10/03/2022
Editor and ghostwriter Harper debuts with an invaluable tool for aspiring and seasoned nonfiction writers. Emphasizing the crucial need to “put the reader first, last, and always,” Harper offers straightforward tips centered on her “Reader Transformation Sequence”: a formula for writing perennial bestsellers that includes delivering realistic solutions to reader problems and connecting with those readers on a deep level to earn their trust, which she promises will result in a dedicated fan base that will recommend the reading to others. Throughout the guide, Harper stresses the hard work required to succeed, but she offers helpful pointers and hands-on tools that will streamline the process.
Writers will find Harper’s advice indispensable as she guides them through daunting steps like developing a core message (a crucial piece that will make or break your book, she says), structuring your introduction and beginning chapter, and creating realistic timelines to meet deadlines. She also delves into the multilayered editing process, explaining the different types—determining whether your content connects with readers, if the writing will keep their attention, and more—while providing authors with an editing pass checklist to stay organized and on-task. Harper’s especially good about facing up to Resistance, that “nagging urge to avoid writing,” and how to hook readers by offering “Early Wins,” a practice whose power she demonstrates by planting “wins” throughout this book, too.
After clearly outlining the method for crafting a transformational guide, Harper touches on the mysteries of the publishing world, clarifying the available routes authors can use to publish their work—and she emphasizes that modern writers must hone their marketing skills as well. Above all, she takes her own advice to heart and connects deeply with authors in a meaningful and inspirational way, declaring “Your book is not a collection of stories and knowledge. It is a journey—a quest.”
Takeaway: A comprehensive and functional guide to help nonfiction authors craft books that connect.
Great for fans of: Rob Fitzpatrick’s Write Useful Books, Morgan Gist MacDonald’s Start Writing Your Book Today.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: N/A Editing: A Marketing copy: A
Praise for Write a Must-Read
“When you are ready to embark on the Artist’s Journey and write the book you were called to write, read this book. AJ Harper’s Write a Must Read is itself a must-read, an essential resource to help you produce the works you were put on Earth to bring forth.”
—Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The War of Art
“If you want to write a book everyone talks about, this is the book that will show you the way. Write a Must-Read is honest, empowering, and actionable.”
—Mike Michalowicz, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nine books, including Profit First, Clockwork and Get Different
“If you want to write a nonfiction book, Write a Must-Read must be the first book on your reading list. It will also be the only book you'll need. AJ is the rare writer who can translate the complex craft of writing into gripping, easy-to-digest narrative. If you want people to buy your book, read it, finish it, act on it, and then tell everyone they know to buy it, then buy this book now. It’s simply the best book on how to write a book people want to read.”
—Michael Port, New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including Book Yourself Solid, Steal the Show, and The Referable Speaker
“There are plenty of editors who can help you write a good book. There are plenty of writers who write books you envy. And then there is AJ Harper, who not only understands the entire craft of writing, but has developed a process that delivers consistently great books for her author clients. If you want to write a book that changes lives, read Write a Must-Read first.”
—Pamela Slim, award-winning author of Escape from Cubicle Nation, Body of Work and The Widest Net
“Even after having worked with AJ on two books, reading Write a Must-Read encouraged me to do more of the most important thing: Get to know my reader even better. Reader First isn’t just a philosophy. It’s a step-by-step process to write the must-read book your readers are waiting for you to write.”
—Jeffrey Shaw, author, LINGO and The Self-Employed Life
2022-05-26
A debut manual offers advice on writing an inspirational book that focuses on readers.
Harper has put in extensive time as a ghostwriter. Through her career helping others convey their ideas on paper, she has worked on numerous “personal and professional development books.” Her guide targets potential authors who wish to create works on such topics as obtaining business success and thriving while raising children with disabilities. The manual’s main message is simple: Authors should not aim to explore a certain subject but rather they should write for a specific reader: “A book is not about something. A book is for someone.” The purpose is to help this “Ideal Reader” obtain something or accomplish a goal. Harper lays out various steps and strategies in order to make this happen. For instance, authors must identify messages that make them want to write books. They will benefit from sticking to sensible word count goals and learning to work with editors. Harper shares her own experiences, from becoming determined to write a play at a young age to dealing with life’s setbacks. Some of the advice falls on the obvious side: The first draft of a work is going to be bad (“the Shitty First Draft”); a metaphorical story comparing writing to basketball (with the importance of practice and dedication in both endeavors) is heartfelt but not really groundbreaking. Still, Harper’s enthusiasm is prevalent throughout. She tells aspiring authors: “Write the shit out of your book.” And this manual’s main point about concentrating on readers helps set it apart from similar fare. As the author explains at the outset, many people want to write about, say, business development so they can simply “get something out.” Harper’s recipe that calls for a writer to hold tight to the concept of who the book is for and see it through—no matter the off days and inner doubts—proves to be both sensible and inspiring.
A practical, useful, and comprehensive guide to crafting a motivational work.
