In the very first Hungry Authors’ Idea Lab, Liz and Ariel discuss their updated scorecard for evaluating book ideas. We focus on three key aspects: timeless topics, timely topics, and unique angles. We provide detailed criteria for each category, explaining what constitutes a strong book idea versus a weaker one. The episode also includes the evaluation of submitted book ideas from the community, offering constructive feedback to refine and improve them. Finally, we introduce their upcoming Book Mapping cohort, aimed at helping authors structure their books from the initial idea to final chapters.

To see the updated scorecard, check out our Substack post: “Watch the Hungry Authors Idea Lab.“

00:00 Introduction to Hungry Authors Idea Lab

01:39 Meet the Hosts: Liz and Ariel

02:53 Overview of Hungry Authors and Today’s Agenda

03:08 Timeless Topics: Evaluating Your Book Idea

09:26 Timeliness: Making Your Book Relevant Now

23:22 Unique Angles: Crafting a Compelling Argument

39:20 Case Studies: Applying the Rubric to Bestsellers

45:20 Evaluating McConaughey’s Book

45:44 Timelessness vs. Timeliness in Devotionals

48:20 Voice and Celebrity Influence

50:03 Community Book Idea Critiques

50:26 Memoir of Escaping a Cult and Finding Meaning

59:57 Creative Spiritual Practices

01:06:46 Parenting in Multicultural Families

01:16:00 Lessons from an Equine Veterinarian’s Wife

01:22:30 The Importance of a Big Idea in Book Writing

Map Your Book is starting next week, October 7, and we’d love to see you there! We’ll help you refine your big idea, create a table of contents, and plan your book’s chapters from start to finish. This is important creative work; do it with friends and get feedback from two experts who have done this countless times for traditionally published books.

Learn more + register today on Maven.