Publish a Book on Your Subject Matter
Since I am writing this report for authors, you probably already know the value of publishing a book to establish yourself as a thought leader. But if your book doesn’t align with your ideal audience or your goals of establishing thought leadership, then you may want to reassess your strategy or write a new book.
Authoring a book on a specific topic, especially within your chosen niche, is one of the top ways to rocket to the top of thought leaders in your space. Not only does a book appeal to your ideal readers, but it can also help you get media attention. Media pros often search Amazon to locate authors on topics they are writing about because they need to quote sources for stories and authors are viewed as authorities in their subject matter.
In addition, having “author” in your title instantly elevates your credibility with event coordinators who hire speakers and those who may become your customers for coaching, consulting, courses, etc. If you’re aiming to own your niche as a thought leader, writing and publishing a book for your audience should be a top priority.
Answer This:
- Does my current book meet the needs of my target audience?
- What kind of unique book could I write that SERVES the interests, needs, and challenges of my target audience, while also establishing me as a thought leader?
Market Your Book
Getting a book published in your field of expertise is a great step in the right direction, but this effort can be futile if you aren’t aggressively marketing the book to readers. A big part of your focus should be on building a reading audience, using many of the strategies detailed in this report. Here are some additional tasks to consider:
- Optimize your book on Amazon to help it appear in search results.
- Invest in Amazon ads.
- Work to get book reviews on Amazon. Reviews aren’t easy to get, but they are essential in showing both Amazon and your target readers that your book is popular.
- Promote your book to your email subscribers and social media followers.
- Apply for book awards.
- Use postcard mailings to attract readers.
- Send out review copies to influential people.
- Conduct book promotion campaigns to attract new readers.
Answer This:
- What can you do to improve book sales?
- Who can you ask to post book reviews?
- How can you inspire your target audience to buy?
Monetize Your Expertise
As you establish yourself as an expert and thought leader, your readers and followers will naturally want more from you. They will likely be interested in ways you can further serve them, and this creates an opportunity for you to build revenue streams around your book. You could offer a combination of any of the following:
- Consulting or coaching
- Online or in-person courses and workshops
- Self-study programs
- Group coaching or teaching
- Membership programs
- Paid speaking
- Bulk book sales
- Corporate sponsorships
Whatever revenue streams you pursue, make sure you will enjoy the work and find it fulfilling. Offering a service just because you can doesn’t mean you should! Choose services that align with your skills and interests while meeting the needs, challenges, and interests of your audience.
Answer This:
- What revenue streams would I most like to create?
- Which should I start first?
- What will I need to do to transform from idea to reality?
You Can Get There One Step at a Time
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article series on thought leadership and I hope you’ve found this helpful for your journey. There is a lot of work involved in building your business as an expert in your subject matter, so aim to tackle it bit by bit, day by day. Over time, your career can flourish in ways you haven’t yet imagined.
If you enjoyed this report, you will find additional tools and resources through the Nonfiction Authors Association.
Be sure to check out the Thought Leader membership option!
