I ❤️ success stories, don’t you?

I ❤️ success stories, don’t you?

Your Book, Your Way

Your Book, Your Way

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.

 

 

A Prayer For The Capable

A Prayer For The Capable

A PRAYER FOR THE CAPABLE

And as you stand there
On time and
Appropriately clad for the event
With a high-fiber bar in your bag
And extra pens
Let us take this moment to applaud you.

You, the prepared.
You, the accomplished.
You, the bills-paid-on-time and the-taxes-done-in-March.

You, who always returns the shopping cart.
You, who never throws a tantrum.

While the moody, the irresponsible, the near-hysterical and the rude seem to get
All the attention
Let us now praise you.

Just because everyone always expects you
To do well
Does not make it any less remarkable
That you always do so well.

So thank you.

For picking up the slack
For not imposing
For being so kind
And mannerly
And attending to all those pesky details.

Thank you for your consideration
Your generosity
For always remembering and never forgetting:

That a job well done is its own reward
That the opportunity to help someone else is a gift
That the complainers, the cry-babies, the drama queens, the never-use-a-turn-signals, the forgetful, the self-involved, the choleric, the phlegmatic and the your-rules-don’t-apply-to-me-types

Need you to rebel against in order to look like rebels.

You provide the lines – for without the lines, what would they color outside of?

So take a minute
To pat yourself on the back
And say, “Job well done.”
And as you consider someday
Showing up stoned
Or unprepared
Or not at all

And as you imagine someday being imperious
Or demanding
Or the one with the temper

Hear the unspoken “thank you” from a
Grateful nation that is a
Better, smarter, calmer, easier, friendlier and more organized place
Thanks to you
And your dogged diligence.

You are beautiful.
You are precious to us.

You are the hand that calms the water, the wheel that never squeaks, the one we all rely on
And while you probably would have remembered to send a thank-you note,
We forgot.

And just because everyone always expects you
To do well
Does not make it any less remarkable
That you always do so well.

And I would tell you to take the afternoon for yourself
Or sleep in tomorrow
But I’m pretty sure you already have plans.

So just take this very moment right now
To appreciate you
And all that you have done and done well
Even by your own high standards.

And remember:
You are beautiful.

And just because everyone always expects you to
Do well
Does not make it any less amazing, delightful or delicious that

You always do so well.

© Samantha Bennett 2014

oh my beloveds…

oh my beloveds…

There is only one thing that ever changed the world: A NEW STORY.
So if you want to change the world, you must begin to tell a new story.
Stop repeating the stories created by the info-advert-tain-u-ment industry.
Instead:
Look closely and notice something remarkable about the world.
Be still.
Listen.
Ask a question you’ve never thought of before.
Tell a new story.
Stop repeating your old stories about yourself and what you are and are not capable of.
Instead:
Look closely at your life and notice something unusual.
Be still. Do not rush to judgment.
Listen.
Ask yourself something about you that no one has ever asked before.
Tell a new story.
Stop rehearsing stories about the future.
Instead:
Look closely and notice that which is the same as it ever was. (#sameasiteverwas)
Be still.
Listen to the rhythm of history as it meets a new beat.
Tell a new story.
I talk to people every day who say,
“I’m not sure what to write/create…”
And I say,
“Of course you don’t.
You haven’t done it yet.”
Luckily, it’s not too late.
And the world is desperate for your story.
Please –
Tell us a new story.