10 Things that Keep You from Writing Your Book… and What You Can do About It Written by Patsi Krakoff and Denise Wakeman
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Here is a list of solutions: 1. Hire someone to write your book for you (you can always rewrite it in your own voice and add your own stories). When finished, hire a publisher and then a publicist to market it. 2. Hire a writing coach who will walk you through steps, chapter by chapter (again, for a substantial fee). Then when finished, hire a publisher and a publicist. 3. Bite bullet, put your business on hold for a few months, and devote your time to just getting it written. You will have to turn it over to a book designer and get it formatted; search for right publisher such as self-publishing or print-on-demand services, and then market it yourself. Expensive? Yes, all three solutions are expensive. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. The Fourth Solution There is another solution! What if there was a way to help you get your book down in print and ready for formatting in 90 days? What if you could do this by following a system that organized you chapter by chapter, included testimonials, input from peers, professional editing resources, design and formatting resources at low costs, and only took a half-hour of time per day? Could you afford to invest that much time and energy out of your busy day? Would it be worth it to you even if it meant an hour a day for 90 days? If you already have a blog that you use to communicate with readers online, you can use your blog to write your book. The blog format is perfect for organizing your ideas, chapters and getting feedback from readers. If you don’t have a blog yet, you may wish to create one. They are simple to set up and use (we recommend Typepad.com). It can be used to stay in touch with clients and to write your thoughts in an informal way. A blog is like having a conversation with people interested in your subject or expertise. Once your book is finished and formatted, you can then use your blog to market it. You already have a built in audience, hungry for your content. To read more about how this system works and how you can benefit, go to this site: http://www.blogtobook.com – way you think about writing your book will shift and you'll see it in a whole new light!Denise Wakeman of Next Level Partnership, and Patsi Krakoff of Customized Newsletter Services, have teamed up to create blogging and marketing services for independent professionals. Their latest program is Blog to Book Project: How to Use a Blog to Create a Book in 90 Days or Less at http://www.blogtobook.com. You can read and subscribe to their blogs at http://www.buildabetterblog.com
Denise Wakeman of Next Level Partnership, and Patsi Krakoff of Customized Newsletter Services, have teamed up to create blogging and marketing services for independent professionals. Their latest program is the Blog to Book Project: How to Use a Blog to Create a Book in 90 Days or Less at http://www.blogtobook.com.
| | 10 Secrets to Writing Grants that Get FundedWritten by Cheryl Antier
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7. Make your application come alive in minds of grant reviewers. Help them to see your project. Use words that paint a picture of what you want to accomplish. Let them feel your excitement and passion for your work. If they are conducting a site visit, have clients attend. Prepare a short slide show, or put together a photo album. Put pictures on a Website. (And by way, don’t forget about new marketing tools such as blogging. There are many free blogs now, and you can post pictures, invite comments and provide interaction. You can let funders know about your blog before you send in application, or include url with your contact information. Know your audience. Don’t assume they know technical jargon or acronyms related to your project. State your goals and objectives clearly and concisely. 8. Make sure that every sentence in your application counts. Say what you need to say, but make your words convey exactly what funder needs to hear to be able to say yes. Don’t waste their time or try their patience. If you don't have a good answer for some of questions, be honest and say so. Use bullets, or bold-face type, or a list of key elements to convey high points of your project, and don't bury them in paragraphs of verbiage. If you're invited to do a presentation, practice first, and stick to point. Make grant easy to read; use a reasonable-sized font and leave enough blank space. Don't include voluminous attachments, unless you have a very good reason clearly stated in your application. Make every word convey an important point to grant reviewer; if it's not relevant, leave it out. If allowed, use pictures, diagrams, plans, or maps instead of long, confusing descriptions. The history and war stories of your project are vivid and important to you, but a grant reviewer may not care; keep your background and history brief and focus instead on project. 10. Give them what they ask for. If you can't provide information requested, call grantor to be sure it is alright to send in without it.
Cheryl Antier is the President/CEO of Dream Weaver Enterprises, a business and fundraising consulting company that helps their clients to "weave their dreams into reality" by helping them consistently find the funding they need to succeed.
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