Ep337: 7 Things I Wish I Knew 11 Years Ago About Writing Nonfiction Books

Notes in the Margin

This week, after waxing lyrical about septic tanks, and reading excerpts from a wonderful little MicroBook, Vicky and Joe dive into life and writing lessons learned over the past 11 years. Basically, some of the most important stuff Vicky could’ve done with knowing before she started. Here it is for you, so you don’t have to faff around before you write your book.

Key Takeaways:

[3:40] Always buy books!

[4:20] Joe read that some people felt relieved when they threw their books away. How dare they!

[7:30] Project Dingle update!

[12:20] What does Vicky wish she had learned sooner in her career?

[13:40] Just because something was published by a big house doesn’t mean it’s good, and just because something was self-published doesn’t mean it’s bad.

[14:20] The impact your book makes is more important than how many copies it sells.

[17:10] Vicky loves that her book has brought in quality customers that she wants to work with.

[17:40] Remember, the rules are all made up. You can break them!

[19:20] Don’t mislead the reader by turning your book into one big sales letter. Deliver value.

[21:20] Really write a book that respects the reader. They are taking the time to read it.

[21:40] Want to write a microbook? Vicky’s got another workshop happening in March!

[21:55] You do not need six months + isolation time to write a book.

[24:10] Don’t hang onto the outcome. Vicky explains why this was the most important thing she learned.

[26:20] Not everything you create will turn to gold. It’s okay to let it go and call it crap.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Website

Book Breakthrough Jam

Podcast

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Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: [e-mail]

Microbook Magic

Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey

Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett