourself as an authority in your field.

4. Build Your Tribe: The Power of Email Marketing

Email remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience.

  • Choose an Email Marketing Platform: Select a user-friendly platform like Mailchimp or ConvertKit.
  • Create an Irresistible Opt-in Offer: Offer a valuable freebie, such as an ebook, checklist, or guide.
  • Provide Consistent Value: Share engaging content that resonates with your audience.
  • Leverage Affiliate Marketing: Promote relevant products or services to your email list.

Why it works: You build a direct line of communication with potential readers and can promote your book and related offerings.

5. Amplify Your Reach: Strategic Partnerships

Collaborate with other writers, professionals, or influencers in your field.

  • Host Joint Events or Workshops: Partner with others to create engaging events.
  • Create Online Summits: Interview experts in your field and share the recordings with your audience.
  • Engage in Affiliate Partnerships: Promote each other’s products or services.
  • Guest on Podcasts: Share your expertise with new audiences.

Why it works: You leverage the existing audiences of your partners and expand your reach exponentially.

The Time to Act Is Now

Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing your unique voice with the world. By implementing these strategies, you can generate income, build an audience, and validate your book idea before you write a single chapter. The world needs your story. Are you ready to share it?

FEAR OF FAILURE IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE

FEAR OF FAILURE IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE

Dear Sam:

I have a question. The book that I want to write…I am wondering if it will be useful or if anyone would want to read it.
What do I do with this feeling of ‘who cares about your work, all the effort you put in is useless….’
If you could help I would be grateful.

Best,
A.

Dear A.,

Every single person throughout human history suffers from self-doubt, secretly believes they are a fraud and wonders if anyone will care about their work.

You are not alone.

In fact, your doubts may be part of what makes you an artist. I’ve heard it said that only dilettantes and amateurs never doubt their talent.

And I’ve noticed that the more daring the creative idea, the more vicious and violent those critical inner voices can become.

So over time, I’ve learned this:
the louder & meaner the voices in my head are, the greater the probability that I’ve just had a really juicy idea.

Think of it this way: the voices in your head are trying to keep you safe.
They don’t want you to put yourself in a vulnerable position.
They try to scare you into inaction by telling you that no one will care about your work. Or worse, that people will judge you harshly.
But art is about making yourself vulnerable.
That’s kind of the point.
Or at least part of the point.

And let’s face facts – it’s possible that you will create something that other people don’t care for.

Fear of failure is entirely reasonable. But it’s no reason not to do your work.

As long as your work remains unwritten in your head, it has no effect on anyone.

Except you. And then not in a good way.

Once you let your idea out of the hermetically sealed vault of your brain and out into the fresh air, the idea will immediately start to evolve. The minute you get it down on a piece of paper, it will change.

And then, once you let it out of the house – once someone else gets to experience it – then you are all changed.

You are changed.
The project is changed.
The audience is changed.

That’s the alchemy of art.

And here’s a real-life example:

Nedi, a vivacious member of my 365 Club, worked with her son to compose a song about Autism.
She finally got the courage to get it mastered, and she posted it online.

She started getting emails and responses – including one from Kate Winslet’s Golden Hat foundation (http://www.goldenhatfoundation.org/) and then she created a Kickstarter Project to move the project into its next phase: http://kck.st/NBCsLo

Here’s what Nedi herself said:

Before three weeks ago, I thought to myself “Who cares if I do my 15 minutes?”
But THEN a little voice said to me, “Samantha would care.”

So, on the off chance that the voice was right, and to keep myself on track: I will tell you that I completed 30 min. the first week, 60 the next, and since yesterday’s call – 90 min!

Much Gratitude and Affection,
NEDI

Inspiring, right?

Those critical voices will always be with you. I’ve never met an artist who didn’t struggle against them. Me included.
It’s up to you to decide if they get to run the show.
I can’t guarantee you that getting your work out there will always lead to success.
I can guarantee you that not getting your work out there will always lead to feelings of failure.

If you would like a very inexpensive way to get some additional encouragement and support, you might enjoy participating in the extremely groovy membership club I’ve started — we’re having a blast!

Please let me know how it goes for you.

Remember: The World Needs Your Art.

 

 

but what if the opposite is true?

but what if the opposite is true?

What if the opposite is true?

This is a question I ask myself all the time.

For example, you say, “Oh, I don’t have time to write a book.”
What if the opposite is true ?

What if the truth is, “I don’t have time to NOT write a book.”

