# Book in a weekend ## Module 1: deciding what your book is about ### 1.1 Critical factors for choosing your book topic 1. **Relevance:** answering a burning question → "Is my book a timely answer to a burning question?" 2. **Novelty:** being a game-changer → "What should my audience be doing differently to have more success?" 3. **Knowledge:** being the expert → 1. Results you've achieved (privately or professionally) 2. Books you've read on your topic 3. A craft you've spent time mastering 4. **Audience understanding:** knowing your readers inside out → "Do I know my readers’ needs inside and out?" 5. **Accessibility:** making your book understandable → "Can a beginner understand my book effortlessly? 6. **Longevity:** creating a lasting impact → "Will my book remain relevant for years to come? 7. **Results:** delivering tangible improvements → "Can my book deliver tangible improvements in readers’ lives?" ### 1.2 Market research #### Insights from Amazon Browse books on topics, search effectively on amazon and identify your competition. Dive deep into book details: - **Look at the title:** does it reflect the content? Is it compelling enough to click on? - **The cover design:** is it professionally done? Does it attract attention? - **What about the description:** is it clear, concise, and captivating? - **What about the author’s credentials:** How do they describe the author? Do they showcase the author’s authority? #### Customer reviews Identify common themes in reviews, valuable insights from both sides of the coin: - **Positive reviews are your cheerleaders** — They tell you what works, what hits the bull’s-eye. They also highlight those ‘wow’ factors that make a book stand out from the crowd. - **Negative reviews are your coaches** — They point out the weaknesses, the areas where a book fumbles. They’re a treasure trove of insights into how to avoid potential pitfalls in your book. Listen to detailed reviews, they often are the ones with more valuable insights. #### Book rankings and categories Understand Amazon ranking, every book in top 100'000 of the global ranking is a good book. Inside categories, a book in the top 100 is a great book. Find the best category for your book and research the top rated books of those categories to find out what the competitors are doing. #### 'Also viewed' books This section tells you the reading habits of your potential audience. It helps you understand what they are interested into, not only about what, but also about how to write, the tone, the style, the format **Revisit the research** process and remember it’s iterative, dynamic, ever-changing. Remember, **Amazon’s book rankings update hourly!** So, keep your finger on the pulse. ### 1.3 Before and after states #### Understanding the 'Before state' You cannot solve a problem you do not understand. You need to identify the reader's pain points: 1. What are the **pain points** my readers are experiencing right now? 2. What **emotions** are they feeling due to these pain points? 3. What does an **average day** look like for my reader avatar in the 'Before state'? 4. What is their **status in front of others** in the 'Before state'? #### Envisioning the 'After state' This is the place where your readers want to be, all problems solved, no more pain. Focus on the reader, you’re not just selling a book. You’re selling a feeling, **a transformation**, a superior version of your reader’s present self. #### Crafting the ideal outcome What transformation does your book offer? 1. How does my book alleviate my readers’ **pain points**? 2. What are the **emotional benefits** my readers will experience? 3. What does an **average day** look like for my reader avatar in the 'After state'? 4. What is their **status in front of other people** in the 'After state'? **AI prompts:** ``` I’m writing a book about [topic] and is aimed at [audience]. Can you provide some insights into the possible pain points these readers might be experiencing currently? ``` ``` I’m writing a book about [topic] for [audience] and are dealing with [pain point]. Can you suggest a potential ‘After State’ that my book could help these readers achieve? ``` #### The art of the promise The book acts like a vehicle that leads from 'Before state' to 'After state', it's the expression of that transformation. Consider: 1. How does my book alleviate the reader's **pain points**? 2. What is the **transformation** that my book offers? 3. How can express this transformation in a way that **resonates** with my readers? 