It’s an exciting moment! One you’ve been waiting for. You’re finally writing your book!
But there is one important last step: Make this book project your priority. Otherwise, you won’t get it done.
That’s the message delivered by Published Author podcast guest Jyotsna Ramachandra. Jyotsna is bestselling author of Job Escape Plan: The 7 Steps to Build a Home Business, Quit your Job & Enjoy the Freedom.
Jyotsna is also a book publisher, having founded Happy Self Publishing to help overwhelmed, yet purpose-driven authors publish their book and amplify their message. So far, Jyotsna has helped more than 400 authors from 35 countries through her global publishing agency, Happy Self Publishing.
Focus On Your Book Ahead Of Launching a Course or Campaign
Jyotsna observes that for many authors who are struggling, the main issue is that the book is not their number one priority.
“They have a lot of other things happening in their life, such as a new course, a campaign or personal commitments.
“In that case, we tell them ‘Please don't feel guilty. Let's do it one step at a time. If you want to take a break from this, we are completely OK with that. But when you come back, let's only focus on this,” she says.
Be Clear About Your Book’s Purpose
Jyotsna says that entrepreneurs who are clear about the purpose of their book and have a strong reason to complete it are the most successful.
These clients have been thoughtful about choosing the right topic, completed their book’s outline, and meet deadlines are on a sure journey to success. These clients also access all the support structures that are in place, show up for weekly calls, take and share feedback, and complete every step in the process.
The Hard Work Of Writing a Book Pays Off With Unexpected Surprises
Entrepreneurs write nonfiction books for different reasons. Some want to grow their business, others want to leave a legacy and help mentor the next generation. So from that perspective, success means different things to different entrepreneurs.
“A lot of times authors do not expect that they are going to get a lot of different opportunities after the book gets published. But only after the book is published do they realize that many things about their life have changed,” explains Jyotsna.
She shares the example of a client from Spain. Fitness was his passion, but not his main business - he was a full-time employee in an IT company.
After he saw that a lot of people were benefiting from his book, he started listening to what his readers wanted. Slowly, his side hustle produced more and more services and products for his readers. He developed an app, protein shakes, energy drinks, and fitness classes online.
Fast-forward two years, and this entrepreneur-author is about to quit his job and manage his growing business full-time!
Comments Jyotsna : “I'm sure he did not have the slightest clue. He did not plan this. But then he started to build his author funnel and create their entire ecosystem around his book, which has given him a lot more freedom.”
Building An Author Funnel
Some entrepreneur-authors such as the example above become excited about growing their business after the initial experience of success.
To do this, Jyotsna says it’s a good idea to do an asset audit. What assets do you have? Do you have a course, a coaching program, or something else?
If the answer is none of the above, that’s absolutely fine, because for most authors their book is their starting point.
“My recommendation to authors who are business owners is that your target reader for your book should be the exact target client for your business,” emphasizes Jyotsna. “Because, ultimately, some of the people who are going to read your book will become your clients, and you need to be really strategic about that. Otherwise, your book and your business may not have a proper connection.”
Jyotsna scopes out a typical entrepreneur-author funnel:
- Your book on Amazon and other online and offline sales points.
- A free value offering, such as a blog, podcast, or content related to the book
- A paid value offering for entry point clients who are motivated and want to see results. This could be a course or membership.
- A premium offer you deliver personally, such as one-on-one coaching, consulting, or speaking.
Jyotsna and host Josh Steimle cover a lot of ground in this episode. If you find it inspiring and want to begin working on your book, reach out to Publishedauthor.com
LINKS
Free Facebook Group for purpose-driven authors
Youtube
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ABOUT THE HOST
The Published Author Podcast is hosted by Josh Steimle, founder of Published Author. Josh is a book author himself and his article writing has been featured in over two dozen publications including Time, Forbes, Fortune, Mashable, and TechCrunch. He's a TEDx speaker, the founder of the global marketing agency MWI, a skater, father, and husband, and lives on a horse farm in Boston. Learn more at JoshSteimle.com.