In other words –
Life is fleeting. The future is uncertain. You can’t afford the luxury of believing that you will have a chance to write this book in the future — you MUST write this book right now.

Interesting, huh?
Or maybe you say, “Everyone is already writing a book.”

When the truth (the opposite) is, “No one is writing my book.”
Or you say, “I don’t know how to write a book.”

When the truth (the opposite) is, “I know enough to start. And I know enough to get help and guidance.”
Speaking of which, I’m putting together a small group of smart people who want to write a GOOD book for a day-long event that will end with you having:

🧐 Perfect Clarity on which book you are actually writing (style, structure, genre, format)
🤓 A Solid Decision about which publishing path is right for you (self-, hybrid, or traditional)
😎 Created a joyful, workable plan for you to get the whole thing done by the end of April. F’reals.

 

This is a small-group, heavily interactive, online event.
This is a small-group, heavily interactive, online event.

Let’s do this thing.

If you are interested in finding out more, please write me back and we’ll see what’s what.

No pressure.
No sales.

And, actually, it really helps me to hear directly from you what you’re up to, so you’d be doing me a favor.

If you are thinking now, “I don’t think this offer is for me….”
I encourage you to consider:

What if the opposite is true?
What if this offer is the absolutely most perfect thing you could do to bring your book to life in 2025?

Happy New Year!

P.S. This year alone I’ve helped dozens of writers get their books and book proposals out into the world in a fun, holistic, gentle, and creative way.
Oh, and I also wrote and published my own award-winning book. I think it would be fun to work with you, too : ) – S.

Failure Is the Path to Success

Failure Is the Path to Success

Introduction: Confronting the Fear of Failure

Today, let’s talk about something crucial that holds many of us back: the fear of failure. It’s easy to recognize when fear stops us from moving forward. Questions like “What will people think?” or “What if I fail publicly?” often haunt us. But what if failure is not a stop sign but rather an indicator of progress?

Unlocking the Power of Failure

Admittedly, accepting failure as a part of growth is easier said than done. Many aren’t there yet, including myself. However, reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve learned that failure can indeed pave the way to success.

Here’s the crux: Failure is the only path to success. Failing signifies attempting something new, pushing your abilities and knowledge to the limit. It means stepping into uncharted territories, which inevitably leads to growth. If you’re not failing, you might not be trying anything new, and consequently, stagnating. Remember, creativity is stifled by stagnation.

Failure Leading to New Opportunities

Take the example of my encounter with a publishing house. My initial hope was for a 10th anniversary edition of “Get It Done,” but the plan fell through. Or did it? My agent pointed out an interesting offer hidden in the response email – an opportunity to write about overwhelm, which led to a book deal. The failure to achieve one goal opened the door to a more fitting opportunity.

Physical Failure Transforming into Lived Wisdom

For over two years, I’ve battled long-haul COVID, affecting my energy and cognitive abilities. Energy-draining fatigue meant I had to work differently, which led to the creation of the “15-Minute Method.” My body’s limitations became my teacher, deepening my understanding and commitment to this philosophy, which transformed into lived wisdom.

Real Estate Lessons: Failure as a Catalyst for Growth

A memorable failure occurred when I couldn’t afford to buy a home in Southern California after the building I lived in converted into an Airbnb. This inability led me to an unforeseen opportunity in Connecticut real estate, ultimately resulting in a significant financial gain. Thus, sometimes failure redirects us toward unexpected benefits.

Embracing Failure as a Leader

In leadership, actively seeking situations where you might fail can keep you grounded and innovative. Being a leader often shields you from hearing essential criticism. Embrace the discomfort and vulnerability of failing to remind yourself what it’s like for those you lead and serve.

The Joy of Failing Forward

By now, I hope you’re considering embracing failure rather than fearing it. Start that book, make those videos, or push those sales plans forward. Plan to fail repeatedly at first—and that’s okay. The beauty of failure lies in the learning and opportunities that arise from it.

Welcoming Failure as a Friend

Reflect on your life. Recall moments when failure seemed certain but something beautiful emerged. Let failure be your revered teacher, guiding you to push beyond limits, fail joyfully, and persist with grace. Challenge yourself to fail more often and with less judgment, unlocking the boundless potential that lies ahead.

By sharing our failures and learning from them, not only do we grow personally, but we also encourage others to view their setbacks as stepping stones to success. Embrace failure and discover the lessons and opportunities it unfolds. Visit therealsambennett.com/practicum to learn more and sign up. Join a supportive community that will help you put consistent effort behind your dreams, providing the energy and accountability you need to succeed.

