In reaching your professional goals, if you are looking for a unique and impressive way to promote your business or career, there is nothing quite as effective as adding two words – “author of _____” – to your biography. A book can act as the ultimate business card, open doors to speaking and media engagements and give you instant relevance in your field, as you are the person who literally “wrote the book” in your industry.
Sounds great—but perhaps a bit overwhelming! Never fear—here are the 5 easiest types of business books to write – so easy, they practically write themselves!
Book Type #1 – The Book of Ideas/Tips
If you go to Amazon and simply type “50 ways to ___” you will hit upon a jackpot of book titles. Whether you go with 50 or 5 “tips”, books set up in this manner are a breeze to write, set you up as an approachable “expert” in your field, and are enticing to read, as the reader feels as if they are going to glean tangible, applicable tips in a hurry. Some examples include 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology and 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork
Book Type #2 – The Book of Questions
Whether you are in finance or personal growth, you probably ask your clients a lot of questions – and whether your questions are designed to lead your reader to further introspection or simply to record information, your primary goal is leading readers to YOU and the positives of working with you will be realized. A book of questions contains a lot of blank spaces – much like this question – and can be written easily. Some examples include 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask and Life Organizer: The Essential Record Keeper and Estate Planner
Book Type #3 – Case Studies/Stories
Books of stories are big hits with readers, and they love to read about others facing the same challenges, yet coming out on top. As a writer, you can either draw upon your own experiences – changing identifying information where appropriate – or research cases related to your target area. Some examples include: Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology and Real Estate Stories: Hilarious & Uncensored Tales From A Property Management Expert
Book Type #4 – Compilations
When in doubt, have other people write your book for you! Not only can a compilation relieve you of the major portion of writing responsibilities, but inviting colleagues to partner in your project is a win-win for everyone. You end up with a book, they get exposure, and you gain incredible opportunities to network. Some examples include: Insider Secrets for Small to Medium Business Owners by Top Business and Marketing Experts and The Real Book of Real Estate: Real Experts. Real Stories. Real Life.
Book Type #5 – How-To Book
“How-to” books are such a popular topic area, they even have their own category on Amazon! Some authors worry that writing a how-to book will make people want to “do it themselves” and not enlist your services, but on the contrary, a how-to book exhibits your expertise in a particular area. Let’s face it – some people like to do things themselves (even things they perhaps shouldn’t be doing!), but others like to know a bit of information – just enough to realize that they are in way over their head! Some examples include: How to Win Friends and Influence People and How To Pay Off Your Mortgage In 5 Years.
Whichever type you choose, you can be on your way to filling up those pages in no time, and enjoying the benefits of authorship before you know it. Happy writing!
