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Writing your first book is one of the most rewarding actions you can take, and one of the most humbling as well. Most first-time authors make the same handful of mistakes, not because they aren’t smart or capable, but because nobody told them what to watch out for. After working with many first-time authors, I’ve found the same challenges show up again and again, so here are the five most common ones and how to avoid them. 1. Starting without a clear structure A fairly common mistake is beginning to write without knowing where the book is going. Without a solid outline, authors write in circles—producing content that doesn’t connect, chapters that overlap, and a manuscript that’s nearly impossible to edit into shape. Start with…

Ray Brehm helps entrepreneurs publish books, become bestselling authors, and build authority. And most people know who Jack Canfield is, co-creator of the Chicken Soup series of books with heartfelt stories on multiple subjects. Together they’ve assembled a treasure trove of book publishing wisdom from some of the top authors in the world. In Author Inc: The Entrepreneur’s Secret Playbook to Skyrocketing Leads and Sales by Self-Publishing a Book, you’ll find one of the strongest collections of real-world publishing and marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. What makes this book especially valuable is its practical, business-focused approach to publishing—not just writing a book, but using it as a platform for visibility, authority, and sales. Write a book for your business Most entrepreneurs already understand that writing a…

If you’re a coach, speaker, or service-based entrepreneur, you’ve probably heard the advice: “You should write a book.” What most people don’t hear is the reason behind it. Not the vague idea of “credibility,” but the real strategic advantage: A well-written nonfiction book is one of the most powerful marketing tools you’ll ever create. A book works while you’re not Unlike a social media post that disappears within hours or a webinar that requires your live presence, a book keeps working long after it’s published. It sits on platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, Barnes and Noble, in libraries, on readers’ shelves—quietly introducing you to new readers and potential clients, establishing your authority, and sharing your expertise without your direct involvement. It changes how people perceive your…

The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer’s Journey is one of those rare books that doesn’t just talk about writing—it talks about what happens to you while you’re becoming a writer. Joanna Penn, a bestselling author, is widely known as one of the most respected voices in self-publishing. While many authors know her for her fiction, her nonfiction work on writing and publishing has become essential reading for anyone serious about building a long-term author career. I’ve followed her work for years and often recommend her to nonfiction authors who want a clearer understanding of the business side of writing. Mindset is the beginning In my own book, Build-A-Book Blueprint: Construct Your Nonfiction Book From Foundation to Finished Book, I introduce an…