As part of my ‘Get Your Book Out’ Easter series of blogs, I have been talking to published authors about their strategies for writing and publishing.
Here, author of ‘Hustle Your Way To Property Success’ – Paul Ribbons, tells us more about his book and then gives his top ten tips for writing a book of your own. Like me, Paul worked with ‘Book Midwife’ Mindy Gibbins Klein to get himself published and his word out into the world. Here is his story:
My book is an account of how I became successful in property and has some useful tips for buying great property deals and a system you can use if you so wish. Other than that, as a friends mother who is not into property said “I wish he was my minister at church – very inspirational”.
There are 2 reasons why I wrote the book. The first is because I have always struggled with education (I have no qualifications from school) so part of me wanted to prove I was not thick. Secondly I knew it would be good for business.
Personally, for me, the book has meant more than I thought it would. I feel very proud and now realize that people like what I write. Since then I have written 100’s of blogs, I write for trade magazines and generally write on a regular basis including 2 industry white papers. As my old friend James Lavers said, he loves my writing style.
And business it has helped in attracting JV business partners and positioned me where I wanted to be within the property industry.
Here are my top ten tips for writing a book:
- Have an idea. Have a clear and concise idea of what will be in the book.
- Map it out. Pick 10 main things you want to include and call these chapters.
- Break it down. Then write ten points to be included in each of these chapters.
- Start to write. Then write at least 400 words on each of those points.
- There you have a book with 10 chapters with 4000 words per chapter, = a 40,000 word book.
- A self imposed deadline is essential. I wrote mine over a 2-week period and set myself up with a deadline. I said to my publisher I would get it to her by a certain date.
- I did not edit each page, but edited each chapter, this is crucial other wise you won’t even finish the page you’re if you not careful.
- It does not have to be perfect. I know mine was not perfect (although my readers tell me otherwise). I could have rewritten it many times and being a perfectionist well!…. but just get it out and don’t worry.
- People will read it if it’s authentic!!! . My fear as a sufferer of dyslexia and having no education was, will people read it? Why would they take notice of me?
- Then cry your eyes out when the book arrives and you realized a dream.
Want to get started on your own book? My top tip is to get professional support. I can personally recommend Mindy Gibbins Klein – AKA the Book Midwife, whose next course starts in April – check out the details here and Presland Quirk’s Book Bootcamp weekend – both where you will get the time, structure and professional support – to start writing and get published. Heads Up: there is a two for one offer if you book the Book Bootcamp’ by 3rd April! Follow this link for all the information…