Just the thought of writing a book is too daunting a task for most. The best way to start is to tap into the neural pathways that have been reinforced over and over throughout your life and career. In other words, write what’s most familiar to you. And if writing is too much, then bullet point, MP-3 record, or leave a voicemail for yourself. The goal is to free your mind in order for your ideas to flow. Many thoughts won’t ever make it into your book. Remember, it’s the process that matters. One thought will lead to another, until you reach one that resonates with you.

Often, clients want me to be a part of the process from the beginning. That means that from the start of the manuscript to its completion, they have not written one word down. Instead, they have shared their expertise with me and have counted on me to connect with their readers. Together, the author and I, will determine what content to expand and what to leave out. It’s sometimes sad to have to abandon ideas. At the same time, having too much content is always preferable to not having enough.

The end product rarely looks exactly like what the author envisioned. And this is a good thing. It means that the book took on a life of its own.