In today's episode, Karen Williams is chatting with Samantha Pearce, a renowned author, speaker, and founder of SWATT Books Ltd., a top self-publishing consultancy. 

In this episode, Sam returns to discuss her latest book, "The Write Strategy", which provides a roadmap for incorporating publishing into a successful business strategy. We dive into Sam's writing journey, from her first book, "Stress-Free Self-Publishing," to her autobiographical work, "From Broken to Brave." Plus, Sam offers a special discount for our listeners for the launch of her latest book and shares her key tips for self-publishing effectively.

The first episode that Sam and Karen recorded together in series one is ‘The secret to securing extensive book distribution’. Fancy being inspired to write and publish your book? Join our next Coffee and Connect Café networking event. It’s on the first Tuesday of each month, from 12-1pm UK time. You can check out all our events and sign up here: www.librotas.com/librotasevents.   

Key Takeaways   ·       

• Practical Strategies for Business Influence: Sam's new book, "The Write Strategy", provides a comprehensive guide to establishing yourself as a key person of influence within your industry. It's packed with actionable tips, exercises, and templates to help you from the spark of an idea to publishing and marketing your book.       
• The Power of Self-Publishing: Sam highlighted the value of maintaining ownership and control over your work through self-publishing. Contrary to popular belief, self-publishing can be extremely professional and offers the flexibility to adapt your book to new opportunities without restrictions.
• Giving Books Away as a Business Strategy: One counterintuitive but powerful strategy Sam discussed is giving away copies of your book. This can significantly increase your reach and convert potential clients, demonstrating your expertise and offering profound value—even before a formal engagement.  

Bio

Sam Pearce is a renowned author and speaker, and founder of SWATT Books Ltd., a leading self-publishing consultancy recognised by the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Independent Publishers Guild. With over a decade of experience helping business owners, thought leaders and coaches publish professional-quality books, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the business publishing industry.  

Website: https://swatt-books.co.uk/the-write-strategy   

Socials: 

https://www.facebook.com/SWATTBooks
https://www.instagram.com/swattbooks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampearceswattbooks  

Time stamped overview:  

00:00 Writing book tripled my business in months.
05:48 Publishing is emotional, vulnerable, but enhances empathy.
08:43 Write a book to become an influential expert.
12:30 Experts often underestimate their unique knowledge's value.
14:28 Books showcase your style, raising your profile.
18:21 Podcast listeners get 25% off book with QR.
22:10 Self-publish for control over business books. 24:06 Consider traditional vs. self-publishing; quality matters.  

Keywords:    Sam Pearce, Karen Williams, Swatt Books, Business Book Bites podcast, self-publishing consultancy, alliance of Independent Authors, Independent Publishers Guild, thought leaders, quality books, book publishing industry, book distribution, Amazon, The Write Strategy, business book launch, writing journey, self-publishing, business strategy, business coach, Ian Dixon, Stress Free Self-Publishing, From Broken to Brave, business accelerator course, Daniel Priestley, Dent Global, key person of influence, education bias, book marketing, business ecosystem, sales conversion, traditional publishing vs self-publishing

In today's episode, we're diving into the innovative digital frontier with Nick Kellet, the visionary founder of Deckible ‒ a marketplace for digital card decks that's shaking up the way we consume and interact with content. Nick, a seasoned inventor and creator behind the board game “GiftTRAP”, brings a wealth of experience in gamifying content for personal growth and development.  

We explore the booming market for digital card decks in wellness, spirituality, and coaching spaces. We'll uncover how Deckible is transforming the landscape by offering a platform akin to Kindle or Audible, but for card decks.    From the challenges of digitising intellectual property to leveraging tools like Canva and crowdfunding, Nick shares the journey of launching Deckible and highlights the rising trend of adapting bestselling books into card decks.  

Discover how Deckible stands out by enabling users to sort and prioritise cards for life choices, engage in multimedia learning, and overcome procrastination. Don't miss our discussion on the transformative potential of card decks, the importance of early adoption, and an exciting upcoming masterclass on Deckible. Alongside our first digital deck, “Shitty first draft”.  

Want to ask Nick questions about Deckible and how you can turn your book into a deck? Sign up for our upcoming Deckible masterclass on Wednesday 27 November, 7pm GMT at www.librotas.com/deckiblemasterclass.    And check out all of our events at www.librotas.com/librotasevents.   

