This week, I am delighted to be able to share a Guest Blog from Karen Williams in the lead up to her new book being launched on the 7 Jun 17. Virtual Assistants are often asking me how they can help their clients publish a book and so when I learnt that Karen had written a new book, entitled “Book Marketing Made Simple”, I knew I needed to see if she was happy to share her knowledge with you.
As a VA, if you’re supporting a client who is a coach, consultant or speaker, I’m sure that at some stage they’ve talked about writing a book, or perhaps they’ve already been published. It can be a great way to build their business, increase their credibility and help demonstrate their expertise.
So how can you help them to become a bestseller?
- Understand the process of writing a book
In my third book, Your Book is the Hook, I outline the 6 step process that I use with my clients when they decide to write a non-fiction book. For a book to be successful, it’s not just about regurgitating everything they know.
The first steps I always suggest my clients take is get clear on the topic, their ideal reader and the problems these people are facing, and the solution that they’ll share in the book – and then make a good plan before they write it!
Doing research and sourcing outside expertise may be things that you can do to help them.
- Allow them to play to their strengths
You were probably employed as a VA to support your clients in the areas where they struggle, or simply don’t have time to focus. When you support them with their book, think about areas where you can help that also allow you to play to your strengths.
On an administrative side, you may send out copies of books to potential endorsers and reviewers, arrange the book launch, or even help with the initial proofreading.
On a technical side, you may set up their Amazon profile, create a squeezepage to sell the book, or turn parts of their book into blog posts.
And simply taking the pressure off will go a long way in helping them to finish writing it!
- Manage the project
Keeping your client on track will help them to get their book done. Knowing the key milestones will enable you to check in with them regularly and anticipate where they might need additional support.
When focused, a book can typically take 6-9 months to write, and then a further 3-12 months to edit and publish, dependent on whether they are going down the self-publishing route or seeking a traditional publisher.
Then when it comes to the launch, there are many other things you can do to help them to reach more people through their contacts, such as guest blogging (like this one), podcasts, book reviews and social media promotion.
- Help with the book launch
The book launch can be a stressful time. This is often organised alongside finishing and publishing the book, so anything you can do at this stage will help.
This may involve organising the book launch by ensuring the venue is organised, all the right people are invited, that it stays within budget, and that the event itself goes smoothly – and has the wow factor.
You also might help your client sell or promote the book if they attempt to reach the bestseller lists or crowdfund their book.
- Make sure they have all the support they need
Talk to your client and make sure that they have all the support they need. Ultimately this allows them to do what they do best, and when they write a good book it is more likely to become a bestseller.
A coach or a book mentor can help them to develop the initial plan, ensure the book is business focused, and give them regular support to get it done. A buddy can keep them accountable, give them feedback on their writing, and keep them on track. Of course, you can also send them my way to get help on all steps of the process from idea to publication and marketing, or suggest they get a copy of my new book!
About Karen Williams
Karen Williams is the Book Mentor at Librotas. She helps business experts to write and publish a non-fiction book that grows their business, raises their credibility and attracts higher-paying clients. Karen is the author of 5 bestselling business books, including Your Book is the Hook.
She launches her new book, Book Marketing Made Simple, with some brilliant bonuses, on Wednesday 7 June. Go here to get your copy at http://www.bookmarketingmadesimple.com – or get it for your client!