I trained for a marathon this past summer, and having the whole course of training laid out in front of me was unbelievably helpful, and made it possible for me to successfully complete the race. Thank you for these instructions on writing a book - having something broken down in this way makes it seem way more approachable!
You’re welcome, David! I can see how the same process checklist would be super helpful for marathon training — I hope you were able to complete the race without throwing up!
I pre-ordered a copy of Elements of Humor and I look forward to it. I earn around $200 each month from the sale of my kung-fu (and Zen) books. It isn't much, but it's one little stream of income. The idea of the "crappy first draft" is a real motivator. In the past week that keeps going through my head when I write and stop to make something perfect. I tell myself to stop trying to make it perfect and keep writing. "Crappy first draft!" It has helped get some momentum going.
Nothing helps establish you in your field like a book. I decided to write kung-fu instructional books because what I read was so bad. I get new members to my website all the time who say they heard of me through an ebook or paperback. I think even if you are a realtor, you should have a small book on buying a home that you should hand out to people who come to an open house. Are you a media relations or PR person? Why don't you have your own book to give to potential clients or employers? It would be a great home business, if you are a writer, to help other professionals write their own books.
I have a follow up question. I started to download the Keywords Everywhere extension and got this pop up message: "It can: Read and change all your data on all websites." That sounds risky. Did you have any concern about that, and if so, how did you get past that?
Sad to say, that’s a message I see whenever I use a popular tool (calendly and Zoom are a couple of other examples), and I discard it as a standard legal disclaimer theit lawyers made them put in there. Someday all my data will be stolen because of every underhanded term and condition I ever agreed to without reading. I’ve used Keywords Everywhere for years. It’s a great plug-in!
Ok I wrote some more entries in my book draft because of this post. Thanks for making it feel easier and accessible.
I'd be curious to know what the overall ROI has been for you as a whole when it comes to writing books. How would you quantify the impact of getting these books done?
David, I’m delighted to hear this post inspired you to do more writing on your book!
Good question - the ROI is immeasurable. The most direct benefit is a general feeling of elevation in life, like you’ve conquered something major and stepped up to a new level. It makes you realize you can do a thing that you once thoughtn was impossible. A real confidence boost. Second is the reach and platform growth. There’s nothing like a book to get yourself on the map. It’s like sending up a flare in the attention economy. The value of that is wide-reaching, especially if you do coaching and consulting, which I know you do. Lastly, books make money. People buy them. I’ve made several thousand dollars a month for almost 10 years now selling my self-published books on Amazon, and I’ve made thousands more selling books to publishers.
This concept of speed writing a book in 30 days is so crazy it might actually work! Might be the most impactful month of your career. I don't want to keep on pushing it off. Imperfect Progress baby. Just go. Write write write.
I've always enjoyed your coaching, Scott! I pre-ordered the book and I look forward to it. I'm not always a comedy writer, but I find your advice about writing and creative adventures superb!
Delightful, Larry - thank you for the kind words. Kindly email me your mailing address so I can send a signature card. scott at howtowritefnny dot com. Also, if you send me a picture of yourself holding any book, I'll photoshop it to look like you're holding The Elements of Humor.
Thanks, Ray! Email me your mailing address and I’ll send a signature card. Also, if you send me a picture of yourself holding any book, I'll photoshop it to look like you're holding The Elements of Humor. scott at howtowritefunny dot come
I trained for a marathon this past summer, and having the whole course of training laid out in front of me was unbelievably helpful, and made it possible for me to successfully complete the race. Thank you for these instructions on writing a book - having something broken down in this way makes it seem way more approachable!
You’re welcome, David! I can see how the same process checklist would be super helpful for marathon training — I hope you were able to complete the race without throwing up!
I pre-ordered a copy of Elements of Humor and I look forward to it. I earn around $200 each month from the sale of my kung-fu (and Zen) books. It isn't much, but it's one little stream of income. The idea of the "crappy first draft" is a real motivator. In the past week that keeps going through my head when I write and stop to make something perfect. I tell myself to stop trying to make it perfect and keep writing. "Crappy first draft!" It has helped get some momentum going.
Nothing helps establish you in your field like a book. I decided to write kung-fu instructional books because what I read was so bad. I get new members to my website all the time who say they heard of me through an ebook or paperback. I think even if you are a realtor, you should have a small book on buying a home that you should hand out to people who come to an open house. Are you a media relations or PR person? Why don't you have your own book to give to potential clients or employers? It would be a great home business, if you are a writer, to help other professionals write their own books.
Be sure to email me your address so I can send you a signature card!
Absolutely! 🙌
I preordered Elements back in July :-) After I get it, I may not need to write my own "On Comedy" book :-( lol
Thank you Brian! Be sure to email me your address so I can send you a signature card. “Brian Wherrett On Comedy” is a book I eagerly await!
Thanks! I’m saving this article. But I know saving isn’t doing. I need to give myself a deadline to start doing this.
Make a title from a tagline of your best stand-up joke, vet it with the Keywords Everywhere method, and put your big smiling face on the cover.
I have a follow up question. I started to download the Keywords Everywhere extension and got this pop up message: "It can: Read and change all your data on all websites." That sounds risky. Did you have any concern about that, and if so, how did you get past that?
Sad to say, that’s a message I see whenever I use a popular tool (calendly and Zoom are a couple of other examples), and I discard it as a standard legal disclaimer theit lawyers made them put in there. Someday all my data will be stolen because of every underhanded term and condition I ever agreed to without reading. I’ve used Keywords Everywhere for years. It’s a great plug-in!
Dang attorneys!
haha - yes!
Ok I wrote some more entries in my book draft because of this post. Thanks for making it feel easier and accessible.
I'd be curious to know what the overall ROI has been for you as a whole when it comes to writing books. How would you quantify the impact of getting these books done?
David, I’m delighted to hear this post inspired you to do more writing on your book!
Good question - the ROI is immeasurable. The most direct benefit is a general feeling of elevation in life, like you’ve conquered something major and stepped up to a new level. It makes you realize you can do a thing that you once thoughtn was impossible. A real confidence boost. Second is the reach and platform growth. There’s nothing like a book to get yourself on the map. It’s like sending up a flare in the attention economy. The value of that is wide-reaching, especially if you do coaching and consulting, which I know you do. Lastly, books make money. People buy them. I’ve made several thousand dollars a month for almost 10 years now selling my self-published books on Amazon, and I’ve made thousands more selling books to publishers.
This concept of speed writing a book in 30 days is so crazy it might actually work! Might be the most impactful month of your career. I don't want to keep on pushing it off. Imperfect Progress baby. Just go. Write write write.
That’s the spirit!
I've always enjoyed your coaching, Scott! I pre-ordered the book and I look forward to it. I'm not always a comedy writer, but I find your advice about writing and creative adventures superb!
Delightful, Larry - thank you for the kind words. Kindly email me your mailing address so I can send a signature card. scott at howtowritefnny dot com. Also, if you send me a picture of yourself holding any book, I'll photoshop it to look like you're holding The Elements of Humor.
The Holy Algorithm has answered my prayers and has led my content to its proper place. I have emailed you the info. Thanks, coach!
Ordered mine today!
Thanks, Ray! Email me your mailing address and I’ll send a signature card. Also, if you send me a picture of yourself holding any book, I'll photoshop it to look like you're holding The Elements of Humor. scott at howtowritefunny dot come