Key Takeaways  

• Digital Transformation in Personal Growth: Nick introduced Deckible, a pioneering marketplace for digital card decks. This platform offers a new way to deliver content, helping users transition from merely consuming information to actively utilising it.  
• Embrace the "Shitty First Draft" Approach: Nick and Karen discussed the value of rapidly producing and sharing creative work. This iterative approach, similar to the digital updates for decks and books, helps overcome procrastination and perfectionism.  

• Advantages Over Traditional Media: Digital card decks offer a unique value proposition by distilling complex ideas into concise, actionable steps. They provide an interactive learning experience tailored to various learning styles, especially beneficial for kinaesthetic learners.  

Bio  

Nick invents for a living.  He loves jumping into new industries where he knows nobody and ignores all the rules.  He creates and markets products to solve problems hidden in plain sight.  

• Business Intelligence/ Venn Diagrams: 2.5 year from 1st line of code to exit to Business Objects (now SAP).    
• Board Game / Gift Exchange: Self-published board-game GiftTRAP. 100k units. 20+ awards. 12+ languages.
• Digital Media / Social List: Co-founder of List.ly - 1m users. A top 5k website based on Alexa rankings.  A platform for collaborative list building. 
• Nick's newest venture is Deckible. Audible for card decks.  Movies, books and songs have all been successfully digitized.   It makes total sense that Card-Decks need a digital marketplace/experience.

Website:  https://www.deckible.com  

Socials:   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkellet
https://www.instagram.com/nickkellet
https://www.instagram.com/deckible.cards  

Time stamped overview:  

00:00 Creative spirit inventing games, published successful board game.
03:35 Innovating unique ideas; communicating them effectively.
08:52 Card decks offer actionable insights, unlike books.
11:48 Kinesthetic learners need active engagement and action.
13:40 Deckible: Touch cards, journal, meditate, build habits.
16:30 Embracing Deckible to utilize content-rich ideas.
20:04 Deckible transforms lives, builds an army of fans.
25:26 Collaborating creatively with you is rewarding.
26:41 Masterclass on Deckible announced for November 27th.  

Keywords:    Nick Kellet, Deckible, digital card decks, card deck marketplace, Kindle for card decks, Audible for card decks, card deck creation tools, board game inventor, Gift Trap board game, wellness card decks, spiritual card decks, coaching card decks, personal growth card decks, procrastination solutions, multimedia educational tools, author-reader engagement, transforming lives with card decks, learning styles, shitty first draft, journaling with digital card deck, interactive learning tools

Following on from episode 10, where we talked about planners and pantsers and creating an overall framework for a book, in this episode Sheryl Andrews and Karen Williams talk about the intricacies of creating a blueprint for your business book, ensuring it has the right framework and flow to captivate your readers from start to finish.

We address common mistakes authors make, like cramming too much content or lacking a clear focus. We also answer listener questions from Michelle, Zoe, Mags, and Gail, covering topics such as organising your book, formulating a satisfying ending, integrating case studies, and refining your writing style.

We'll explore the importance of structuring your book to build credibility and trust, sharing valuable tips like using frameworks, getting reader feedback, and crafting powerful hooks. Additionally, we'll discuss how to effectively incorporate stories and case studies and the significance of having a clear call to action. If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café (we meet on the first Tuesday of each month).

If you are launching a book soon, check out our Book Launch Blueprint workshop on 11 November.  You can find out more about this and our other upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents.  

Key insights   ·       

• Framework for Success: Establish a clear framework for your book to ensure cohesive structure and flow. Creating a blueprint helps you stay organised and makes the content easier for your readers to digest and remember. 
• The Power of Stories: Integrate compelling case studies or personal anecdotes. Stories not only make your book relatable but also demonstrate the practical application of your insights. 
• Engaging Endings: Craft a satisfying ending by summarising key points and offering a clear call to action. Make sure it’s succinct and leaves your readers with a sense of closure and direction.  

Bio – Karen Williams  

Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well. 

With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities. Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker.  

Website: https://librotas.com   

Socials:   

https://www.facebook.com/librotas
https://twitter.com/librotas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/ 
https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas 
https://www.youtube.com/@librotas   

Bio – Sheryl Andrews  

Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second.  

Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com   

Time-stamped overview:  

00:00 Common author mistakes: framework, flow, and structure.
04:40 Feedback reshaped clients' book processes before publishing.
09:11 Books need consistent, structured chapters for effectiveness.
13:01 Use "why, what, how, what if" when writing.
15:16 Don't change style based on one feedback.
17:18 Frameworks help focus attention and structure content.
22:08 End with a clear, simple call to action.
24:05 Ensuring clarity and long-term impact over choices.  

Keywords:    book writing, book writing mistakes, book framework, writing flow, book blueprint, writing process, reader engagement, book structure, book authority, planners, pantsers, book writing, organizing a book, case studies and stories in a book, book layout tips, writing style, storytelling, book storytelling, book chapter framework, book hook, reader feedback, neurodiverse readers, tedx tips

Are you someone who meticulously outlines your book before diving in, or do you prefer to let the words unfold naturally as you write? Understanding your writing style can significantly impact the ease and efficiency of your book-writing process.  

In today’s episode, Karen Williams and Sheryl Andrews dive into the fascinating world of writers, specifically focusing on the two distinct types: planners and pantsers.   

We'll provide insights into the importance of structure, share practical planning strategies, and explore various tech tools that can aid in the writing journey.   

Whether you're a planner or a pantser, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate the sometimes “messy middle” of writing a book. Plus, we'll touch on the role of AI in the creative process.   

If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café (we meet on the first Tuesday of each month). If you are launching a book soon, check out our Book Launch Blueprint workshop on 11 November. 

You can find out more about this and our other upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents.  

Key insights  

• Identify Your Natural Style: Planners create detailed outlines and roadmaps before writing, ensuring they stay on track. Pantsers prefer to write spontaneously, discovering the narrative as they go.    
• Balance for Success: Both planning and pantsing have their merits. A balanced approach can help avoid potential pitfalls ‒ overplanning might lead to procrastination, while pantsing can result in excessive rewrites.  

• Utilise Effective Tools: Explore various tools to enhance your writing process. For planners, tech tools like Miro, Mural, Trello, and Scrivener can be invaluable. For pantsers, a simple outline or bullet points before starting each chapter can work wonders. Embrace AI like ChatGPT for generating ideas and overcoming writer’s block.  

Bio – Karen Williams  

Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well.   

With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities. Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker.  

Website: https://librotas.com   

Socials:   

https://www.facebook.com/librotas
https://twitter.com/librotas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/ 
https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas 
https://www.youtube.com/@librotas   

Bio – Sheryl Andrews  

Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second.  

Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com   

Time-stamped overview:  

00:00 Writing styles balance structure and storytelling preferences.
05:21 Creative process varies: structure helps or hinders.
08:54 Post-it notes aid in effective information recall.
12:35 Helps determine essential content for book clarity.
14:37 Writing a book requires clarity and purpose.
18:29 Writing helps process experiences; stay focused, purposeful.
20:31 Ensure reader understanding by explaining thoroughly.
24:16 Advise: Outline chapters; decide content inclusion.
27:06 Use AI for structuring and generating ideas.  

Keywords:    writers, planners, pantsers, book structure, planning strategies, writing process, writing tech tools, scrivener, storytelling, chapter planning, writing support, book themes, book content organization, therapeutic writing, writing journey, book deadlines, creative book process, writing ideas, book editing, writing tools, writing techniques, writing productivity, book coach, book mentor, book podcast, business podcast, book planning miro, book planning mural

Today we have a fascinating conversation lined up with Becky Rogers, a talented ghostwriter, author, and entrepreneur.   

Becky has mastered the art of turning complex ideas into clear and compelling stories. In this episode, Karen Williams chats with Becky about her unconventional journey from medical science to ghostwriting, the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, and the incredible benefits of working with a ghostwriter.  

If you wonder if hiring a ghostwriter is cheating, or you want to learn how a ghostwriter retains the author's unique voice, you’re in for a treat. We cover some essential tips for anyone looking to dive into the world of writing – whether you are writing it yourself, working with a book mentor or contemplating hiring a ghostwriter.   

