How to Become a Non-Fiction Writer

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Have you heard of the Art Basel show in Miami? It recently made headlines for a piece of artwork that sold for $120,000. What was it? It was a banana taped to the wall with duck tape. And, no, the duck tape wasn’t even gold or encrusted with diamonds. Then, a performance artist ATE the banana. What did I learn from this situation? Duck tape makes everything better. People will buy anything. Whatever product that you’ve been thinking about selling-it’s time to make your move and get it done. For those of you thinking about writing your first non-fiction book and having doubts about it, pull up your chair and listen to the show. Also, don’t forget to grab a pen and paper, there will be some exercises included in the show.

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Show Notes

Have you ever asked yourself how your favorite influencers became experts in their area of interest? I think about this from time to time “Who declared that you’re THE expert?” in whatever area of interest they are focused on.

That question may be the very issue that you’re dealing with in relation to publishing your first non-fiction work.

Before we even begin talking about writing that first book. I would like to help you clarify and declare your expertise.

Exercise #1-Declaring Your Expertise aka Kick Imposter Syndrome in the Nuts. Do you have your pen and paper? Yes, Ok, let’s start.
- What do you feel you’re an expert in that you would like to share?
- How many years have you been focused in this area of interest?
- How many people have you helped educate/inform/inspire in this area of interest?
- Would those people be willing to provide a testimonial on your behalf?
- Are you able to do one or more of the following to substantiate your claim of expertise (to yourself)
  - Quantify the number of courses or trainings that you’ve done in this area of interest
  - Have you been asked to speak on the topic? Write down all of the spaces that you presented a talk about your area of focus: online, at a co-working space, local/out-of-state events/conferences/etc.
  - Do you blog/vlog/podcast about this area of interest?
  - Have you provided content on someone else’s vlog/blog/or podcast about this area of interest?
  - Are you the “Go to” person in your professional or personal space about your area of expertise
- By working through the following exercise, I’ve just helped you work on your expert street cred
- If you’ve had any doubts before about writing a book about an area that you would like to be considered an expert in-this exercise should have helped you work through those concerns.

Exercise #2-What’s Your “Why?” Why on earth do you feel like writing a book? Basically, what’s your reason?
- To establish yourself as an expert?
- To provide a resource to other people that saves you time and energy. Basically, if you’re answering questions over and over again and would like to direct questioners to a book that helps people resolve their issue.
- To prove something to yourself and other people in your life?
- To complete a lifelong goal to become an author.
- To make passive income.
- You just have the urge
- Whatever your “Why?” is, it’s valid and important to acknowledge

Exercise #3-What’s your platform? By this I would like you to consider the role of your book in your life? What’s its purpose? Who are you selling it too? Are you writing it just so it exists? Which is fine.
- Are you building a community? Online or otherwise?
- Do you run a blog/vlog/podcast or in-person community?
- Are you growing an email list or considering starting one? That should be a resounding “YES!” btw
- Have you created or sold other products to this community? Big or small?