4. Does my promise sound **believable** and **achievable**? It is very important to over-**deliver** on the promise we make, it will set up the relationship and **trust** we have with the readers. **AI prompt:** ``` I'm writing a book about [topic], and it’s for [audience]. Before reading my book, the reader is [before state]. After reading the book, they'll [after state]. I want your help creating a promise that connects their 'Before state' to their 'After state'. The promise should: - Alleviate the reader’s pain point - Show the transformation my book offers - Express that transformation in a way that resonates with readers - Sound believable and achievable Use short, punchy sentences, colloquial language, and contractions to create a compassionate and approachable tone, that connects with readers. ``` #### The magic of transformation Every great copy starts with understanding your reader’s struggles and ends with showcasing the desired future they can achieve with your book. | | Before state | After state | | ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Average day | Struggling with manual meal planning and grocery shopping. | Enjoying convenient, healthy meals with zero planning or shopping. | | Status | Feeling stressed and overwhelmed, appearing disorganised in front of family. | Feeling relaxed and in control, impressing family with varied and healthy meals. | | Emotions | Stressed, frustrated, overwhelmed. | Relaxed, satisfied, empowered. | Remember that the magic is in the transformation we guide our readers through. ## Module 2: Writing your how-to book ### 2.1 The secret for chapters organisation The secret is "effective outlining" and the focus on the transformation. *"Your book isn’t about what you want to say, but about what your reader needs to hear."* You need to understand the **reader's desired outcome**: "What do I want the reader to do after they finish my book?" **action steps** #### Transform action steps into action-centric chapters Think of your book chapters like transformative stepping stones, each guiding your reader closer to their dream outcome. Do not bore people with theory, use chapters (and titles) that scream action and transformation, that’s what readers love. #### Prepare the homework before writing lessons Before writing anything, define the “homework assignments” for your reader. People learn best from application. **AI prompt:** ``` I’m writing a book about flipping houses for beginning real estate investors with no experience. (The kind of book you’re writing) Before they read the book, the reader has heard about flipping houses and maybe even watched some TV shows. They are fascinated by the process and want to know how to do it. Chances are, they are working a well-paying job. (The reader’s before state) After reading the book, they will have completed their first flip and made a minimum of $10,000. (The Reader’s after state) They’ll have much more confidence and they will be even more excited about doing future deals. They’ll also have friends and family asking them how they did it. Break down this outcome into concrete, actionable steps that readers can take over a three month timeline. For each step, describe a homework assignment that the reader can complete in under four hours. Use this homework assignment to suggest a specific, action driven chapter title with a clear benefit. (What the homework should include). ``` #### Assemble it all together **Use stories and concepts as the glue** for your book chapters. You might start the chapter with a captivating story, delve into the concept, guide the reader to action, and then round off with a homework assignment. However you choose to do it, just **stay consistent with each chapter** (this reminds me of Hormozi). #### Refining your outline Start by **reviewing your initial outline**. Are there chapters that seem out of place? Does the journey feel logical and cohesive? Are there gaps in the progression? It’s okay to **rearrange, add, or even remove chapters**. Many writers outline their chapter on 3×5 note-cards just so they can move things around and get a visual on where they go. Remember, the goal is a book that engages, educates, and inspires action. Finally, **seek feedback**. Look for constructive criticism. Not from your mother or your best friend, but by beta-readers, fellow writers and writing coaches. Pro tip: if there are questions, you need yo work on your structure and flow. ### 2.2 Crafting chapters that work #### The common approach Many people take the straightforward route: They jot down a few key points, maybe some subheadings, maybe a loose sequence of events. They figure, “I have got my main points. I’ll just flesh them out as go along.” Sound familiar? in other words, the common approach often leads to meandering writing, bloated sections, and a lack of cohesive structure. The book says nothing, goes nowhere, and provides no transformation. #### A different approach: structured outlining A structured outline is like that detailed recipe—it guides you through each stage of writing, ensuring your book remains focused and flows smoothly. It saves you from taking unnecessary detours, repeating yourself, or missing key details. **AI prompt:** ``` Let’s create a chapter outline for [CHAPTER TOPIC]. The audience is [AUDIENCE DESCRIPTION]. Here’s the basic structure for the outline: –Describe what most people do –Explain why that doesn’t work –Explain what to do differently –Break down the approach into steps or components –Explain common mistakes ``` - **Specificity:** When you’re working with AI, the more specific you are, the better results you’ll get. - **Structure:** It’s important that each chapter follows the same structure because readers will want consistency in your book. - **Scope:** For each chapter, you want to provide the same instructions. ### 2.3 Writing with AI Beware of using AI without an outline, it leads to single prompts that are disconnected from each other. #### A Different Approach: 1000 Words at a Time It delivers better content and is more coherent. When it comes to AI, the more specific you are, the better your results will be. You need to understand the core request first: Creating an engaging piece of writing using AI is like baking a cake. You can’t just throw all the ingredients in a bowl and hope for the best — you need to follow the recipe step by step. The “core request" is your recipe; it’s the primary guide that shapes your AI’s output. ##### Begin with your outline It is recommended to use ChatGPT 4.0 **AI prompt:** ``` I’m writing a book about [BOOK TOPIC], and here is the outline for a chapter on [CHAPTER TOPIC]. Please respond that you received it and will provide further instructions. [OUTLINE] ``` ##### The section writing prompt 1. **Identify the audience:** defining the audience for your AI helps it create content that resonates with your readers. 2. **Incorporate writing mechanics:** this means ensuring clear, logical thoughts with transitions between ideas, as well as providing examples for complex points. 3. **Establish tone and perspective:** to know whether to adopt a formal tone or a conversational one, whether to sound like an authority or a peer. 4. **Craft engaging approachable content:** Engaging, memorable, and something that leaves the readers wanting more. 5. **Use descriptive language for narrative depth:** By using vivid and descriptive language, sensory details, and emotional language, the AI can draw the reader in and create a compelling narrative. **AI prompt:** ``` Please write a 1000 word section of a chapter based on sections [X and X] of this outline. Your target audience is [AUDIENCE]. - Focus on following the outline and providing clear, logical thoughts with transitions between ideas. - When explaining a point that could be difficult to grasp, make sure to provide an example. - Use clear and straightforward subheadings and bullet points whenever appropriate to make your writing clear and organised. - Empathise with what the reader may be thinking without being overtly obvious about it. Make sure to point out any insights that could be counterintuitive. You are an authority on this subject, but do not talk about yourself or compare yourself to the reader. Be humble. Your writing should use short, punchy sentences, colloquial language, and contractions to create a compassionate and approachable tone, and use rhetorical questions, metaphors,and parallel structure to make your writing engaging and memorable. Use vivid and descriptive language to create a compelling narrative that draws the reader in and helps them to relate to your experience. Use sensory details and emotional language to create a sense of depth and resonance. ``` #### Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 1. **Being too vague or too complex.** Remember, the AI is not a mind reader. It needs clear, specific instructions. So avoid prompts that are overly generic or convoluted. 2. **Ignoring the audience.** The AI can’t adjust its style or language if it doesn’t know who it’s writing for. Always specify your target audience. #### Flesh Out Your Chapter With Follow-Up Prompts You’ll need to **strengthen the weaker areas** of the chapter. AI prompt: ``` In the same voice and style as the article, please expand on [sections 1 and 2]. Consider how you can add value to the reader. Add examples, tips and/or benefits that will enhance this section ``` Just don’t ask it to expand on too many tips, ideas, sections, etc. at one time. Instead, use this follow-up prompt several times: ``` In the same voice and style as the article, please expand on ideas 1, 2, and 3. Consider how you can add value to the reader. Add examples, tips and/or benefits that will enhance this section. ``` And then: ``` Very good. Now, again in the same voice and style as the article, please expand on ideas 4 and 5. As before, consider how you can add value to the reader. Add examples, tips and/or benefits that will enhance this section. ``` --- For **replacing things you don't like**, use a prompt similar to this (tweaking it as needed): ``` In the same voice and style, please replace [example] in [where the example is located; i.e., idea 1, paragraph 4, etc] with [something else]. ``` The “something else” could be really specific, or you could keep it open-ended and ask ChatGPT for options. ``` In the same voice and style, please replace the “like taking candy from a baby” example in idea #2 with a different metaphor. ``` And here’s an example of the former: ``` In the same voice and style, please replace the “like taking candy from a baby” example in idea #2 with a “like shooting fish in a barrel” metaphor. ``` --- And *voila!* You’re all set to create amazing content with AI. Just follow the recipe, and you’ll be serving up delicious slices of engaging, insightful narrative in no time.