What do you think is the quickest way to become an authority in your niche?
Well, as you may know…
I’ve written many books over the years.
From my best-seller FU Money to my latest book Unlock It.
There’s something special about writing a book for your marketplace.
So in this week’s newsletter, you’ll discover why I believe you should become an author, how to make it happen…
And if you’re already an author, we’ll also talk about what I believe are the 3 biggest challenges authors face and how to overcome them.
So, let’s get started.
Why You Should Become an Author
When clients ask me for advice on how to grow their businesses, other than formulating a marketing plan…
Very often, I suggest they write a book.
Why?
Because if you take the first 6 words of AUTHORITY, you get the word AUTHOR.
I firmly believe if you want to become an authority in your niche, other than starting a blog or a Youtube channel, writing a book is one of the best ways to do it.
Not only can you sell your book on Amazon, but you can also give it away as a lead magnet or set up a “free plus shipping” offer to get people to spend their first $1 with you.
How To Become An Author and Write Your First Book
It’s simpler to write a book and get it published these days.
You no longer need to find a publishing house to work with, as you can self-publish and put the book on Amazon very easily.
With that said, there’s still a lot that goes into a book, irrespective of the writing, so here are 7 things to think about.
1. Create a writing space and acquire your writing tools
Create a space that’s as inspiring and as free of distractions as possible.
Back in the day people used typewriters, but in this day and age, you’ll naturally use a computer.
You can also set up a Google doc and speak into your microphone if you dislike typing, and the document will transcribe your words.
This isn’t a perfect solution however, as it always requires you to fix words or phrases that aren’t clear.
2. Choose your BIG idea
Your idea MUST BE BIG.
The market is a wash with books, so if your idea isn’t big, use that idea for a social media post or a blog article.
3. Create your book’s outline
Break your big idea into as many chapters as you need.
You may like to break the chapters up into smaller segments as well.
This serves two purposes.
It gives you a clear picture of how the book will flow, and it breaks up this huge project into smaller pieces you can complete day by day.
4. Research
Your next step is to conduct your research to ensure your book is unlike anything else out there.
You really want to set your book aside from others in the same niche.
Can you provide a controversial perspective?
Can you go above and beyond the common info on your topic?
Can you provide a counter-intuitive solution to common problems?
5. Commit to a writing schedule
I know you’re busy, but make sure you can commit to a small amount of time each day, preferably at the same time every day.
If you find yourself getting too busy to complete your allotted time, even if you write for just 10-15 minutes, that’s better than not doing it all.
Skipping one day could turn into two, which could turn into three, and before long you’re way past your deadline.
6. NEVER edit as you write
When you’re in creativity mode you use your right brain.
On the flipside, when you edit you’re using your left brain.
Switching between the two is tempting but it’s counterproductive.
You want to get all your thoughts out without interruption.
Once you’re done writing, you can go back and edit to your heart’s content.
Make sure you wait a whole day before you begin editing and ensure you’re ruthless with your editing as well.
7. The Middle is always the hardest part to write
Half way through your book you may begin to experience self-doubt and wonder if you can pull this off at all.
If your outline is solid, then you’ll know your book will be too.
So, stay the course and never give up!
3 Common Challenges Authors Face and How To Overcome Them
I’ve narrowed the common challenges to 3 big ones, and if you eliminate these, it should allow you to be highly productive, eliminate overwork, and reduce stress.
The first challenge is “writer’s block”
No doubt, you’ve heard of this problem before, and I wrote it in quotations because I don’t believe in writer’s block.
Writer’s block is really a symptom of lack of research.
If you’ve ever sat down to write about something and thought “how do I start… what should I write?”
Then you simply haven’t done enough research.
Assuming you’ve worked through the 7 things I mentioned above, you’ll already have an outline for your book, the chapters, the topics you’ll discuss etc.
You’ll also have done all the research needed to bring your book to life…
So you’ll know exactly what you’re going to write about.
The second challenge is doing too much research
Yes, there is such a thing as too much research.
So how do you know when enough is enough?
Your goal with your research is to find answers to as many questions you have about your big idea.
Anything you’re not sure of, you need to find an answer for.
Anything you think your market will want to know, you need an answer for.
So, create a set of questions or a checklist of unknowns, and once you’ve got answers for all of them, you can stop researching.
The third challenge is distractions
Whether it’s the internet, loud noises, your friends calling or something else, you need to eliminate all distractions.
If you’re distracted while you’re in flow, it can take 25 minutes to get back in flow.
Think of the phrase “death by a thousand cuts”.
One cut won’t do much.
Heck, maybe even 200 cuts won’t do much, but after 1000 you’re dead.
The same goes for distractions.
One or two distractions here and there won’t do much, but if you’re constantly distracted, you’ll never get anything done.
Bonus Challenge
Here’s a bonus tip.
In copywriting the headline is the most important.
After the headline, the first line of body copy is the next most important and must compel them to read the second line and so on.
In a book, you want your first line to reel them in or you’ll lose them fast.
You can make your first line compelling by writing something that’s surprising and counter-intuitive.
Maybe you write a dramatic statement that’s controversial, or puts them right in the middle of a story…
Something philosophical…
Or something poetic.
These are just a few ways you can capture their attention.
In Closing…
Writing a book isn’t easy.
If it were, all your competitors would be authors.
That’s why it’s a great way to set yourself aside and cut through the noise.
I hope this newsletter has helped you begin planning for your first or next book.
Until next time… go high ticket,
Dan Lok.
P.S. – While being an authority in your niche is a huge advantage, if you’re not quite there yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t grow and scale your business and create the lifestyle you deserve.
On July 26th, we’ll run our next S.M.A.R.T. Challenge™.
It’s my 3 day business immersive that teaches you how to SCALE, SYSTEMIZE, and SUSTAIN your business through any economic climate.
You’ll get the exact business playbook I’ve used to generate over $100 million in my coaching/consulting business in just a few short years.
You’ll also get to meet hundreds of like-minded and high level business owners and expand your network.
Many have attended the challenge more than once, because they feel it’s that valuable and powerful.
So, click here to secure your seat and see what all the fuss is about >>
