Before you begin writing your book can you answer this question? What is your book about? This is more than a book writing tip - it's how you get started. You should know your WHAT before you outline, before you pick a publisher, before you start writing.
Why Your WHAT Matters
Your WHAT is the heart of your book. It’s the purpose driving your message and the clarity that compels readers to trust you as an authority. If you're a coach or consultant, you likely already know the power of clear communication. The same applies to your book.
Can you articulate your book’s WHAT in two to three sentences? This clarity ensures that someone hearing about your book—whether it’s a prospective client, podcast host, or corporate decision-maker—immediately understands the value you bring. If you can’t summarize your WHAT succinctly, your book risks feeling scattered and unfocused, which can undermine your credibility.
How to Define Your WHAT: A Writing Roadmap
Your WHAT can also be called your book hook or elevator pitch. Think of it as the foundation for every other element of your book, from chapter outlines to marketing strategies. Here's how to find it:
Start with Your Expertise: What is the unique transformation or insight you offer as a coach or consultant? Think about your signature framework or approach and the results your clients rave about.
Focus on Your Reader: Identify the core question your audience needs answered. Are you helping them scale their business? Master a new skill? Shift their mindset?
Put items one and two together in a pitch. It should be clear and succinct, just like your business pitch.
My book is for xxxxx who want xxxxx.
Readers of my book are xxxxxx who want xxxxx.
My book will help xxxxxx to xxxxxx.
You get the idea.
Test Your Pitch: Share your pitch with a select group of people who don’t know you well or who work in publishing. Ask them what they think your book is about after hearing your pitch. Their feedback will highlight if your message is landing—or if it needs refinement.
Pro Tip: Clarity Drives Connection
Once you’ve nailed your WHAT, everything else about your book becomes more manageable. Your WHAT will guide your outline, keep your writing focused, and even serve as the backbone of your marketing plan.
When your audience understands your WHAT, they’ll be drawn to your book. It will resonate with the same clarity and authority that they’ve come to expect from you as a coach or consultant.
The Bottom Line
Your WHAT isn’t just about writing a better book; it’s about reinforcing your personal brand, expanding your influence, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. Taking the time to define your book’s WHAT upfront will save you hours of revision and make your book irresistible to your ideal readers.
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