Now you’ve decided to write a book, that’s a big commitment. It’s no longer a ‘one day’ dream, it’s now a project.
You’ll need to invest time in all the aspects of creating a book, so how can you ensure it gets done?
As a left-brained, systems, control-freak I have a plan!
Not a scribbled on a bit of paper plan, but a process that goes into the diary.
First, you’ll need to know all the tasks that you need to complete for your book project – it’s converting the ‘goal’ into a ‘to-do’ list. When you know what you need to do, it’s time to book the book.
Schedule every stage
Open your diary and book time to carry out each task. Start with scheduling the research. It doesn’t have to be a 2 hour slot, some of the activities may only take 10 minutes, so you can schedule maybe 15 minutes for reviewing what other books are listed on Amazon on your specialist subject and getting an idea of how they do.
Then schedule time for planning and information gathering, writing slots and then for revisions when your book has been edited.
Don’t forget to schedule time in to plan your launch and marketing campaigns.
When time is set aside to move your project forwards, the likelihood of it getting done increases.
HOT TIP: When a customer wants to make an appointment that clashes with time assigned to your book, don’t just cancel your book time; instead tell them “I’m sorry, but I already have an appointment booked at that time …” and offer an alternative. No customer would expect you to cancel an existing appointment in their favour (because they wouldn’t want you to do that to them). You don’t need to explain who/what the appointment is about. Working on your business is as important as your best customer.
