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Book planning resource

As you move forward with your book project, you may find yourself in any of the following seven stages. The checklist below will help you determine where you are and what kind of help you might need in order to accomplish you goals. Nothing you record here obligates you in any way; it simply helps us to communicate intelligently about the kind of help that would serve you best.

#1 Your message: Formation of your message

Identifying the core concept or basic story you want to communicate. It’s more than a topic; it’s what you want to say about that topic. How do you want to add value to your world? This is based on your values, your experience, your expertise and is refined in your interaction with others (discussion, focus groups, blog posts, social media interaction, etc.)

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

(More room for comments below)

#2 Your plan: Forming a strategic plan for your message and your book

What are your goals? What means (books, blogs, courses, etc.) do you want to use to convey your message? How do you define success with your book? How does your book fit into the big picture for you? Who is your reader? Why will your reader want to buy and read your book? How do you want your reader to respond? How will you get your book into the hands of your reader? How will you meet your goals? What publishing / marketing / spinoff options make sense for you?

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

#3 Writing

Gathering the information needed to write your book. Interviewing sources and/or compiling and organizing notes. Creating an outline. Translating thoughts into words.

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

#4 Editing

Taking a first or subsequent draft and reworking, rewriting, editing and/or polishing it to get it ready for publication.

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

#5 Publishing

If traditional publishing, creating a book proposal for an agent or publisher. If self publishing, designing your book interior, setting up an account with Create Space (or working with other alternatives), designing a book cover, creating files in correct format for upload, setting up your title information, taking care of ISBN / bar code, choosing trim sizes, distribution channels, setting prices, proofing. Converting your book to Kindle or other e-book.

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

#6 Marketing tools

Setting up a website to showcase / sell your book, setting up shopping cart if needed, getting a sellers permit, creating an elevator speech, developing a media kit

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

#7 Spin offs

Taking the message of your book a step further; creating a course, a coaching service, a business, a screenplay or other spin offs.

I can do this myselfI need encouragement / accountabilityI need coaching / instructionI want someone to do this for / with meI’m not ready to think about thisDone or don’t need this

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