My guest today is Chris Stanley. He writes mini books and runs a $800k a year simple online business from his sailboat or skoolie bus full time with his wife and 3 kids.
Did you know that 81% of Americans believe they have a book inside them, but 97% of these books never get finished? Writing a book can feel like an overwhelming task. But what if you could produce a complete mini book in just seven days without sacrificing your life or sanity? This is where “mini books” come in-a strategy for content creators who want to establish themselves as authorities without the massive time commitment. Today, we’ll walk through a simple four-stage method from Chris Stanley, author of 26 books and an expert in crafting these highly focused, impactful mini books.
The Four Stages of Writing a Mini Book
Stanley’s approach to mini book publishing involves four stages: Prepping, Penning, Publishing, and Promoting
1. Prepping: Define Your Power Promise
Prepping isn’t about jumping into writing. Instead, it’s about creating a roadmap. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Title and Hook: This should capture attention and reflect the book’s purpose.
• Subtitle and Transformation: What specific problem does your book solve? Focus on the exact transformation you’re promising. Readers need to know upfront what they’ll walk away with.
• Chapter Outline: Map out chapters that follow your book’s core promise.
Stanley calls this the “power promise”-a pledge to your readers about the transformation they’ll experience by reading and applying your mini book. This is a game-changer because if you know the clear purpose and outcome, your writing will naturally follow a structured path.
2. Penning: Write with Precision Using the 1-3-1 Method
When it’s time to start writing, Stanley recommends using the “1-3-1” format. Here’s how it works:
• Hook (1 sentence): Start with an engaging statement that pulls readers in.
• Body (3 sentences): Outline the key message or insights in clear, concise terms.
• Conclusion (1 sentence): Finish with a memorable statement that wraps up the idea.
This format simplifies your writing and prevents the common trap of “going on tangents.” By sticking to the 1-3-1 approach, you’ll produce clear, focused content that readers can consume quickly. Repeat this format for each main point within your chapters, and you’ll reach your target word count without struggling for flow or direction.
3. Publishing: Leverage Amazon with Smart Metadata
Publishing your mini book on Amazon doesn’t need to be a daunting process. Stanley highlights a few critical elements that make your book discoverable:
• Keywords: Optimize keywords to ensure your book ranks in Amazon’s search results. Think about what terms your audience might search for, like “write a mini book,” “self-publishing,” or “short books.”
• Categories: Choosing the right category can boost your book’s visibility on Amazon, especially within niche markets.
• Book Blurb and Description: Your blurb should communicate the benefits and value in a clear, compelling way.
Many authors overlook this step, assuming that publishing is the finish line. However, effective metadata is essential for standing out in a crowded digital marketplace.
4. Promoting: Go Beyond Amazon
Promotion doesn’t stop at Amazon. Here are a few of Stanley’s top strategies for getting your book noticed:
• Discounted Pricing: Launch your book at a lower price to encourage early downloads and reviews.
• Email List: Notify your list with a clear call to action explaining why this book will benefit them.
• BookBub and Amazon Ads: Target audiences who are already interested in similar topics or books, whether through Amazon’s ad platform or BookBub’s discounted book promotions.
Don’t assume readers will stumble upon your book organically. By strategically marketing your mini book, you increase its reach and establish credibility in your niche.
Why Write a Mini Book?
Stanley’s experience shows that mini books allow creators to target specific topics without the pressure of writing a “legacy” book. With shorter, focused content, you can reach an audience looking for quick, actionable insights rather than the exhaustive detail of a full-length book.
Mini books are a practical way to establish authority. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, readers appreciate concise, valuable information without filler. And when done right, a mini book can lead to speaking gigs, client inquiries, and a loyal audience-all without a year-long writing commitment.
✍️ SHOWNOTES:
- Chris Stanley's website: www.minibookpublishing.com/
- Matt Giaro's daily emails: mattgiaro.com/private-emails?source=podcast-2024-10-27
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