Have you ever found yourself deeply engaged in the busyness of everyday life, only to suddenly realise, "Ah, I must pen a book!" You may be bursting with a brilliant concept that you're eager to share with the world or motivated by the triumphs of other entrepreneurs.
Yet, despite your passion and ambition, you're left uncertain about how to begin and what objectives to pursue.
In the episode "Writing a Thought Leadership Content" in our NBT Growth Spotlight series, our founder Dr. Eren Koçyiğit is accompanied by Sue Richardson, an experienced book publisher who has found a unique intersection of her passion for writing and editing in the business world.
She will take us on a journey to explore the secrets to creating inspiring content that resonates with an audience and drives real results. Let's dive in!
As a business leader who is considering writing a book himself, Eren knows firsthand how tempting the idea can be.
Whether it's to share your expertise with a wider audience, establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, or simply leave a lasting legacy, the ambition of writing a book can be a powerful motivator.
But is it really worth the time and effort? Should business leaders take the plunge and write a book? Only an expert can give satisfactory answers to these confusing questions.
Eren: Many in the business world are considering writing a book. Do you believe a business leader or key stakeholder should definitely write a book?
Sue:
Eren has a lot of ideas floating around in his head and has often found himself wondering where to start when it comes to writing a book. And how can he ensure that his book stands out from the crowd and provides valuable content?
So he wanted to learn some strategies for determining the most useful content for a book, deciding whether to focus on single or multiple projects, and staying motivated throughout the writing process.
Eren: When thinking of myself, I have lots of ideas in my head. But I don’t know what makes an idea special. How can business people find the most useful content for their books?
Sue:
But writing a book is just the beginning. Once you've put pen to paper and poured your heart and soul into your work, the real challenge begins: how do you deliver your message to the right audience? After all, the best book in the world won't make an impact if it's not reaching the people who need to hear its message.
In fact, the importance of tailoring messages in content creation is a lesson that has been taught throughout history. The myth of Odysseus, for example, is a classic tale of a hero's journey that has captivated audiences for centuries.
But what many people don't realise is that the story of Odysseus was not just one story - it was actually told in different ways to different audiences, each version tailored to the specific needs and interests of the listeners.
As Eren has learned, defining your target audience is critical when it comes to creating a successful book. But what he really wanted to learn was how to understand who our target audience should be when we decide to write.
Eren: Yes, you cannot write a book that tailors to 6 billion people. However, as with a challenge that marketers often face, once you start, how do you decide who the target audience is for your book?
Sue:
Finding time to write a book can be a huge challenge for busy founders and business leaders, as Eren has experienced firsthand. With their busy schedules and unending demands on their time, it can be difficult to get the space and focus needed to tackle such a large project.
Without waiting, Eren asks his next question to explore some key strategies for creating the time and space needed to write a book, from prioritising to seeking professional help.
Eren: When discussing founders and business leaders, most have a hectic agenda, and writing a book is not a biteable task. What are your suggestions to business leaders about how they can create time or space to write a book?
Sue:
As we’ve learned, publishing a book involves a lot more than just writing it. Once you’ve finished your manuscript, you must decide how to distribute it to your audience.
One option is self-publishing, which allows you to retain full control over your work. Another option is working with a publisher, which can provide valuable resources and support.
What Eren wanted to learn was which approach was more effective.
Eren: Okay, so last but not least, we wrote the book. It is time to distribute it. There are some platforms where authors can go and self-publish, but there is also an option of working with a publisher. What would you recommend for those who are between becoming a self-publisher or choosing to go with a publisher?
Sue:
As we come to the end of this interview with a true thought leader in the publishing world, we hope that Sue Richardson’s insights will inspire you on your growth journey and perhaps even encourage you to put pen to paper and start writing a business book or marketing content you've been dreaming about.
Remember, creating the right content for the right audience takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the end.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with Sue Richardson or The Right Book Company if you need more advice or want to collaborate. They will not hesitate to offer you the friendship and inspiration they shared with us!
