From Big Idea to Bestseller

Last week I shared the story of how I recently received a $150,000 advance from a publisher for an upcoming book. Furthermore, I suggested that you can do the same...If you have the right idea and follow the right process. That episode raised a lot of interest (and a bit of skepticism). How can this be possible?

There's a simple reason why this is possible for you: Publishers want to make money. Someone is at work right now sorting through various manuscripts and proposals looking for the next "big thing". Ideally, they get an idea so profound, that it goes beyond just a book. Perhaps it's big enough for a series of books, or training programs, or a Netflix miniseries...An idea that generates cash for their company.

Reality check: Most of the content people submit to publishers aren't the next "big thing"...They're not a thing at all. They're crap. Either the idea simply isn't worth sharing, or perhaps it was simply not presented well.

This week, Jeff Goins and I continue our conversation; diving deeper into the process of going from "big idea" to bestseller.

• [00:00] Intro and...why Fresh Complaint?
• [02:03] How do you come up with an interesting idea?
• [03:21] Start with your argument
• [03:57] Writing a book is a democracy
• [06:04] The Big Idea Formula
• [06:28] The subtle art of...
• [07:20] The title follows the idea
• [10:29] The headline is the LAST thing you write
• [12:00] Opening the kimono
• [13:15] Writing is a democracy...Not a committee
• [14:33] How does an idea succeed?
• [15:29] The War of Art
• [17:04] Be provocative
• [18:51] Books generate more than just sales
• [20:52] Books are still relevant
• [22:09] A timeline of our upcoming book (so far)
• [23:38] About the process
• [26:34] Don't just start writing...have a plan
• [27:11] Bestseller Bootcamp (https://prosperouswriter.com)

Links

ProsperousWriter.com - Walk through the exact process Jeff used to get this deal done

FreshComplaint.com - Jeff's boutique agency that turns big ideas into bestsellers

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Get The Transcript

Coming soon...