Writing A Book Can Enhance a Medical, Health or Wellness Practice
Writing a book can enhance your practice in a number of ways:
- Increasing your visibility
- Getting your message across to the public
- Selling your programsÂ
- Increasing your revenue
- Making you a sought out expert that patients or clients want to work with
- Increasing your brand awareness
What are my first steps in writing a book?
Whether you are a chiropractor who has shifted into nutrition, a personal trainer, a psychologist, a specialist in hormone therapy, a dietitian or any other specialist, you must determine how your knowledge can help patients/ clients / colleagues add to their knowledge base and /or transform their health and well being.Â
- Before you begin writing, you must choose a topic within your field of expertise
- Figure out what do you want to become known for
- Research the market
- Find the time to write, set up a regular schedule and stick to it
- Craft your overall vision
- Outline your chapters
Should I self publish or look for a traditional publisher?
Traditional publishing
If you decide to publish traditionally, you must write a query letter and book proposal that you will send to a publisher or agent. You must also have developed a platform, whether it is a YouTube channel or a Facebook business page, that demonstrates you have a significant following before publishers will take an risk on an unknown.Â
Remember that marketability is the determining factor whether or not a traditional publisher will take you on.Â
Self Publishing
This is a much simpler process and can be done through Amazon, the largest book distributor on the planet.
If you decide on the self publishing route, you will have to hire an editor, a book cover artist, and a book formatter. Your book reflects your practice and you will want to have a professional and polished product before you go live.Â
Regardless, your content must be relevant to your audience and you must establish your credentials.Â
How do I publicize my book?
Whether you go the traditional or self – published route, you will have to do most of your own publicity. How will you do that?
- Hire a marketing or PR firm
- Take out ads on Amazon
- Take out ads on Facebook
- Start a newsletter
- Create a YouTube channel where you discuss your topics
- Go live on Instagram with small updates
- Use Twitter to generate interest
- Get on Quora and start taking questions relevant to your expertise
- Create an online seminar
- Guest on podcasts relevant to your topic
- Guest on radio or television programs
- Generate word of mouth interest among your followers, associates and social circleÂ
The main thing to remember is to start a buzz and generate interest and anticipation months prior to the launch of your book so that it doesn’t fall flat.Â
What if I am not a good writer?
The quality of your writing within the health, wellness, self -help, diet, and fitness fields is less important than the actual topic and tips you will be transmitting to the audience.Â
- You can get around sloppy writing by hiring an editor
- You can record your chapters and then transcribe them
- You can hire a ghostwriter
- You can hire a writing coach
Other questions you may have about the process
Can you help me with writing my book?
Yes. I can coach you and help you with writing.
Do you edit?
Yes. I do developmental and line editing.
What is your previous experience with editing?
I have edited two medical texts, a self help book, and a book on psychological theory and early childhood development.
Do you have experience writing books?
Yes. I have written four novels and four sets of short stories.Â
Have you coached anyone?
Yes. It is usually a matter of organization and time management. Once those barriers have been successfully overcome, the process becomes easy.
Sometimes, it is a matter of overcoming resistance to the process of writing. We may have a book inside us but we fear not being good enough. If you have the knowledge, desire, and willpower to help others, you are already good enough.Â
Can you help me through the publishing process?
Yes, I can recommend my partners who are book cover designers and formatters. They have excellent track records and portfolios. I can also help choose images for your book cover that will make your book a stand out. The old adage, don’t judge a book by its cover is not applicable in the digital age. Your book needs to pop – and in a thumbnail format. The psychology of colors, fonts, and images will have great impact on how your book will be received. Traditional publishers do a horrible job with this and you absolutely do not want to follow their example. Instead, we will research your self published competitors or those who have had success in similar fields to see what sells best. Remember, it’s all about the consumer and their perceptions, not your tastes.
Can you help me with the self publishing process on Amazon?
Yes. I can guide you or I can write your profile, create your account, and upload your typescript and book cover.
Can you help me with ads and marketing?
Yes. I have experience with best practices, ads, creating collateral marketing materials, and SEO.
What else can I do to publicize my book?
You can feature a page or section on your website that will link to your Amazon page. I like to use an image of the book cover in 3-d as a direct link. It looks sharp and highly professional.Â
You are in charge and no one but you and your team can do it for you. Get comfortable being the face of your practice. People are going to see you when they come into your practice in any case.Â
Work with us
We are passionate about health and wellness. We are equally passionate about making you stand out from your competitors. We will help you get off the ground with your book.Â
Please tell us a little bit about your project and we’ll schedule a call.
