The 7 Most Common Mistakes
New Business Book Authors Make
Mistake #1: Thinking that an idea for an article is a book idea.
The Fix: Broaden your focus and develop the idea into a bigger, richer idea.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the amount and type of material needed for a book.
The Fix: Realize that most business books run about 60,000 words and present research or practical advice, lots of cases and examples, and very little theory.
Mistake #3: Thinking their idea is totally unique or blazing hot.
The Fix: Search an online bookstore for titles in your subject area. It's usually sobering to see how much has been written on a topic.
Mistake #4: Writing a manuscript before writing a book proposal (and then finding out that that manuscript is unsalable).
The Fix: Write an executive summary, a table of contents, and a paragraph on each chapter. Then get feedback from someone experienced in business book publishing.
Mistake #5: Scheduling too little time to develop, write, and edit material.
The Fix: Plan — in writing — a schedule with blocks of uninterrupted time to work on the proposal and the book, and stick to it. Or get a collaborator on board.
Mistake #6: Entering poor collaborative arrangements.
The Fix: Screen potential collaborators for their track records, skills, knowledge, and maturity. Develop realistic expectations and have a clear and fair contract.
Mistake #7: Failing to promote the book properly.
The Fix: Do NOT rely on the publisher to promote your book. Instead, promote it yourself as aggressively as you can. Vary your tactics until you find the ones that work.
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