How to create an effective book plan

Many business authors find themselves stuck when getting started with their book.

They have lots of ideas, many things they could share, but no idea how to create the framework and start writing their book.

And some do start writing. But then they get frustrated when they’re not sure where to take their words next.

That’s why I’m running my next Book Masterclass on Monday 9 January, and will be talking about the 10 things you need in place to create a book that sells (click the link above to listen to the recording).

One of the things I’ll be talking about is book structure, and in this week’s blog I’d like to give you a sneak preview into some of the things I’ll be covering, with some real life client examples..

Creating your book structure

There are many ways you can create your book structure.

But before you think about starting, there are things you need to do first.

• You need to define your ideal reader.
• Then find out what these readers want to hear from you.
• You can get clear on what problem you’re addressing and solving in your book.
• Then you can define your topic. This will help you to define the content that you will include in this book, and which content you may wish to leave for another.

You can then breakdown your wisdom or story into chunks, and work out what you’ll share with your audience.

If you’re already working with your clients on this topic, then your book structure will be easier. You may find that you already have a signature system that you teach your clients or things that you cover again and again. If not, it’s best to brainstorm what you wish to share and then define the sequence.

At our Book Planning and Writing mini-retreats and also when I work one-to-one with clients, nailing the book structure and framework is one of the most important things that we do. We take time to map out and develop your process (normally using a big pack of post-it notes!). This helps you to see your reader’s journey, where you’re taking them and how you can help them next.

Real life book structure examples

Here are some examples so that you can see how creating a good book structure works in practice.

Some of my clients are writing ‘how to’ or ‘self-help guides. They take their reader through their system that helps them to achieve an end result. Some already have the system in place. Others work through the post-it note exercise to help them to define their process.

I have other clients who are sharing their story. They have something important to say that will help others going through a similar situation. Generally they follow the hero’s journey format. Within the narrative there are hints and tips, and resources that they wish they’d had when they were going through the experience.

One of my clients is writing a parable; a story based loosely on another person’s journey. Each chapter mirrors each other in terms of sharing part of the journey, teaching a lesson related to this part, and action steps that the reader can take next.

For many of our clients, we’ve observed many light-bulb moments when they suddenly see their whole process and realise how much they know.

When they have a clear structure, it makes the book easier to write and helps to avoid writer’s block. They can see at a glance where they are on the journey. This helps to keep them on track and motivated to finish it. With regular accountability, we work together to achieve their end goal.

As well as helping the development of the book, the book structure also supports the products, programmes or events that are created alongside writing the book.

To get details of how we can support you to plan and write your book, go here for the details of our next event.