@Andy Black and I have been discussing the overall plan for the book. I've suggested 2 basic approaches:
Approach 1: Have the book be more "aphoristic." By that, I mean a series of short essays that are more or less copies of your best forum posts with some light editing for clarity and flow. The narrative thread (the story of your brand) would't be as emphasized. Readers could read the book straight through from cover-to-cover. But it would feel less like a journey. It wouldn't have as strong of a story arc to it. Alternatively, readers could jump in randomly for nuggets of wisdom that float within the book more or less independently. It would be organized loosely by theme.
Approach 2: Give the book a stronger narrative spine. We would organize the "essays" into more coherent chapters. The chapters would flow like a story, taking the reader on a journey. The story would emphasize the step-by-step process. The reader's transformation through the process would be more explicit. This approach will require more work--more editing to make the pieces (your posts) fit better together and flow more coherently.
Here's what the chapter breakdown might look like for Approach 2:
Foreword [by MJ DeMarco?]
Chapter 1: Introduction
This is the TL;DR version of the whole book. It also emphasizes what's at stake. It answers the "Who cares?" and "So what?" questions for your target reader.
Chapter 2: Andy's Origin Story
Chapter 3: Detail the Problem
Chapter 4: Overview of the Plan
[Introduce the four steps to the plan
[Find out what people want.]
Chapter 6: Plan Step 2
[Find out if you can sell it to them.]
Chapter 7: Plan Step 3
[Find out if you can make a profit.]
Chapter 8: Plan Step 4
[Do it.]
Chapter 9: What Success Looks Like
Chapter 10: Conclusion
[summarize the whole journey; invites readers to get in touch, offer them something else of value beyond the book]
I think Approach 1 would be easier. We could bang it out more quickly. But I believe Approach 2 would have a bigger audience, one including but expanding beyond Andy's forum fans.
Andy is leaning toward Approach 1.
Which book would you prefer?
Approach 1: Have the book be more "aphoristic." By that, I mean a series of short essays that are more or less copies of your best forum posts with some light editing for clarity and flow. The narrative thread (the story of your brand) would't be as emphasized. Readers could read the book straight through from cover-to-cover. But it would feel less like a journey. It wouldn't have as strong of a story arc to it. Alternatively, readers could jump in randomly for nuggets of wisdom that float within the book more or less independently. It would be organized loosely by theme.
Approach 2: Give the book a stronger narrative spine. We would organize the "essays" into more coherent chapters. The chapters would flow like a story, taking the reader on a journey. The story would emphasize the step-by-step process. The reader's transformation through the process would be more explicit. This approach will require more work--more editing to make the pieces (your posts) fit better together and flow more coherently.
Here's what the chapter breakdown might look like for Approach 2:
Foreword [by MJ DeMarco?]
Chapter 1: Introduction
This is the TL;DR version of the whole book. It also emphasizes what's at stake. It answers the "Who cares?" and "So what?" questions for your target reader.
Chapter 2: Andy's Origin Story
Chapter 3: Detail the Problem
Chapter 4: Overview of the Plan
[Introduce the four steps to the plan
- Find out what people want.
- Find out if you can sell it to them.
- Find out if you can make a profit.
- Do it.]
[Find out what people want.]
Chapter 6: Plan Step 2
[Find out if you can sell it to them.]
Chapter 7: Plan Step 3
[Find out if you can make a profit.]
Chapter 8: Plan Step 4
[Do it.]
Chapter 9: What Success Looks Like
Chapter 10: Conclusion
[summarize the whole journey; invites readers to get in touch, offer them something else of value beyond the book]
I think Approach 1 would be easier. We could bang it out more quickly. But I believe Approach 2 would have a bigger audience, one including but expanding beyond Andy's forum fans.
Andy is leaning toward Approach 1.
Which book would you prefer?
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
