Getting clear on your book idea and refining your core message is one of the most critical steps in writing a truly world-class book.
Writing a Book Takes Clarity and Homework
All too often, people think, “I’ll just open up a Word doc, start typing, and voilà, my book will happen!” But that’s not how you create a fantastic, world-class book. Writing a great book requires preparation, research, and clarity. It’s not just about writing, it’s about doing the work that comes before the writing.
When I work with aspiring authors, we always begin by developing a book pitch document. This is the first step, the foundation for everything that follows.
Summing Up Your Book in One Compelling Sentence
A lot of people struggle to define the core message of their book. Here’s the test: can you sum up your book in one compelling sentence?
If I were to ask you, “What’s your book about?” and you couldn’t answer in a clear, concise, and compelling way, then your idea isn’t ready yet. This one sentence acts as a litmus test for clarity.
Start by asking yourself:
- What’s the single most important takeaway I want my readers to gain?
- How do I want to help them?
- What transformation do I want them to achieve?
Your answer might sound like: “I want to help readers achieve this.” Or “I want to show them how to go from here to there.” This is the foundation of your book’s focus.
The Importance of Going Deep, Not Broad
One of the biggest temptations for authors is trying to cover too much ground. In the past, broad, general books could work, but today’s readers expect depth and focus. The trend is clear: narrow your topic and go deep.
Your unique expertise and experiences are where the real value lies. Use those to dive deep into a specific topic and provide meaningful insights. Avoid diluting your message by trying to tackle too many ideas. This will help you with gettin clear on your book idea and refining your core message.
I personally like to mind map my core message. Start with your central premise and build out supporting ideas. For example, when I wrote Someone Has to Be the Most Expensive, Why Not Make It You?, I outlined supporting concepts like:
- Overcoming limiting beliefs.
- The risks of being the cheapest.
- Strategies for increasing prices.
Each of these ideas fed into the main message and helped structure the book.
Staying Aligned with Your Reader’s Burning Question
Every great book revolves around one burning question. This question represents the biggest issue or opportunity your readers face. As you write, keep asking yourself:
- Am I answering that question?
- Does this chapter support my core message?
- Does this story illustrate the main point?
If the answer is ever “no,” it’s time to refocus. Everything in your book must tie back to your core message and address that burning question.
Get Tight, Get Narrow, Go Deep
To sum it up: refining your book’s central premise is about focus. Keep your message tight. Narrow your scope. Go deep into your chosen topic. Doing this will not only create a book that resonates with readers but also positions you as an authority in your field.
