The Copywriter Club Podcast #458: Write Your Book with Lacy Leifers
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Rob Marsh
Guest: Lacy Leifers, Author and Book Marketer
Introduction
In episode #458 of The Copywriter Club Podcast, host Rob Marsh teams up with author and book marketer Lacy Leifers to delve into the intricacies of writing and marketing a book. This discussion is tailored for copywriters and business professionals aiming to author books that not only reflect their current work but also effectively attract and engage their target audiences.
Meet Lacy Leifers
Timestamp: [03:01]
Lacy Leifers introduces herself as an "author encourager" with a background in marketing. Transitioning from corporate marketing to full-time book marketing over five years ago, Lacy emphasizes her passion for assisting writers at every stage—from organizing ideas to executing effective marketing strategies. She brings a wealth of experience in helping authors craft and promote best-selling books.
Notable Quote:
"I've seen there was such a big need in this space for coaching around the marketing, the promotion, the building your book with your audience in mind." — Lacy Leifers [04:30]
Choosing the Right Genre and Pen Names
Timestamps: [07:38] - [15:24]
Lacy discusses the versatility of authors who write across multiple genres, such as business, fantasy, romance, and sci-fi. She highlights the strategic use of pen names to cater to different audiences without diluting one’s main brand. Balancing multiple genres under a single name requires clear branding to ensure each segment is distinct yet cohesive.
Key Points:
- Flexibility in Genres: Writing multiple genres can prevent creative burnout and provide diversity.
- Pen Names Strategy: Using different pen names can help manage distinct genres, though it may require more effort in branding and marketing.
- Brand Clarity: Whether using one name or multiple, clear communication about each segment of your writing is crucial.
Notable Quote:
"You want to think about what is your overall brand and umbrella. And I think one of the earlier decisions you're going to have to make is do you want to put everything under your one singular name or are you going to want to start incorporating pen names?" — Lacy Leifers [14:10]
Structuring Your Book
Timestamps: [16:02] - [32:56]
Lacy outlines a robust framework for structuring a book, especially for nonfiction. She recommends starting with existing content, such as blogs, podcasts, and client resources, to streamline the writing process. Breaking down the book into core pillars and subpoints ensures comprehensive coverage of the topic without overwhelming the content.
Key Points:
- Leverage Existing Content: Utilize blogs, podcasts, and other resources to compile book content.
- Core Pillars and Subpoints: Develop a structure based on primary topics and their subtopics to maintain focus and depth.
- Chapter Flexibility: Allow the number of chapters to grow organically based on content needs rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined number.
Notable Quotes:
"If you're wanting to create the bare bones structure of your book, it's about breaking down your main points into subpoints and further expanding them." — Lacy Leifers [26:43]
"The content should dictate the number of chapters. There's no strict rule, but clarity and value to the reader are paramount." — Lacy Leifers [27:15]
Overcoming Writing Obstacles
Timestamps: [32:56] - [43:59]
Addressing common challenges such as time constraints and creative resistance, Lacy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and treating the book-writing process as another client-facing project. She advocates for realistic goal-setting and leveraging tools like AI to streamline writing and organization.
Key Points:
- Time Management: Allocate specific time blocks for writing, treating it with the same priority as client work.
- Use of Technology: Utilize AI tools for drafting, organizing, and maintaining writing schedules.
- Balanced Focus: Ensure the writing process complements rather than disrupts existing business operations.
Notable Quote:
"Treat the writing process like another client. Set boundaries and uphold them to ensure consistent progress." — Lacy Leifers [33:43]
Speaking vs. Writing Your Book
Timestamps: [37:58] - [41:48]
The conversation explores the effectiveness of "speaking your book" versus traditional writing. While voice-to-text can expedite the drafting process, Lacy warns of the additional work required to transform spoken content into coherent, readable text that aligns with audience expectations.
Key Points:
- Efficiency of Speaking: For some, speaking can be faster and more natural for idea generation.
- Quality Control: Spoken drafts often require significant editing to ensure clarity and readability.
- Reader vs. Listener: Written content must cater to how readers consume information differently than listeners.
Notable Quote:
"The way we read is different than the way we listen. You have to make sure the book reads specifically to the readers so that the value actually comes across." — Lacy Leifers [38:14]
Using Your Book as a Business Tool
Timestamps: [43:59] - [54:20]
Lacy highlights the multifaceted benefits of writing a book for business growth, including building trust, establishing expertise, and creating tangible connections with clients. A well-crafted book serves as social proof and a powerful lead generation tool, enhancing one’s authority in their field.
Key Points:
- Trust and Expertise: A book solidifies your authority and expertise, making you a go-to resource in your industry.
- Lead Generation: Use the book to attract and nurture leads through strategic promotion.
- Tangible Connection: Providing a physical or digital book offers a sense of connection and reliability to your audience.
Notable Quote:
"A book is like a larger physical version or digital version of your business card. It's just such a better way." — Lacy Leifers [49:00]
Promoting and Leveraging Your Book
Timestamps: [54:20] - [60:31]
Effective promotion strategies are essential to ensure your book reaches the intended audience. Lacy advises leveraging existing networks, securing speaking engagements, utilizing social media, and cross-promoting across all business assets. Additionally, she discusses the potential of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and securing sponsorships to amplify reach.
Key Points:
- Leverage Networks: Use your book to gain opportunities on other platforms such as podcasts and guest blogs.
- Cross-Promotion: Ensure your book is promoted across all digital assets, including your website and social media channels.
- Crowdfunding and Sponsorships: Explore platforms like Kickstarter and seek industry sponsors to fund and promote your book.
Notable Quote:
"One of the best things you can do is leverage the book to get into opportunities in front of your audience." — Lacy Leifers [48:11]
Additional Tips and Resources
Timestamps: [60:31] - End
In the closing segments, Lacy shares her favorite book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and provides listeners with ways to connect and access her services. She encourages authors to utilize available tools and resources, emphasizing continuous refinement and audience-focused writing.
Key Points:
- Favorite Inspirational Reads: The Alchemist serves as a motivational tool for staying aligned with one’s purpose.
- Connecting with Lacy: Listeners can find Lacy at BlackfoxMarketing.ca and across major social media platforms.
- Ongoing Support: Lacy offers memberships, one-on-one coaching, and various tools to support authors in their writing and marketing journeys.
Notable Quote:
"Think of it like another client that you're writing for. Treat your writing process with the same professionalism and structure." — Rob Marsh [62:19]
Conclusion
Episode #458 offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring authors, particularly copywriters looking to harness the power of books to boost their business. Lacy Leifers provides actionable strategies for overcoming common challenges, structuring content effectively, and leveraging books as powerful business tools. Whether you're just starting or seeking to refine your book-writing process, this episode is a valuable resource for turning your ideas into impactful publications.
Connect with Lacy Leifers:
Website: BlackfoxMarketing.ca
Instagram: @LacyLeifers
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