When bookstores stock shelves and shelves of books about almost every topic imaginable, it’s easy to think yours has little or nothing new to offer—nothing that makes it unique. I’ve heard from numerous clients before that they don’t want to write, “Just another self-help book,” or “Just another business book.” But they’re not sure what will make their book stand out. This feeling is often so powerful, that aspiring authors don’t bother writing their book. They just don’t feel like they have anything new to contribute.
This is almost always untrue. The trick is digging a little deeper within yourself to discover the answer. We’re all unique—every human being has individual experiences and ideas that make them inherently different from everyone else in the world. Think about it this way: when you go to a professional association event or another place where large numbers of people from your profession are gathered, and you look around the room, can you honestly say that everyone is the same? No way!
So you’re not just a life coach or a financial planner or a nutritionist or a parenting coach. You’re you. In addition to your professional experience and knowledge (which may or may not be the same as the next author’s), you have your personality, your life experiences, and your perspective, all of which make you different from everyone else in your field. So what makes your book different from everyone else’s? YOU!
Although it may not seem logical to think about yourself and your personal history when writing a book that’s not about your life, it’s actually one of the most important steps you can take while planning your material. You’re the one thing that makes your book different, and understanding your unique perspective, approach, and connection to the material is often enough to make your book stand out from the crowd.
One of the first things I teach my clients when I work with them on their book is to look at their personal connection to the material. What got them interested in writing this book in the first place? Why are they passionate about the material? What is your before-and-after story? Look at your personal experiences and background, and connect them to the strategies you include in your book. And then use these qualities to your advantage—let them shine on every page you write!
Finding out where you personally intersect with the material can actually be one of the most defining characteristics of your book. So don’t let a shelf full of business or self-help or whatever topic books keep you from telling your story! This is a major part of what will make your book stand out from all the others written on the same topic. And it can attract your ideal readers better than any other title on the shelf.
Comments?
Your personality makes your book unique, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To really make your book outstanding and attractive to all the right readers, you need a solid foundation and clear focus, as well as good writing skills. The Summit Book Writing Home Study System makes it easy to combine all the pieces of a compelling, engaging book that keeps readers hooked. The step-by-step program literally takes all the guesswork out of planning, writing, and polishing your best book. To find out more and get your copy now, click here to go to the information page.