Let’s say you’re on an elevator, the door opens, and someone you know steps in. She says, “I hear you’re writing a book Can you answer that question before you get to the next floor? You may be thinking, “Of course, I can. It’s my book, isn’t it?” Yes, but chances are you will be still be talking when the elevator door opens again. Completing this critically important sentence in 30 seconds or less is not easy. In fact, it takes most people quite a while to describe their books in a way that other people understand. That’s the key. You may think you have explained your subject quite clearly, but if the other person doesn’t get it, try again. Why does it matter? Think of that sentence as the foundation of a house you are building. If it is not strong and solid, the house won’t stand up. Everything depends on how well you construct that foundation or, in this case, your sentence. You will test it many times during the planning process. You will use it or some variation of it in your proposal. You will refer to in your introduction, display it on your back cover, and base your promotional materials on it. It is the single most important sentence you will write. Why is so hard to write this sentence? For one thing, writing it forces you to focus on your topic in a way you may not have done before. You must capture the essence your book in one brief, descriptive statement that tells the reader what to expect. This book will answer a question, solve a problem, explain how to do something. Your sentence is a promise to the reader about the book’s purpose, content, or benefits. This is not a promise you make without thinking it through. One test of a good sentence is whether it makes sense as a subtitle. Here are a dozen examples of sentences that turned into great subtitles. 1. 26 successful businesswomen share what it takes to make big money on the internet (Lynne Klippel) What makes these subtitles worth passing along? They are all concise, coherent phrases that complete the sentence, “My book is about _________,” And they do it in the time it takes an elevator to travel between floors. Bobbi Linkemer is a ghostwriter, book-writing coach, and editor. She is also the author of 14 books. Bobbi has been a professional writer for 40 years, a magazine editor and journalist, and a book-writing teacher. Her clients range from Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurs who want to enhance their credibility and build their businesses. Her articles on writing regularly appear on ezinearticles.com and other top online article sites. Visit her Website at: http://www.WriteANonfictionBook.com Tags: author, book coach, book writing, book writing coach, write a book, writing coach, writing Related PostsPost a comment
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. Wow, that’s great. What’s it about?”