{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Why You Should Write a Book - Cathy Fyock","description":"Episode 24:  Ever think about writing a book?  In this episode, I interview Cathy Fyock who\u2019s a professional book writing coach.  We\u2019ll discuss how she works with her authors, why you should consider writing book and part of the process involved in accomplishing it. Cathy began coaching after writing her own books.  She had been consulting, but wasn\u2019t as happy in this role, as she\u2019d hoped.  She had managed to write 4 of her 5 books in less than 6 weeks.  A colleague asked her about her process for accomplishing this so efficiently.  That\u2019s when it actually dawned on her that her process did, in fact, exist.  She was invited to give a program on it and engage in a coaching role.  That\u2019s where it all began. Many people want to write a book.  They recognize the need, but they don\u2019t understand where to get started or how to stay on course to complete it.  Cathy has the solution to these and many other challenges. What Types of Clients Does Cathy Fyock Help? Cathy works with professional speakers, consultants, coaches, thought-leaders, solopreneurs, wealth advisors, CPAs, attorneys and realtors.  If you use your expertise as a strategy to serve your client base, codifying that expertise is a way to educate, inspire and sell your client base. Having published a book can position you as an industry expert.  It lends a high-level of credibility to your personal and professional brand.  The topics in your book can help people realize an alignment between their goals and your ability to help them to achieve those goals.  Your book will help promote a sense of trust and authenticity between you and your target audience.  Cathy is a huge fan of writing your own book, rather than using a ghost writer.  The process will help you to clarify your thoughts and mastery of the topic. It May Not Be Easy Cathy admits, writing a book is hard work.  In fact, most of her clients don\u2019t actually love to write.  This is why having a coach is vital to the book\u2019s organization, your accountability or other support issues. Authority is one of Cathy\u2019s latest projects.  It\u2019s about the power of authorship.  It\u2019s an anthology of stories and perspectives from 15 different thought-leaders who share their advice and experience.  It\u2019s already a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-seller. 3 Basic Challenges for Authors The first challenge is FOCUS.  It\u2019s developing the strategic plan for your book that aligns with your business strategy.  The second challenge is TIME.  It relates to disciplining yourself to find the time with an already busy schedule. The third challenge is DEALING with that NEGATIVE INTERNAL VOICE.   It\u2019s the classic imposter syndrome.  This can be one of the greatest obstacles for some authors.  Cathy serves as their cheerleader to encourage them to accomplish what they\u2019re capable of accomplishing. Once the Manuscript is Written Cathy functions as a \u201cdevelopmental editor.\u201d  Cathy can work with you to ensure all the correct pieces fit together regarding flow, logic and the ability to foster reader-engagement.  She is not a publisher, but she has extensive connections with publishers and can help an author to find the right one for him\/her and the subject matter.  There are different models for publishers.  Cathy realizes the need for her authors to be able to purchase their own books at cost.  They need to maintain creative control and own the copyright (as well as future rights).  You have to understand the fine print.  Cathy can help you to navigate part or all of it.  She understands the business aspect of writing a book. How Does Cathy Fyock Work with Authors? Cathy loves to speak with anyone who\u2019s even thinking about the idea, with no obligation.  For those who are ready, she offers multiple types of services.  Her Coaching Service is her main program.  It\u2019s a one-on-one process that lasts 6 months.  It encompasses strategy planning, accountability calls, connections and post-publishing activities. She also provides workshops, writing retreats, master classes, online courses and other services, all of which are described on her website. Dealing with Accountability This is obviously a significant factor for some people along their journey to writing a book.  She can help to problem solve to determine what\u2019s getting in the way of progress.  Did you forget to book time to do it?  Did it go on the To Do List, instead of the calendar?  There are strategies Cathy can offer to help her offers to cope and to complete the journey. While the subject matter will vary by author and the author\u2019s experience, the process of writing a book is fairly similar.  Cathy Fyock is your book-writing Sherpa as you climb this incredible mountain.  Blog-to-Book This is a concept for helping people to repurpose their blogs to discover the book you\u2019ve already written.  Cathy will add direction and perspective to help along the way.  Part of the strategy is to map the content progression from the blogs to the book outline. Finding Your Brand Voice Figuring out how you, as an author, want to present the ideas can concept, is an important step.  This is vital for a speaker who may be giving a talk on the stage and selling their book in the back of the room.  You need to be the same on the page as you were on the stage.  This relates to your brand voice.  It\u2019s about authenticity and congruency. You may have multiple degrees and accomplishments, but your audience wants you to be more conversational.  You should try to overcome the worry of what your peers will think if you present the material in a more digestible format.  Write for the audience. Creating a Book on Tape This is more of a publishing issue, rather than a coaching issue.  Nonetheless, Cathy is a big fan of the audio-based format for books and related products.  Hearing the actual voice of the author can convey the style and personality more effectively than just words on a page. Cathy\u2019s 3 Tips for Someone Who\u2019s Considering Writing a Book Begin with a strategic focus.  Identify what you want your book to do for you and your business. Identify your thesis statement. It helps you define what it is your book is about. Be very clear about your targeted reader. They should be aligned with your targeted client, in most cases.  Consider the physical demographics and the readers\u2019 psychographic characteristics. These three tips enable you to avoid speaking at the reader.  Instead, you\u2019ll be able to talk with him or her because you\u2019ve figured out how to connect with the audience.  As you\u2019re writing, always remember the WIIFM \u2013 What\u2019s In It For Me?  If you neglect your audience\u2019s needs, they\u2019ll be more apt to neglect your book, from the outset. Are You Interested in Writing a Book? Here\u2019s how to contact Cathy: Email Her:  Cathy@CathyFyock.com Website:  CathyFyock.com   Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at www.JimRayConsultingServices.com. Got Podcast? Finally, if you\u2019re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I\u2019d be happy to help.  I provide this service on a regional basis.  Visit my podcast production services page for more information. Until next time, remember, if you need help with your small business, Let\u2019s Grow For It! ","author_name":"Grow For It!","author_url":"http:\/\/growforit.libsyn.com\/website","html":"