Becky is a regular attendee at our monthly Coffee and Connect Café networking events. Our next online event is on Tuesday 5 November at 12pm GMT. You can check out all our events and sign up here: www.librotas.com/librotasevents.   

Key Takeaways  

• Bringing Your Ideas to Life: Whether you're struggling to find the time or unsure how to start, a ghostwriter ensures your book not only gets written but captures your unique voice and vision.  

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Becky's journey from medical science to ghostwriting highlights the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable to new opportunities.  

• Effective Collaboration for Success: Discover the benefits of co-writing with an expert, ensuring faster completion, enhanced quality, and a true reflection of your ideas.  

Bio  

Becky Rogers is an accomplished ghostwriter, author, and entrepreneur, who helps aspiring authors turn their ideas into published books.   

With over 12 years of experience writing in highly technical fields like accounting and medical science, Becky has a knack for making complex topics clear and compelling. Driven by her love for research and storytelling, she ensures that each book communicates its message effectively while authentically capturing her clients' distinct voices.  

Becky’s achievements include a published paper in the esteemed medical journal - BMJ Journals - and co-authoring the upcoming book “Beyond You: How to Grow Your Accounting Firm from £50k to £250k.” When she’s not writing, you’ll find Becky outdoors, with her dogs, or drinking one of many cups of tea.  

Website:  https://www.beckyrogers.co.uk   

Socials:    https://www.instagram.com/publishedexperts https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyrogersbiz   

Time stamped overview:  

00:00 From medical science papers to travel blogging.
06:53 Addressing fears helps expedite and improve writing.
09:18 Live by the "who," not "how," framework.
13:51 Collaboration accelerates strategy, marketing, writing; speeds process.
17:00 Co-writing involves understanding and mirroring speaker's language.
20:49 Planning ahead makes writing easier and productive.
21:52 Interesting point: dopamine cycle drives positive momentum.  

Keywords:    ghostwriter, ghostwriting, book writing, Becky Rogers, Karen Williams, storytelling, published author, BMJ journals, co-authoring, blog writing, content business, writing journey, book coach, newsletter content, social media content, technical writing, book publishing, clear storytelling, complex topics, business writing, ghostwriting process, author voice, voice matching, writing tips, content strategy, book launch, book mentor, hiring a ghostwriter

Today Karen is chatting with Della Judd. Della, an accomplished author, podcaster, and executive coach, who shares her journey of transforming a career coaching book into a deeply impactful writing project.   

In this episode, you'll hear about Della’s collaborative effort with her daughter to create a student-friendly adaptation, the courage required to share unique perspectives, and the importance of turning your ideas into written words.   We'll dive into the meticulous research and structured approach that helped her craft her book, ‘Get the Job You Really Want, in a Post Pandemic World’, and how it became a vital resource during a time of significant change.   

She discusses the shifts in work-life balance emerging from the pandemic, and the ongoing challenges with stress and burnout in the workplace. Della also reveals valuable strategies for maintaining accountability and discipline throughout the writing process, alongside her very successful book crowdfunding campaign.  

We explore her exciting new ventures, including publishing her grandfather's World War II diaries, and how these projects continue a rich family tradition of writing. Whether you're an aspiring author or looking to glean insights on business and personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartwarming stories.   

And, if you’d like help with your book, like Della, then check out our upcoming events at www.librotas.com/librotasevents.   

• Our next free online Coffee and Connect Café networking event is on Tuesday 5 November at 12pm BST and we are also running an online Book

• Launch Blueprint workshop on Monday 11 November – perfect if you want to learn how to become an Amazon bestseller.  

3 Key Takeaways:  

Be Brave and Share Your Unique Story: Della emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of your personal experiences. She encourages budding authors to start by jotting down ideas and trusting in the uniqueness of their perspective.  

Embrace Accountability and Deadlines: Della shared that setting strict deadlines and having an accountability partner or support group can significantly boost productivity and maintain momentum in writing projects.  

Balancing Research and Personal Insight: Her approach involves merging detailed research with personal anecdotes and case studies, providing a comprehensive and relatable narrative. This balance ensures credibility while keeping the content engaging.


Bio:   

Della Judd is a writer, podcaster and executive coach. She has always been interested in writing - it runs in the family. As well as publishing a business book, she is now working on writing a military history and publishing her grandfather’s second world war diaries.  

