Writing Articles

Release the Book Inside of You:

Book Ideas to Get You Started

Coming up with an idea for a book is one thing; articulating it is another.  Maybe there is a general area of self-help that you would like to focus on, or perhaps you're deciding between several ideas for your book.  Here are three rules to help you narrow down the topics and get you started:

1. Find a niche.

The best way to sell a self-help book is to write about a topic that is not readily available already. For example, if you decide to write a book about overcoming depression, you will have to work hard to compete among the thousands of books on the same topic. In order to standout in a crowd, find your niche—narrow the topic from general to specific, or perhaps introduce the topic in a new light. You may also consider simply choosing a topic that isn't as widely discussed. By finding your niche, you're not losing out on a larger audience; you're increasing your chances of being heard. When there are not as many voices fighting to be heard, yours becomes much louder.

2. Write about something you know.

This is especially important within the self-help genre: write what you know. Take a look at the practices that have helped you personally in life, in love, in your work, and share your knowledge with others. Think about what gave you the inspiration to write; what is it that compels you to share your thoughts and beliefs? Focus on your life experiences. If you write about something that you have personally experienced, or a person that you are close to has experienced, your story will become more compelling. Tap into your mind and heart, and the words will flow much easier—trust your instincts.

3. Be passionate.

Before you decide to publish a self-help book, make sure you are passionate about the topic. Writing and publishing a book is one of the most rewarding tasks that you can accomplish, but it also requires you to research and dedicate much of your time to the project. Write about something that is part of you; something that consumes your waking thoughts. If you could give one piece of advice, or teach the world to do one thing, what would it be?

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