How to Write and Publish a Best-Selling Book in Four Weeks!

The process of writing a book may feel daunting even if you have a sensational idea. I get it! People used to encourage me to go down the author’s path, but it seemed overwhelming until ... I did it.

Though it seemed complicated, my first book reached best-selling status on its first day out. When I published my second book, I had the tools I needed to get it published at a fourth of the cost. I was confident and prepared because I had learned that there is a process to writing a book and getting it published with easy and manageable steps.

Whether you are a coach and speaker that needs a book to support your work, an expert in your field or someone with a compelling idea for a novel – your story deserves to be heard! I’ve put together this series of webinars to save you months of wasted time… time that is better spent earning money as a published author.

In this eight-part series, we will talk about many of the things that will make your book writing journey a success. Each part is carefully thought out and layers on the previous classes.

“Early bird” purchasers will receive the additional bonus of weekly worksheets, tools to help you on the road to being a successful published author. Seats are limited to allow for questions and answers at the end.

AGENDA (CLASS MEETS TUES/THURS FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS)

Tues., 02/04/2025 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step One: From a Spark to Reality

“I wish I had a nickel for every great idea I’ve had!” Sound familiar? There is a reason that your ideas feel interesting and exciting - often because of your life experiences. Your readers and fans want to know why you wrote your book, what attracted you to the topic or genre. Understanding and clearly expressing this is an important first step and will show up in different parts of your book and your marketing efforts!

Takeaways:

· Clarifying your “Why” fans the flames of your creativity.

· Planning your book writing journey – without a destination, any ole map will do!

· Incorporating your “Why” as the foundation of your Preface/Author’s Note/Introduction.

· Honoring your Author’s Commitment.

Thurs., 02/06/2025, 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step Two: Creating a Tribe of Loyal Readers

Although it would be wonderful if everyone was interested in buying our books, we are all different and have unique tastes. To create a loyal fanbase, it’s important that we write with a specific reader in mind. As an author, we promise our readers that we will provide “something” to them. Who are your readers and what is your promise to them?

Takeaways:

· Defining your reader avatar.

· Discovering where your readers hang out - your blue and red oceans.

· Clarifying your author’s promise - your reader’s arc of transformation.

· Calling in your reader by narrowing your genre

Tues., 02/11/2025, 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step Three: The Pillars and Framework of Your Book

Books have been a significant part of our lives, but have we ever really focused on the various parts of a book to decide which ones we will incorporate in our own? The front and back matter, the bookends of your story, are important structural components of a book. They must be included in your outline and book proposal if you plan to use a traditional publisher and to look polished and professional if you are self-publishing.

Takeaways:

· Understanding the parts of your book – its not just about the story!

· Exploring different writing tools for an easier writing experience.

· “Panster” or “Planner – to outline or not.

· The structure and contents of a book proposal

Thurs., 02/13/2025, 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step Four: Completing Your Manuscript

Life gets in the way and often dreams get set aside or delayed and … it can be hard to pick them up again with the same gusto. It’s important to get one draft finished and it often takes support from those who want us to realize our dreams and an even broader team to get the book to the finish line and on the bookshelf. Where do you begin when the task seems overwhelming?

Takeaways:

· Finishing one shitty draft; accountability partners and other support groups.

· Finding a top-notch editor … or more (developmental, line, copy, proofreaders, translation, fact-checking etc.)

· The elusive book agent (query letters, expectations etc.)

· Publisher (self-publishing, traditional publishers or something in between)

Tues., 02/18/2025, 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step Five: A Cover That Sells

Your story doesn’t matter if no one picks up the book! It’s not easy to write a book – it takes time and perseverance. And, like many things in life, people are drawn to the exterior first before they are called to know the inside. Having a compelling cover is not just about the artwork, it includes compelling copy drawing them closer to you and your work.

Takeaways:

· Your cover copy (hook, synopsis, author’s bio etc.) equals your relatability.

· The importance of endorsements and how they explain “Why You?”

· Finding a graphic designer that gets your vision.

· Creating your Press and obtaining your ISBN numbers.

Thurs., 02/20/2025, 4:00 – 5:00 PST

Step Six: Defining Your Author’s Brand

We all have a brand; it’s what people say about us when we leave the room! Perception is everything – if you don’t manage your brand, someone else will create your brand for you and it may not be one that you like. Words don’t make a brand; actions speak louder than words. What is your personal brand and are you living the one you wish you had? Can others see and feel your brand?

· Defining the brand called “YOU” and living it in all your marketing.

· Amazon Author’s Page vs your other published bios, each unique.

· Professional photos that reflect your brand and show your relatability.

· Pen Names … or not.

Tues., 02/25/2025, 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step Seven: Your Book Launch

Getting a book to the finish line takes a team of talented and committed people.Your team will begin working on your book launch long before the day actually happens. From your editor(s) to your agent and publisher, your family and friends have rooted for you and your success and they would like nothing better than to be a part of it Its time to look at who will carry that final baton across the finish like for you.

Takeaways:

· Your Launch Team

o Friends and family – loyal fans who will shout it out!

o Publisher (self-publishing, traditional publishers or something in between)

o Bookstores: (Amazon, Tik Tok, Ingram Sparks, Kobo, B&N etc.)

· Pre-Launch Planning

o Creating a marketing plan

o Engaging your volunteer marketing team

o Publicists and other paid professionals

· Launch Day

o Distribution outlets: Amazon, Tik Tok, Ingram Sparks, Kobo, B&N, etc.

o Timing and Placement of Reviews

o Strategic pricing

Thurs., 02/27/2025, 4:00 – 5:00PM PST

Step Eight: After Launch Marketing of You and Your Book

Launch day has come and gone but your book won’t continue to sell itself. You must market, market, market. Do you have a detailed marketing plan? Are you a coach using your book to attract coaching clients and masterminds? Are you a novelist with dreams of offers from Netflix? Or, an expert in your field looking for keynotes and consulting gigs?

Takeaways:

· Your author website and your brand.

· Book marketing collateral:

o Book Sales Sheet, bookmarks and print materials

o Trailers and other videos

· Speaking engagements:

o Book signings

o Podcasts

o Workshops (coaches and other experts)

o Marketing collateral (One Sheets i.e. speaker, podcast)

· Ads and their effectiveness.

Host or Publisher Linda Lattimore