Website:  www.dellajudd.co.uk www.synjonbooks.co.uk  

Socials:    

 www.facebook.com/mygrandadsWW2diary

www.linkedin.com/in/della-judd-career-coach

www.linkedin.com/company/synjon-books  

Time stamped overview:  

00:00 Writer turned coach, then shared more widely.
03:47 Post-pandemic stress prompts re-evaluation of life priorities.
07:54 Research, interviews, case studies for book content.
12:29 Balancing coaching and writing proved challenging; scheduled mornings.
15:05 Accountability and realistic timelines helped my publishing process.
17:53 Created giant business card, gained private clients.
21:22 Family history enthusiasts publish multiple historical books.
25:51 Transcribing grandmother's story; daughter pursuing creative writing.
28:12 Being brave: Unique perspectives add value.  

Keywords:    business book transformation, career coaching book, Della Judd, synjonbooks.co.uk, WWII diaries book structure organization, writing deadlines, writing productivity tips, executive coaching, post-pandemic career coaching, career change workbook, workplace stress, employee lifestyle changes, writing validation, research-backed writing, crowdfunding campaign success, family writing legacy, book podcast, writing journey, career coaching, business books, book crowdfunder

In today's episode, Karen Williams and Sheryl Andrews unpack how books can serve as central hubs in business ecosystems, streamlining communication, saving time, and extending their value across various platforms like courses, webinars, and podcasts.  

We explore the importance of understanding the "why" behind your actions and how that clarity can drive common goals, whether it's for financial profit, helping others, or publishing a groundbreaking book.    And we discuss the importance of having a robust support network and the significance of systematisation to make content memorable and processes efficient. Books not only disseminate knowledge but also build a self-sustaining marketing ecosystem, enhancing your brand and legacy over time.  

For anyone looking to leverage their book for long-term success and build a sustainable ecosystem around it, today's episode is a treasure trove of practical tips and inspirational stories.    We mention Karen’s interview with John Lamerton in series two, which you can find via our podcast page: www.librotas.com/podcast.   

You can check out Book Marketing Made Simple, the second edition of which was launched a year ago this week here.    If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café. You can find out more about this and our other upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents.  

Key insights  

Ecosystem Leverage: A book should serve as a central hub, radiating out into various facets of your business ‒ webinars, courses, talks, membership, retreats and more. This holistic approach ensures your message reaches a broader audience effectively.  

Collaboration is Crucial: Writing a book isn't a solitary endeavour. Leveraging a supportive network, seeking feedback, and delegating tasks can transform the writing process and enhance the final output.  

Evergreen Content: Your book and the derivative content from it (such as top tips or courses) can offer lasting value, continuously reaching new audiences without constant direct involvement.  

Bio – Karen Williams  

Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well.   

With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities. Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker.  

Website: https://librotas.com   

Socials:   

https://www.facebook.com/librotas
https://twitter.com/librotas
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/ 
https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas 
https://www.youtube.com/@librotas   

Bio – Sheryl Andrews  

Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second.  

Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com   

Time-stamped overview:  

00:00 Using a book aligns and enhances client engagements.
06:00 Book forms business ecosystem, supported by interconnected content.
09:15 Reconnecting curiosity, marketing clarity, outsourcing, creating effective ecosystems.
11:58 Evergreen content aids continuous outreach and influence.
17:44 Book writing clarifies big picture and details.
18:54 Illustrating ideas with infographics enhances comprehension.
25:20 Book writing clarifies strengths and fosters effective communication.
29:21 Delegate, collaborate, plan for success and failures.
31:15 Clarity, goals, delegation, support, confidence, change, resources.
34:06 Take action, one step at a time.  

Keywords:    writing books, book leveraging, book ecosystem, content creation, book marketing, book scalability, stop trading time for money, business tech tools, business outsourcing, book mentor, personal brand, evergreen content, book publishing, business systematization, book strategic planning, authority book, writing a business book

ave you ever wondered how to find the perfect idea for your book? Especially when you’re likely to have decades of experience and hundreds of interesting stories. It's one of the challenges that stops many business authors from getting started. It often leads to procrastination, overthinking, and getting stuck in perfectionism.  

If you are fed up with putting your book off, then you’ll love today’s episode. Karen Williams and Sheryl Andrews dive into one of the most crucial steps in writing a business book: finding and validating your book idea.  

