Do you have an idea for a business book?
Just about everybody who reads a business book says to themselves that one time or another, “I should write a business book.” Some people take the next step. They generate an idea for the book they want to write.
Is that you? If it is, the first thing you need to do is analyze that idea to determine if it’s ready for primetime. Here are some questions to help you.
Who will buy and read your book?
This is the time to get specific. Don’t just rely on the demographic description. Single out some individuals who represent your ideal reader. That will make it easier to answer whether your idea will appeal to them enough to get them to buy your book.
What problem do they have that your book will solve?
People buy a business book to solve a problem or answer a question. What problem will you solve? What question will you answer? When Julie Winkle Giulioni and Beverly Kaye wrote their book, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go, they set out to tell businesspeople how to retain high-quality people.
Will your reader identify with the problem?
Just about any businessperson who has others working for them wants to keep the best people. So, a business person wandering by a mall or airport bookstore who sees a title that promises to help them retain people will think, “That’s me!”
Is the problem important to your reader?
People have all kinds of problems. Some are vexing, and others are just a nuisance. The problem you’re solving must be important enough to your reader that they will invest time and money to buy your book and read it.
Why are you qualified to write your book?
There are two parts to this. You must have credentials that make you a credible expert. You must have a store of experiences, case studies, and research to help you make your case.
Can you reach them?
You must be able to reach potential readers so you can tell them about your book. Do you have a mailing list you can use? What about a social media platform? Do people already know who you are and what you are expert in?
How can you improve your position?
Consider the answers to all these questions. To improve your odds, sharpen your idea. Improve your research and your collection of case studies. Increase others’ awareness of your expertise.
