Strategy Hour | Online Marketing for Business Growth Episode 939: How to Write YOUR Non-Fiction Book in Just 60 Days with Stephanie Chandler Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Rapid Book Writing

In Episode 939 of the Strategy Hour podcast, host Abigail Pumphrey, CEO of Boss Project, joins forces with Stephanie Chandler, CEO of Nonfiction Authors Association and author of 11 books, including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan. This episode is tailored for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring authors eager to harness the power of writing a nonfiction book to boost their business credibility and authority.

1. The Power of Authorship for Entrepreneurs

Abigail opens the discussion by highlighting the immense value that writing a book brings to business professionals. Stephanie emphasizes that being an author instantly elevates one's authority in their field.

Stephanie [02:08]: "The word authority starts with author, and a lot of people don't realize that writing a book brings you just instant credibility. It is a great way to impress clients. It's the best business card you can have."

Key Takeaways:

• Credibility and Authority: Writing a book positions you as an expert.
• Client Attraction: A book serves as a powerful tool to attract and impress clients.
• Opportunities: Opens doors for speaking engagements and other professional opportunities.

2. Overcoming Mental Barriers to Writing

Abigail discusses the common mental blocks that prevent individuals from embarking on their writing journey. Stephanie identifies imposter syndrome and analysis paralysis as significant hurdles.

Stephanie [03:28]: "I think there's a lot of imposter syndrome that comes up, like, 'other people have already done this or know more than I do,' or 'who am I to write a book?'"

Key Takeaways:

• Imposter Syndrome: Doubts about one's expertise can hinder progress.
• Analysis Paralysis: Overthinking the process leads to inaction.
• Value Proposition: Every author has a unique perspective that adds value to their audience.

3. The Feasibility of Writing a Book in 60 Days

Challenging the notion that book writing is time-consuming, Stephanie lays out a practical approach to completing a manuscript within two months.

Stephanie [05:30]: "A thousand typed words is about three pages. Can you write three pages a day for the next 60 days? That's a 60,000-word manuscript."

Key Takeaways:

• Daily Commitment: Consistent daily writing, even in small increments, can lead to substantial progress.
• Flexible Word Count: Modern books, influenced by authors like Seth Godin, can be shorter and more concise.
• First Draft Focus: Prioritize getting ideas down without worrying about perfection.

4. Structuring the Writing Process: Outlining and Planning

Before diving into writing, Stephanie advocates for a thorough planning phase using the storyboard method.

Stephanie [07:06]: "Create an outline using index cards or sticky notes. Do a massive brain dump of every topic, case study, example, and statistic you want to include."

Key Takeaways:

• Storyboard Method: Visual organization of ideas helps in structuring the book logically.
• Flexibility in Writing: Writing chapters out of order can be effective, allowing the book to evolve organically.
• Reuse Existing Content: Leverage blog posts and other content to populate the manuscript, reducing the initial workload.

5. Conducting Market Research and Differentiating Your Book

Understanding the market is crucial to ensuring your book stands out. Stephanie shares strategies for effective market research.

Stephanie [11:07]: "Go to Amazon and look for similar books. Examine their table of contents, reviews, and descriptions to identify gaps you can fill."

Key Takeaways:

• Competitive Analysis: Identify what existing books cover and find unique angles to differentiate your work.
• Niche Targeting: Focusing on a specific niche (e.g., leadership for tech startups) can help your book rise above the competition.
• Audience Understanding: Tailor your content to meet the specific needs and interests of your target audience.

6. Writing Techniques and Tools

Stephanie provides practical advice on the actual writing process, emphasizing flow and consistency.

Stephanie [23:35]: "Lock out distractions. No email, no phone. Just get it done."

Key Takeaways:

• Non-linear Writing: Feel free to write chapters in any order that inspires you.
• Focus on Flow: Avoid editing while writing to maintain momentum.
• Simple Tools: Utilize basic tools like Google Docs or Word; specialized software like Scrivener is not necessary for nonfiction.
• AI Caution: Stephanie strongly advises against using AI to write manuscripts due to copyright and authenticity issues.

7. Editing and Refining Your Manuscript

Once the first draft is complete, the editing phase begins. Stephanie outlines a multi-tiered approach to ensure quality.

Stephanie [29:29]: "Everyone needs a copy edit, myself included. Editing is a human function. You'd be amazed how many typos you can catch even after three rounds of editing."

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple Editing Rounds: Conduct at least two copy edits and a final proofreading.
• Types of Editing: Distinguish between developmental editing (structural changes) and copy editing (line-by-line revisions).
• Collaborate with Editors: Professional editors can significantly enhance the manuscript's quality.

8. Publishing Paths: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

The episode delves into the pros and cons of different publishing routes, with Stephanie sharing her personal experiences.

Stephanie [31:29]: "If you self-publish, you maintain all your control, and you earn more per book either way."

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional Publishing:
  • Pros: Validation from established publishers, potential for wider distribution.
  • Cons: Loss of creative control, lower earnings per book, lengthy approval processes.
• Self-Publishing:
  • Pros: Full creative control, higher royalty rates, faster time to market.
  • Cons: Upfront costs, responsibility for marketing and distribution.
• Hybrid Publishing: Combines elements of both traditional and self-publishing, offering a middle ground.
• Market Realities: The majority of book sales occur on platforms like Amazon, making self-publishing a viable and often more profitable option.

9. Final Tips and Encouragement

As the episode wraps up, Stephanie offers additional tips to make the writing process enjoyable and successful.

Stephanie [35:50]: "If you need extra help or accountability, you can hire a ghostwriter or work with a book coach."

Key Takeaways:

• Enjoy the Process: Finding joy in writing makes the book more engaging for readers.
• Utilize Support Systems: Accountability partners, coaches, or ghostwriters can provide necessary support.
• Focus on Reader Value: Aim to create a book that readers find valuable and are eager to recommend.

Resources and Connections

For listeners eager to delve deeper, Stephanie provides several resources to support their writing journey:

• Nonfiction Authors Association: nonfictionauthorsassociation.com
• Nonfiction Writers Conference: nonfictionwritersconference.com
• Facebook Presence: Engage with a community of nonfiction writers.
• Courses and Workshops: Access specialized training on marketing, publishing, and writing.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Authorship Journey

Episode 939 serves as a beacon for aspiring nonfiction authors, demystifying the writing process and presenting it as an achievable goal within a structured 60-day framework. Stephanie Chandler's insights provide a roadmap to transforming ideas into a tangible, marketable book, empowering entrepreneurs to enhance their business growth through authorship.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie [02:08]: "Writing a book brings you just instant credibility. It's the best business card you can have."
• Stephanie [05:30]: "Can you write three pages a day for the next 60 days? That's a 60,000-word manuscript."
• Stephanie [11:07]: "Go to Amazon and look for similar books. Then find a unique angle to differentiate yours."
• Stephanie [23:35]: "Lock out distractions. No email, no phone. Just get it done."
• Stephanie [29:29]: "You'd be amazed how many typos you can catch even after three rounds of editing."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, strategies, and insights shared by Abigail Pumphrey and Stephanie Chandler in their informative episode on writing a nonfiction book swiftly and effectively.