If “write my book” or “get my book published” appears on your 2016 New Year’s Resolutions, you know how important a goal it is for your business and career.
So how do you ensure that it gets checked off the bucket list and your launch party is a reality?
Here are five simple ideas for helping turn your dream into a reality!
- Write a review of your book. Imagine that your ideal reader has just finished the last page of your book. Imagine that reader being compelled to write you a personal note, or better yet, write an enthusiastic review on Amazon. What does that reader write? Give yourself 5 – 10 minutes on your timer and write this as a writing sprint (in other words, no editing, no thinking, just writing). Print and post that letter where you will see it and be inspired to make that review a reality!
- Create a “mock cover” of your book. I have done these in Power Point using a “portrait” setting. Explore Google images to find the right visual for your cover, then add your working title and, of course, your name. Print it and be inspired every time you sit down to write, knowing that your book will be published this year!
- Create a visual reminder of your progress toward your book. Do this by posting a word count chart each day or week, or by creating a project plan checklist that allows you to check off each task toward writing and publishing your book. By regularly seeing and marking your progress you’ll receive little jolts of dopamine (life’s natural feel-good drug) to keep you pumped about getting it finished.
- Add “author of the forthcoming book . . .” to your email signature. It makes it real to you, and will also cause your clients and colleagues to ask you about your progress (providing another layer of accountability). Never mind that you don’t have a finalized cover or title; that can change. Set the intention and let it do its magic.
- Wear your button, “Ask me about my book.” I give these magic buttons to my coaching clients and friends, and they are a powerful way to set the intention, to announce to the world that this book isn’t just a pipe dream, and to give you valuable market responses on your book title and theme. And, once you finish your book you’ll be able to sell your book when you wear your button.
If you need additional support in getting started on your book, in getting unstuck, or in finishing your book, call on book coach Cathy Fyock to help you reach your 2016 goals!