What does a book mentor do?

If I had a fiver for every time someone told me that they'd started but not finished writing their book, then I'd be on the way to becoming a millionaire!

The aim of writing a book is to ultimately publish it, reach more people, and make money from writing it, and use it as a brilliant business tool.

It seems like an easy thing to do, but when you get going, there are multiple things that you need to think about... like which book to write first, how to structure your book, how to get published, which marketing tools are best, how to manage your business and write your book at the same time, and more.

So if you've thought about doing it yourself, but it feels difficult, you're not sure where to start and how to fit everything in, then let me tell you how I can help you. If you've ever wondered what I do as a book mentor, then read on.

Business first

When I work with clients, I have my business head on first. My job isn't to help you to write any old book, but to give you the tools to write your best book that enables you to grow your business. For many clients they find that working with me helps them to get clearer on their message and what they want to get known for through the book.

Some of my clients are writing their book as a repositioning tool, enabling them to get known for something new: like my accountant client who loves to work with business owners and their money mindset, or my nutritionist client who through her book has positioned herself as an expert in the cancer arena. Instead of being a generalist in your field, you can use your book to work with a new specific group of clients that you really want to help.

Whether you're writing a how-to business book, a self-help guide, or a memoir where you'll inspire people with your story, you've got to focus on business first.

Essential marketing strategies

Alongside helping my clients to write their books, I help them to get their marketing right. You need to focus on marketing your book every step of the way, from the day you put your hand up and say that you're doing it, to after you've launched and published your book.

There are some really effective strategies that you can implement to increase your visibility. With some clients, we work on updating their website copy, creating a lead magnet that builds their community, and work on strategies to increase their online and offline reach. It doesn't need to be daunting, and there are so many short-cuts that will make it relatively easy to do this alongside your writing, by using the content that you have already.

My clients have found that by aligning their message, and telling other people that they are writing a book, has led to them getting noticed before they've been published. They've...

• Had worldwide social media coverage
• Built their community of people who are in-tune with their message
• Had articles and interviews published in online newspapers and physical magazines
• Run workshops all around the world based on their area of expertise
• Sponsored and exhibited at high profile exhibitions
• Been invited to do interviews on their topic in the UK and US
• Been asked to endorse other books and received great praise for their own books
• Got speaking engagements, where they can promote their business and their book
• Got in front of decision makers at organisations where they'd love to work
• Attracted more clients too!

Getting your book written

Although the business part is important, you've got to write your book too. It's a fine line for many of my clients, because if you don't actually write your book, then all the marketing in the world isn't going to help you.

When I work one-to-one with clients, I start by helping them to plan their book, because a well executed plan now will make the writing easier later. We work back from their proposed launch date, and they then put writing time in their diary, and we work together every step of the journey.

I also give feedback to my clients on their writing. Some people send me their manuscript once they've finished it and others ask for my help every few chapters. As an impartial reader, I can help them to hone their message and, in some instances, find their true and authentic voice.

Managing the gremlins and motivating

For many people, when they're doing something like writing a book, the confidence gremlins get them at some stage. As they are sticking their head above the parapet by publishing something that they are intimately attached to, some need my support to help them overcome these wobbles.

As well as starting with a day with all my one-to-one clients to help them to develop the right book, I have regular calls with them, as they employ me to keep them accountable to their actions. I can help them to stay on track, and keep them motivated if they're struggling to write, or give them support if other things get in their way.

Getting published and launch your book

Lastly once my clients have finished writing their book, they need to get published. Some already have this in place, if they're publishing in a specific niche, and others want me to organise this for them.

It helps that I know some great people in the industry - designers, illustrators, editors. It also helps that I have a great relationship with a publisher who supports many of my clients in this publishing process.

Then it comes to the launch. There's not much point in writing a book unless you make a splash when your book is finally published. I know what it takes to create a great launch, get to number one on Amazon, and then use the book as an ongoing marketing tool.

Your book is the hook

If you've read a copy of my third book, Your Book is the Hook, you'll have probably recognised the steps above. Although every client is different, whether someone comes to an event, joins me for a writing retreat, or works one-to-one, then a book is what I'd love to help them to achieve.  Yes you can do it by yourself, but will it be your best book, will it be aligned to your business, will it leverage your expertise so that you can use it as an effective marketing tool, and will you ever get it finished?

Your book is the hook to get you noticed in your industry. It will help you to become more credible. You'll get to share your wisdom with a wider audience, and reach more people with your message. With four books to my name, I know firsthand the difference that they've made to my business since my first book came out in 2011, and I'd love to help you to do the same.

How I can help you

If you'd like support to plan and write your book, create a great marketing plan, join me for my writing retreat in Spain, get one-to-one support, or bundle all of this up to get my undivided attention, then go to this page. If you'd like to find out which is the best option for you, then contact me and we'll have a chat.