After Your Big Beautiful Book Plan Telecourse kicked off last week, I started getting messages asking: “I couldn’t make it, are you going to do this again?” or “I didn’t sign up, but can I still get in?” Which is why I want you to know that, though the private consult packages are no longer available, you are still invited to join us at any time in the Telecourse. You can also sign up for the wait list for the private sessions by clicking on the bigger-package button on that page, and I’ll let you know if and when they open up again. (At this time, I’m not sure when I will be able to offer those or the class live again.)
In the midst of one of the most nerve-wracking, butterfly-inducing times of my life, while making my very vulnerable video about a TOUGH part of my life for the coming app–now launching the night of April 8th–I’ve been grinning ear-to-ear since our kick-off session. Getting on the phone to do the first of four tele-calls with so many enthusiastic people on the call (something like 85 writers) was such a BLAST. And, the sweet messages I’ve been receiving ever since have been like a soothing balm in my 20-hour days. (One day soon I’ll write a newsletter telling you what the heck’s been going on! Sheesh. This trying to go global thing isn’t for the feint of heart!) Here’s a screenshot of the gal playing me. I don’t know if you can see the rain in the window, which really came from my son holding a hose outside in the 80-degree sunshine…
A few of those tele-course comments that absolutely made my day/week/month:
“Just wanted to give you a big virtual hug to thank you for your first telecourse this week – I’ve been on muse-driven-FIRE ever since!”
~Lydia Kimmerling, Facebook
“Dear Linda, Thank you for this amazing course and all the wisdom and skill you are sharing with us. I feel as if this is the piece I’ve been missing all along!”
~Gulara Guliyeva
“Great first session. Can’t wait for the next one. Love your energy… thanks Linda x”
~Jade Barclay, Facebook
“Much love to @DanielleLaPorte and @LindaSivertsen and BigBeautifulBookPlan. Last night’s call was awesome! my book will get done this year!” ~ @DinaDelicce, Twitter
“I am loooooving your workshop!! Worth every penny!!!!” ~Bronwyn Saglimbeni
So, what happens if you sign up now? We’ll immediately send you any class recordings + handouts you missed, plus you’ll be able to join us for the remaining lively monthly class calls + Q & A (the next one is Thursday, April 17th). We covered so many great questions last time, and people remarked that hearing other people’s Q&As really clarified things for them, so I plan devote even more time to delving into your questions on the upcoming calls.
What’s included to help you get your book deal?
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the whole course… the FULL scoop.
Session #1 (which you’ll receive by recording + downloadable handouts, if you missed it):
The Cover page: To design or not to design, that’s the question! Included in our discussion is what to show if you’re sending to an agent vs. when an agent’s sending on your behalf. With beautiful samples, of course.
The Hook page: This is my favorite part of a proposal (other than the query), and the thing my agent friends tell me makes all the difference in the proposals I send their way. (Hint: most people either don’t know to create a Hook page, or get intimidated and don’t want to.) Rockin’ samples included.
Proposal Table of Contents: Sounds simple and it is. But there are still key things to know, like how this differs from your book Table of Contents. I’ll show you how.
Query page: These babies used to scare the crap out of me, but not anymore! Over the years I’ve learned to LOVE creating query pages because this is where all the initial power is. This little document (1-2 pages) is what you email (sometimes snail mail, but not often) to agents. If it’s well written, odds are they’ll call or email you QUICKLY. As in a matter of minutes or mere hours. Not written well? Crickets. Since I like RESULTS, I’ve mastered this practice and want you to as well. Gratefully, a few of my clients offered up their recent incredible queries–to books that have just been released this spring (and one coming in the fall, so they’re new… not even in Your Big Beautiful Book Plan yet). These samples are hot and will help you pitch yourself like a pro! And, they make everything easier because your agent will likely use that query to pitch editors at publishing houses. And then once you have a book deal, your editor will share it with the sales team to use when pitching bookstore buyers. And the PR team will use it to pitch the Today show. See where I’m going with this? Gold. Sprinkled with diamonds.
Lots of great questions and detailed answers about all sorts of things, including: how to create structure when you’re lost in your own massive page count or text; how to find the bridges to connect different pieces together; whether or not to finish the book before selling it; when to hurry and when to take your time; blogging–is it important, and what if you don’t want to?; what comes first–writing the book or concentrating on the proposal?; collaboration–should I partner with another writer, and if so, how does that work? and so many others…
In the weeks to come, here’s a short list of what else we’ll be covering:
Session #2 (April 17th):
Overview: Your Hook continued… so very important, and so often feared. Have no fear! I LOVE this stuff and have GREAT new samples for you! (As I’ll have for all of the sections.)
About the Author: If they–meaning agents and editors–fall in love with you and your topic, you’re more likely to land a book deal. I’ve got a lot to say about how to help them do just that… swoon. : )
Market: While it’s tempting to say that EVERYONE needs your book (of course they do!), there are better ways to list who your readers will be and why they’re already waiting for you. Much better.
Competition: You may not have any competition (because you’re that fabulous), but we’ll outline what they’re looking for so you come off in the best of company! Being a first of a kind can make you appear too risky, and being one of a million ain’t gonna cut it. I’ve got lots of suggestions for making you stand out, and look like a sure thing.
Session #3 (May 15th):
PR & Media:I will have just returned from my media tour through NYC for my new app, with media on the brain and ready to spill all my latest tips & tricks for making it WORK in a big way. (You’re not going to believe who is already interested in the app without even seeing it yet:)). I can’t wait to share this with you… media (including online promotion) is oh-so-important and can be much easier than you think. Just imagine about how much fun you’ll have sharing your baby with the world!
Platform, Platform, Platform: This includes all of the topics I love: TV, radio, online promotion, speaking, seminars, RETREATS (the best), blogging–you name it. Again, I have LOTS to share on this topic, having been a part of dozens of bestsellers and hit campaigns for myself and my clients, and running perhaps the most successful seminar business for writers around. I will have to remember to breathe so I don’t pass out trying to get it all out in the two hours. Ha!
Week #4 (June 19th):
Spin-off books: Most people have ideas on what they could write NEXT. At least in their mind or heart. When do you list these ideas, and how? We’ll cover it. Including the “two-book deal” question.
Legalities:Not everyone needs this section, but for those who do, it’s key!
Delivery of the Manuscript: In a rush and want the publisher to hurry? Need lots of time and want them to be patient? What’s the norm, and how to state what works for you down on the page so you get what you need.
Chapter Summaries: How long it too long? How concise is too concise? There’s an art to this and it works. And it may not be what you’ve heard before…
And, of course, I’ll be answering your questions & sharing loads of writing tips, strategies, and musings throughout the entire course. Which will always be taped and mailed the next day if you’re busy or want to listen several times. I’ll also answer your emailed questions on the line, even if you’re off sleeping in a distant time zone. We have participants here in Dubai, Ireland, Australia, France, England, Japan, and more… Wow. xo
Can’t wait until our next session. I’m so blessed to be able to share this work with you and am in awe of your talent and passion.
Yours,
Linda
xo
“I *knew* signing up for your telecourse and giving myself permission to pursue my writing dreams was the right thing to do : )” ~Kimberly Houston, who wrote a blog post about how Danielle LaPorte and I make her cry, and why she signed up. Wonder if she knew she was going to make ME cry with this unbelievable post?! xo
