From an Idea to the Bookshelves of the World
- What does it take to publish a business book?
- Should you even start?
- One started, what's involved?
- How do you maximize its impact and value?
This masterclass is custom-designed for APSS members to guide you through the hazardous maze of book publishing. It is designed to explain the journey that is involved with recommended resources, such as support for proofreading, layout, printer, and designing landing pages, as well as being interactive to address your questions.
The Agenda:
Introduction
The word author comes from the Latin word “auctorem”, meaning master or leader. Therefore by publishing you become an authority in your subject. It becomes you're calling card as well as additional back of room revenue and passive income. But despite this lure writing a book it's not for everyone and in the introduction you'll discover the journey ahead and decide whether you want to embrace it
Chapter One - The Idea
What should you write about? Who are you writing for? What is the “dent in the universe” you are making?
These are critical questions because if you cannot answer them with passion and clarity then you should not proceed. This session will discuss your idea and most importantly why you are writing the book.
Chapter Two – Publish/Self Publish/Hybrid
Do I go with the publisher? If I don't what is involved and if I do what is involved?
A key decision is to self-publish or not. This session will discuss the pros and cons of each of the three publishing platforms – publisher, self-publish and the hybrid version.
Chapter Three - The Manuscript
How many words should be in your book? Should there be a call to action at the end of each chapter? Do you use images? Should I use generative AI? How do you include references? And probably most importantly how long will it take?
Like any project you need to set the outcomes before you start with clear parameters. How to do this will be discussed. For writing - a page a day is a good rubric. Also the importance of the first draft and the philosophy of "writing now, editing later."
Chapter Four - The Editing
How long will the editing take? Do I have to agree with the editor?
At this stage there are two different tracks, those who were pursuing self-publishing and those who have signed an agreement with the publisher. This session will cover both tracks in how to work with an editor to get maximum value.
Chapter Five - Book Title/Design/Layout/Proof Read/Printer
What is the right design for my cover and the layout of the book?
Continuing the two tracks from Chapter Four this session addresses the challenge of coming up with the right book title and subtitle, the design of the cover, ISBN, and the internal layout as well as the proof reading of the manuscript. This session also includes the importance of the foreword and endorsements.
Once the layout, design and proofreading is complete the book is ready for printing. Also at this stage most likely you will be behind your timeline due to unforeseen challenges!
Chapter Six – Publishing Hardback/Paperback/eBook/Audio
What platforms do I publish the book on? Should I hold a publishing party? Do you agree to sign books at our local bookstore?
You receive your first box of 1000 books. It's time to celebrate. This is a major achievement, but it is far from the final step.
In this session we look at the different formats and platforms to publish your book on and how to maximize the value from Amazon, including the importance of Amazon reviews.
Chapter Seven – Marketing
How do I let the world know that they can now purchase my book? What are the biggest marketing mistakes? What are the secrets to maximizing sales? Should I buy Google ads?
Like an actor making a movie, if no one knows about it then nobody will go to watch it. Marketing your book is dramatically different in a digital world. This session discusses how to market your book to the right audience with the maximum impact and his 50/50 rule.
Chapter Eight – Your Book Ecosystem
You've done all the hard work. How do you know continue to maximize the value?
The average business book sells 3000 copies in a lifetime. For most books you have a short window in which to make a statement and you want to make that statement impactful and to last as long as possible. Part of your ecosystem can include developing an online assessment, foreign language translations, workshops etc.
Robin Speculand is a recognized pioneer and expert in strategy and digital implementation. He is driven to transform strategy implementation by inspiring leaders to adopt a different mindset and approach. A co-founder of APSS and the founder of three companies, Robin is CEO of Bridges Business Consultancy Int and co-founder of the Strategy Implementation Institute and Digital Leadership Specialists. A TEDx presenter and Thinkers50 nominee, he is a facilitator for IMD, NUS, Duke CE, and SMU, and part of Top 10 Global Gurus. As a best-selling author, he has written nine books including his most recent ones: World’s Best Bank: A Strategic Guide to Digital Transformation (translated into six languages) and Implement: The Discipline of Doing in a Digital World (to be released 2024).
In this workshop, we also have the Introduction from The Author's Corner (SIG) Co-Leads, Erika Behl and Vivek Iyyani.