Failure Is the Path to Success

15 Minute Reset – Find Your Focus

Are you struggling to find focus, freedom, and joy in your daily life? You’re not alone. Many of us feel pulled in too many directions, struggling to make progress on the goals and dreams that mean the most to us. But what if I told you that the key to unlocking your potential lies in just 15 minutes a day?

Welcome to the 15 Minute Method

As you may know, I wrote a book called “The 15 Minute Method: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done.” In hindsight, I now think it should be called “The Subversively Simple Art of Getting It Done,” because, yes, it is sort of subversive. Everybody underestimates it, right? But when people actually commit to it, miracles happen.

The Common Pitfalls

Many people dismiss the 15-minute method, thinking, “That’s not going to work for me,” or “I already know about that.” However, those who give it an honest try often experience daily miracles. I see countless manifestation techniques on social media—dream it and be it, they say. But here’s the truth: you manifest your dreams by doing, by taking action every single day.

Establishing New Habits

We are creatures of habit, and our habits can keep us stuck in a rut. The good news? We are also drawn to new and different things, especially when there’s a sense of urgency. Unfortunately, we often let urgent tasks trump important tasks. Another challenge we face is our need for social love and attention. We sometimes prioritize tasks that gain us approval from others over those that are truly significant to us.

Making the Change

How can we turn things around? Start by creating new, supportive habits. Make it easy for yourself to spend the first 15 minutes of the day on something meaningful—whether that’s writing, meditation, or exercise. Surround yourself with supportive people and consider joining a daily practicum. This kind of community can provide the accountability you need to stay on track.

Building Self-Love Through Promises

We all want love from others, but self-love is equally crucial. You build self-trust, esteem, and love by keeping promises to yourself. If you struggle with self-confidence or self-worth, start by committing to small, daily actions. Rack up enough 15-minute increments, and you’ll begin to notice a significant shift in your self-perception.

Your Turn: Take Action

Think of something you’ve been putting off—something that’s close to your heart. Maybe it’s a big move, dealing with finances, writing a book, or focusing on your spiritual growth. What’s stopping you from spending 15 minutes a day on this? Write down your goal and be honest with yourself about what you want.

I invite you to join me in a mini 15-minute session. Set a timer and focus on your chosen task. You may be amazed at what you can accomplish in such a short time. If you’d like to take it a step further, consider joining our daily practicum—15 minutes of focused action every weekday. Visit therealsambennett.com/practicum to learn more and sign up. Join a supportive community that will help you put consistent effort behind your dreams, providing the energy and accountability you need to succeed.

Your dreams matter, and you have the power to make them a reality—just 15 minutes at a time. Surround yourself with support, keep your promises to yourself, and witness the incredible transformations that can unfold. Let’s take that first step together. Thank you for reading, and remember: your time, your dreams, and your efforts are all incredibly valuable. Start today, and see where 15 minutes can take you.

There Is No Such Thing as a Big Decision

There Is No Such Thing as a Big Decision

There is no such thing as a big decision.

There are only little decisions.

And when you allow yourself to believe that something IS a big decision, you instantly psych yourself out, ammiright?

So you have a thought like…

“You know, maybe I want to quit this job….”

“Maybe I want to move…”

“Maybe I should leave this person that I’ve been with for all these years…”

And then you think, “Oh, but it’s such a big decision,” and you frighten yourself into inaction.

All of life is a series of little decisions, and sometimes we make a big deal about the last little decision, but really – that last one is no bigger than all the ones that precede it.

I remember before the first of my marriages (long story) when we were getting our pre-marital counseling from our very hip pastor, and he said,

“Here’s the thing – you two have been deciding to get married since you met. You have been deciding to get married since you first clapped eyes on each other. It’s been a million little steps. A million little yeses. Yes to this first date, and yes to this dinner, and yes to making up after this fight. Now, on the wedding day, we’re going to make a big fuss over this last little yes. Over this last little, ‘I do.’

But remember it is not a big decision. It is the latest in a series of small decisions. And as you stay married, you will continue to make little decisions every single day to stay married or to not.”

And anyone who has been in a long-term relationship will tell you, it’s true. You make decisions every single day to stay together, or to drift apart.

You make little decisions every day about your health, your job, your family, and your relationships, and those decisions shape your future.

If you remember that you only need to make a little decision and then take the next indicated right action, you might decide yourself into a new, better life.