How to Brainstorm Your Non-Fiction Book
How to brainstorm your non-fiction book is the topic of this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series. Writing a non-fiction book can feel unmanageable. You may feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the process. We have separated the process into 10-steps that will help you deal with those feelings.

Before you sit down to write your book, be sure to plan. Many of our recent posts and podcasts have been about the preparation you make before you start writing.  This is the last in a 3-part series on how to brainstorm your non-fiction book.
Recap of Previous Episodes: How to Brainstorm Your Non-fiction Book
First, here is the recap of the previous two episodes.

Step 1: What is the goal for your book?

This is the first step that many first-time authors skip. However, it is probably the single most important decision that you need to make.

Step 2: What will your book be about?

You must refine your message. Who is your ideal client? Why does he need your book? What unique insight can you provide?

Step 3: How will you incorporate your story into your book?

Remember that you have an important message that only you can share. It is your job to uncover and share your unique story.

 Step 4: Conduct research

You want to do research on the top 10 books in your niche. This is not to copy them, but to get a sense of what is selling. What types of books does your audience buy? How can you address their problem from a different point of view? What is your unique position on the issues and problems of your audience?

 Step 5: Outline and Organize your Content.

Remember that your outline keeps you focused. Your outline tells you what to put in the book. It also tells you what to leave out.

 Step 6: Set Goals, Deadlines

Give yourself a deadline and then announce it! Do not let yourself off the hook!
Summary of Episode 3: How to Brainstorm Your Non-fiction Book
Now to the last four steps in how to brainstorm your non-fiction book. We discuss these four steps in detail in the podcast.

Step 7: Develop a plan for dealing with distractions and procrastination.

You should anticipate distractions and develop a plan. For example, you can plan to keep family and friends away while you are writing by turning off the phone and closing the door to your office.

  Step 8: Choose a publishing platform for your book.

Unless your goal is to publish a New York times, bestseller, then a combination of Kindle and Create space (Amazon’s print on demand company) is probably the right choice for you. This option allows you to get your book out quickly.

 Step 9: Choose the design for the book cover.

Your cover must (1) grab a reader’s attention the instant they see it, (2) pique the interest of a casual browser, and (3) quickly explain what your book is about.  Also, make sure that the cover is consistent with the overall branding of your business. To find out more about branding read this article.

 Step 10: Planning the launch of your book

You want to start immediately to create buzz about your book. You can do it in a variety of ways. For example,

•       Being a guest on podcasts or blogs in your niche

•       Getting interviewed in newspapers or magazines

•       Paid advertisements on social media