Any coach worth her salt knows that writing a book is a brilliant way to share your knowledge and expertise. And, I’m not ashamed to say it’s a great marketing tool too.
Today I started Day One of the 10 Day Business Book Proposal Challenge run by the amazingly inspirational Alison Jones.
Alison runs this challenge three times a year. I started the challenge last year but my focus and inspiration fizzled out after about 4 or 5 days. At the time, I felt I was at a crossroads and was adjusting my focus to ‘go back to my roots’ to work with women in technology and professional services.
Like many others on the challenge, I am already a published author. A second book is part of the 5 year plan that I developed in September.
This time I have much greater clarity about WHO my book is for and HOW it will serve my business. What I am not clear on is WHAT my book will provide you and in WHAT format.
My hopes for my second book
By the end of the 10 day challenge, I will have a much clearer idea of the research I need to do, what direction the book is taking, and the format e.g. will it be a series of interviews or more autobiographical or a ‘how to’ type book.
My expectations for my second book
As I start the challenge, I feel curiosity, excitement and anxiety. All at once. I know how much time a book will take and that is daunting.
I want this book to set me up as an expert, as a leader, and therefore the book HAS to be good. It has to be readable, it has to be ‘unputdownable’ ….. but am I capable of writing such a book? am I good enough? am I knowledgeable enough? am I expert enough? experienced enough?
Logically I know that only I can write ‘my way’. Only I can share my perspective. Although I have been studying equality for 30+ years, does that make me an expert yet? Am I writing the right book? Is it equality or is it leadership? Or is it helping women to get equality by helping them to get leadership confidence.
My fears for my second book
What if I get to the end of the 10 day challenge and I think “YES – I WANT TO WRITE THIS BOOK. NOW. IMMEDIATELY.” Where the hell will I find the time? Though even as I type I’m thinking “school holidays” because that’s when business gets quieter.
Can I do it? Can I write a book? Yes. I can. I did it before and I can do it again.
Great read xx
Thank you Louise.