From discussing how to test commercial viability to aligning your passion with market demand, we cover actionable insights tailored to help you find your book’s sweet spot.  

We explore the importance of getting feedback, adapting to trends, and ensuring your book idea resonates with your target audience. We'll also discuss common pitfalls and proactive strategies to keep your motivation high and your content relevant.  

Whether you're brainstorming your book idea, refining your concept, or dealing with writer's block, get ready for a conversation that could very well be the turning point in your book-writing journey.  

In this episode, we talk about the Business Book Planner, which you can purchase via Amazon.  

You can find out more about our upcoming events at https://librotas.com/librotasevents.  

Key insights  

●        Start with the End in Mind: Understand the ultimate vision for your book, both for you and your readers. This helps in aligning your book idea with your business goals and ensuring you’re writing about something that excites you and resonates with your audience.  
●        Test for Commercial Viability: Use surveys, polls, interviews, and client conversations to ensure your book idea meets market demand. Sharing snippets early on can provide invaluable feedback and assist in refining your concept.  
●        Focus on Your Ideal Reader: Get clear on who they are, what they need, and how they consume information. This will guide the tone, style, and content of your book, making it both engaging and actionable.  

Bio – Karen Williams   Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well.   

With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities.

Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker.  

Website: https://librotas.com  

Socials:   

https://www.facebook.com/librotas

https://twitter.com/librotas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/

https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas

https://www.youtube.com/@librotas  

Bio – Sheryl Andrews   Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second.  

Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com  

Time-stamped overview:  

00:00 Book and audience alignment drives writing motivation
05:10 Start with the end in mind writing
07:54 Books must be niche for commercial success
11:20 Post-COVID trends: remote work, leadership, career, AI tech
16:12 Fear of unknown and audience expectations in writing
20:19 Get unbiased feedback from unfamiliar peers
24:22 Transforming flowery storytelling into concise books: essential
26:50 Understand your reader to create impactful content  

Keywords:   writing a book, book idea, business authors, target market, book brainstorming, book concept, book motivation, book research, book feedback, book commercial success, business book planner, business goals, ideal client, book proposal, book marketing, book positioning, book trends, AI tech books, neurodiversity books, book synopsis, book pitch, book target audience

Today we have a special guest, Rachel Bennett, author of ‘Shadow Cultures’. 

In this episode, Rachel takes us on a journey through the hidden workplace problems that inspired her book and shares a powerful six-step model to improve company cultures. We'll hear about her unique writing process, an insight into how our writing retreat in Spain helped her, and how her book has become an invaluable tool for her HR consulting business.

Rachel also shares her disciplined approach to writing, the importance of seeking support and coaching, and how strategic book distribution has attracted valuable business opportunities despite not focusing on book sales. 

Be inspired by Rachel's passion for creating healthier workplace environments and hear a sneak peek of her upcoming second book that delves into the difference between managers and leaders. 

And, if you’d like help with your book, like Rachel, then check out our upcoming events at https://librotas.com/librotasevents. Or get in touch via email at [email protected]. 
Our next Coffee and Connect Café networking event is on Tuesday 1 October at 12pm BST.

Bio: 

Rachel Bennett is an expert in HR, culture, and transformation, and she’s passionate about helping people be their best selves at work. In her newly published book, Rachel shares her transformative journey and how she came to coin the term "shadow cultures" to describe the hidden problems that can wreak havoc in workplaces. 

Through her extensive experience, Rachel identified these shadow cultures as key workplace issues and developed a six-step model to improve company cultures, one step at a time. Rachel’s mission is to provide organisations with the tools they need to create healthier, more productive workplace environments.

Website:  https://hr-fusion.co.uk 
Socials:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheljbennett 

Time stamped overview:

00:00 Research led to starting a book and business.
04:23 Overcoming impostor syndrome and finding purpose.
07:48 Being a role model, not about sales.
10:49 Enthusiastically followed course, gained confidence, joined book retreat.
14:52 Structured approach helped overcome writing challenges effectively.
19:25 LinkedIn success boosted confidence and brought business.
20:50 Learning to own and communicate, manager vs leader.
26:46 Use "read out loud" tool when writing.
28:49 Overcame fear, sought admiration, received great support.


