Today's episode is a very special interview with my good friend and editor, AJ Harper, who has done more for raising the bar for writing good books than anyone I know. Generally, a 'good' book doesn't simply function as a "better business card" or marketing tool for a personal brand or business. Rather, a 'good' book becomes a "must-read" that readers actively recommend to others. In this conversation, AJ shares her "reader-first" philosophy and her insights into how to write a perennial bestseller that truly serves your reading audience. Using her wealth of experience and knowledge, AJ talks us through how a book can become a "top three book" that changes lives (including your own!). She also gives us a sneak peek into her own new book, Write a Must Read.

AJ Harper is an editor and publishing strategist who helps authors write foundational books that enable them to build readership, grow their brand and make a significant impact on the world. As ghostwriter and as developmental editor, she has worked with newbies to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of books sold. AJ is writing partner to business author, Mike Michalowicz. Together they've written six books, including Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, and their latest, Fix This Next. Through her Top Three Book Workshops and Retreats, AJ empowers authors with insider publishing knowledge and guides them through the book development, writing, and editing process. AJ lives with her wife and son in New York's Lower Hudson Valley. Connect with her at ajharper.com.

And be sure to subscribe to The Self-Employed Life in Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. Everything you need can all be found at jeffreyshaw.com. AJ Harper, thank you so much for being here! Remember, you might be in business FOR yourself but you are not in business BY yourself. Be your best self. Be proud and keep changing the world. Guest Contact –

• AJHarper.com
• Top Three Book Workshop
• WriteaMustRead.com
• AJ Harper on LinkedIn
• AJ Harper on Facebook

Contact Jeffrey –

• JeffreyShaw.com
• Books by Jeffrey Shaw
• Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs
• The Self-Employed Summit
• Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!

Valuable complimentary resources to help you –

• The Self-Employed Business Institute — You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out!

• Take The Self-Employed Assessment! — Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that's keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You'll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap.

• Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! — Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO!

Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.