Got a Book Idea or Maybe More Than One? Here’s What to Do Next:

Photo by Mark Fletcher-Brown on Unsplash

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau, Walden.

Thoreau’s Walden was published in 1854 but over 170 years later, his words have meaning, particularly when it comes to writing a book. In the beginning each book is both an idea and a dream. The difference between a dream and a published book is focused effort and hard work.

Start with a Dream  

That said, dreaming is the best way to start. The feeling of excitement that you have about your idea isn’t just the beginning of the journey to write your book, it’s the fuel that will propel you all the way through.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be visited by all kinds of ideas. Book ideas have come to me in the kitchen, while doing chores or when I’m out for a walk. No one knows exactly where they come from, but book ideas can be born out of necessity, experience, curiosity and an openness to something new.  

What’s Working?

When you start out, you may only have an inkling of an idea. If you’re a health and wellness professional you may get the glimmer of a book idea when you realize that your method, plan or approach gets positive results. If you’re asked about the same problem over and over again you may realize that a lot of people need the unique approach you offer. This sparks an idea. But what do you do next?

Put a Solid Foundation Under Your Castle

As Thoreau surmises it’s great to have dreams but the next step is take action to make them come true. This balances “castles in the air” with feet on the ground. Here’s how to get started:

Keep a journal. Before you start writing your book, write about your book idea (or ideas if you’re brainstorming). Put your thoughts about your idea and anything else that’s related to it on paper and see if patterns emerge. Writing it down can also help you find clarity about the book you really want to write as opposed to the book you feel like you “should” write. It may not be related to what you do at all.

Ask yourself good questions. What’s the problem that you’re uniquely qualified to solve? Who is your ideal reader? Where do you see your book in a bookstore or on Amazon?  Why are you an authority on the subject? What’s your method or plan that can help readers transform their lives?

Curate related information. You can use Evernote or Pinterest or even an old-fashioned file folder to capture words and images that relate to your idea. This can include research you may have found, articles that relate to your idea or information about your target audience. Remember, in the beginning, you’re throwing a big net about your subject area – say it’s thyroid disease -- later you can narrow down your focus, holistic ways to treat hypothyroidism.  

Check out comp titles. A good way to clarify your idea is to check out books that are like yours in a bookstore or online. Do you see a gap in the books about your subject? Can you fill that gap with a book that has a different perspective and provides a solution?

Consider what material you already have on hand. A dietitian asked me what she should write a book about. I knew that she had an established 6-week program, so I suggested she use this as the basis for her book. Seen this way, each week can be a section of the book. Within each section are chapters that relate to the topic. If she writes 2-3 chapters for each section, she’s well on her way to a complete book. What have you already created that you can build on?   

Keep in touch. By this I mean, don’t let your idea drift off into the ether. If it’s something you’re passionate about make it a point to return the idea, whether you’re asking yourself good questions, compiling research, taking a course,  or considering what you’ve already done that could be material for a book.

Avoid What if?

One of the worst feelings for a writer is to lose touch with an idea that’s meaningful and coming across it years later and thinking “What if I’d followed my dream and written my book?” Cultivating a book idea can lead to writing and finishing your book, building your brand, more clients or patients, becoming a thought leader and maybe even that Ted talk.

How a Book Coach Can Help Nurture Your Idea

The best book coaches not only ask good questions, but they are also active listeners, editorially savvy and skilled at project management. If you need help nurturing your idea, hiring one can be a good place to start.  A good book coach is like Tim Gunn was on Project Runway. He asked good questions, actively listened and helped the designers find solutions.    

Need help?

📅 Email me at info@thenaturalhealthbookcoach.com to book your FREE 30-minute book coaching session. We’ll talk about your idea, see if we’re a good fit, and make a solid plan so that you can write the book you’re dreaming about.