Discussion questions:

1. How can immersive writing retreats contribute to the creative process and development of a book like "Shadow Cultures"?
2. What are the impacts of identifying and addressing hidden workplace problems, or "shadow cultures," on organizational health?
3. What benefits and challenges might businesses face when implementing Rachel's six-step model for improving company culture?
4. How has Rachel used her book as a business-building tool, and what unique advantages does this provide for entrepreneurs?
5. In what ways can writing serve both personal growth and professional development for authors like Rachel?
6. What are the pros and cons of Rachel’s strategic distribution of her book to attract clients over focusing on book sales?
7. Why is understanding the distinction between managers and leaders crucial for improving company cultures?
8. How can publishing a book open up new growth opportunities and business ventures for authors?
9. What techniques can help aspiring writers overcome procrastination and maintain productivity?
10. How can early marketing and feedback from influential people shape the success of a book?

Keywords: 

Rachel Bennett, Shadow Cultures, writing retreat Spain, hidden workplace problems, company cultures, HR culture, business consulting, organizational culture, Rachel Bennett author, www.hrfusion.co.uk, LinkedIn Rachel Bennett, book publishing, book coaching, book writing challenges, managers vs leaders, strategic book distribution, niche writing, writing process

Today, I am joined by Yvonne Guérineau, the inspiring author of People in Their Element. Yvonne is a passionate personal growth advocate who believes that positive working relationships are crucial to happiness, well-being, and success in the workplace.

In our conversation, Yvonne opens up about her 20-year journey to writing her first book, the struggles she faced in building interpersonal relationships at work, and the unexpected discoveries that unfolded during her book writing process. 

From rebranding her business mid-book to uncovering hidden confidence, Yvonne shares how her book has transformed her approach to business, earned her valuable feedback from readers, and even opened doors to new opportunities. 

Whether you are a leader looking to improve team dynamics or someone contemplating writing your own book, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical tips to help you on your journey. 

If you’d like help with your book, then check out our upcoming events at https://librotas.com/librotasevents. 

This includes our free online Coffee and Connect Café networking event on the first Tuesday of the month, and our next Book Breakthrough workshop is on Monday 16 September. 

Bio: 

Yvonne Guérineau is a personal growth enthusiast inside and outside of work and she loves a deep and meaningful conversation. Her speciality is observing and helping others resolve the challenges that arise when working relationships aren’t at their very best. She believes in digging deep, connecting the dots and getting right to the heart of things. She also loves baking, wearing barefoot shoes and having a dip in the sea!

Website:  https://goldencatalyst.co.uk

Socials:  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonneguerineau

https://www.instagram.com/yviisme 

Time stamped overview:

00:00 Writing book fulfilled long-standing bucket list goal.
06:20 Timing was perfect, boosted confidence, excellent experience.
07:20 Self-discovery through writing reveals core principles.
11:05 Finding time to write book becomes priority.
14:15 Unanticipated interest prompts business growth and change.
17:35 Increasing one-on-one work, seeking feedback.
21:08 Start writing now, despite uncertainties and doubts.

Discussion questions:

1. What might be some key motivations for writing a book, especially for a business professional?
2. How did Yvonne's vulnerability in sharing her personal journey impact the effectiveness and relatability of her book?
3. What might be some benefits of encountering unexpected elements in a creative process?
4. How did the process of writing her book lead Yvonne to rebrand her business, and how important is brand alignment in business success?
5. Why is it significant for an author or a coach to find their unique voice, and how might this process be beneficial outside of writing?
6. What strategies can busy professionals employ to find time for large projects?
7. How can engaging in a creative project transform one’s self-perception and confidence?
8. How did feedback from readers shape Yvonne's perception of her book’s impact and future business direction?
9. Why might iterative processes and revisions be crucial in creative tasks?
10. What are effective ways authors can integrate their books into their business strategy to enhance their credibility, reach, and business opportunities?

Keywords:
personal growth, rewarding working relationships, happiness at work, success at work, business leaders, team performance, relationship building, book publishing journey, book writing process, writing a first book, vulnerability in writing, therapeutic writing, finding voice in writing, rebranding process, branding for authors, leadership development, leadership training, author public speaking, Yvonne guerineau, people in their element