145. Want to Write a Book? Here's How (Creator Science Crossover)
Mar 14, 2024
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The podcast covers the journey of writing a bestselling book, from crafting a book proposal and finding a literary agent to navigating book release strategies and sales channels. It delves into the intricacies of book promotion, the impact of fan support on sales, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning from successful branding to writing a book.
Crafting a comprehensive book proposal is essential for securing a publisher, emphasizing writing skills, marketability, and content.
Authoring a book involves intense writing and promotional efforts, from facing writing challenges to preparing for book launches.
Strategic pre-order campaigns and collaborations with independent bookstores can enhance book sales and visibility on bestseller lists.
Deep dives
Book Proposal Process Overview
The podcast episode delves into Tori Dunlap's journey of writing her book 'Financial Feminist.' Tori describes the extensive book proposal process, mentioning the document being around 40 pages, containing a sample chapter that exemplifies the book's tone and format. She highlights the importance of showcasing writing skills, marketability, and book content in the proposal to secure a publisher.
Writing and Timeline Challenges
Tori candidly discusses the challenging writing and timeline experience of completing her book within a year and a half from landing the book deal. She initially underestimated the writing process, managing it alongside running her business and other engagements. Tori reveals the evolving final draft stages and the pressure of meeting deadlines, emphasizing the arduous yet rewarding journey of authoring a book.
Post-Manuscript Period and Book Launch
Following the final manuscript submission in July, Tori navigated a five-month period to prepare for her book's launch in late December 2022. Despite announcing the pre-order campaign pre-manuscript completion, the post-manuscript phase involved intense promotion and marketing efforts to build anticipation for the book release. Tori reflects on the transition from writing to promoting, highlighting the subsequent challenges and emotional investment in ensuring the book's success.
Importance of Pre-Order Campaigns for Book Launches
Having a successful pre-order campaign for a book launch can significantly impact sales. By selling a substantial number of copies before the release date, like 10,000 copies, it eases the pressure of sales in the initial weeks. The New York Times bestseller list follows a general criterion of selling 10,000 to 20,000 books in the first week to secure a spot. Despite challenges like launching during holidays and competing against established books, strategic pre-order campaigns can boost a book's performance.
Engagement with Independent Bookstores for Book Sales
Collaborating with independent bookstores can play a crucial role in book sales and bestseller list placements. Selling books diversely across various platforms and locations, especially independent stores, helps in showcasing universal appeal. By engaging dedicated fans in early promotions, offering signed copies through selected independent stores, and leveraging speaking engagements for book placements, authors can boost sales and increase visibility on bestseller lists.
Today, we’re doing something a little different at Financial Feminist. Tori recently appeared on an episode of the Creator Science podcastto talk about the process of writing her New York Times bestselling book, “Financial Feminist.” From writing the proposal and finding an agent to marketing and selling the book — she breaks it all down in this transparent interview. If you’ve ever considered writing a book and are curious about what the journey looks like, then tune in to this episode.
Looking for one-on-one coaching with Tori on getting your book launched? Apply for consulting: https://airtable.com/app5HLSQ8w4ufyrfW/shrGoFWWDtau2wYn6
