My name is Ivin Viljoen and my story is rather unusual. I have always dreamt of writing and one day, after realizing I had time-sensitive material that people wanted to read, I wrote and published my first book in two weeks. When I started blogging in my niche, I knew I can blog on publishing since I have developed many systems for it and became a self-publishing expert in the process.
The word Expertizing® was actually coined and trademarked by Fern Reiss. It is her tireless promotion of this practice through guests posts on Self Publishing Basics that inspired me to write this post here. I have found lots of inspiration and self-publishing gems from following her career the past few years. If you want to know more on the subject I have no hesitancy personally recommending her as a brand positioning expert. Following are some tips on how you can become an expert too.
Let’s first look at the benefits of establishing yourself as an expert:
- You have the opportunity to rise above the crowd.
- You can develop an edge over your competition.
- With a good work ethos and willingness to help people you develop an immaculate reputation.
Being a sought after expert means the following:
- You develop leverage, bringing you more business with less effort.
- You are able to command higher fees.
- Journalists hunt you down for info and opinions.
- You get invited to speak at conferences and workshops.
- You become the go-to person when your industry or niche is involved.
- Your abilities are pre-sold and you have exposure to prospects
You might be asking yourself ‘How can I possibly establish myself as an expert?’ The answer to that is explained in the rest of this post.
Establishing yourself as an expert.
The first and easiest way to establish yourself as an expert is to publish your own book. I don’t mean get a big publishing house to recognize you, send numerous book proposals to countless executives who throw your proposal in the trash before they’ve even read it. In days past this blog post would have been titled ‘How To Get the Attention of a Publisher’, but times have changed.
When exactly are you considered an expert?
You can establish if you’re an expert in your field if you have around 1000 hours practical experience. There are roughly 1600 – 2000 working hours in a year, so you can become an expert in less than that. For instance, look at Oprah. Every real expert she gets on the show has to give her the last word, and she wings it well (she has so many hours talking about different subjects).
The benefits of publishing your own book are:
- You become a household name, like for instance Robert Kiyosaki. Anyone who doesn’t know who he is doesn’t read or he is not interested in money.
- It establishes expertise on your behalf. Tracy Cox was a sassy Aussie woman with a sexy column who no-one knew until she published her first book: ‘SuperSex’. This book has developed into more titles along the same lines (getting more specific), games and other products (more on this a little later).
- It will generate additional income. The difference between publishing through a conventional publishing house and self publishing is thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the number of units you move.
- You have the opportunity to develop brand identity. Look at Kevin Trudeau’s Mega Memory program which was spawned by a book.
After you have self published a book, be consistent in cultivating your expert reputation. Doing this you will win new clients and customers on a consistent basis. Your name becomes recognized and associated with your field and you become reputable.
Okay, you now know what the benefits of becoming an expert are and how you can make sure you’ll pass as one. You might be asking me how you can publish your book. Hey, that’s a whole lot of detail for another time. However, I will give you a few pointers on how you can get this done.
How can you write a book?
- If you don’t have much faith in your ability to become a writer to produce a page turner (we are talking about non-fiction here), you can always hire a ghostwriter to write your book on your behalf. He can simply take your notes and write them into congruent, sensible, readable and factual writing. He waves author rights in a contract.
- If you have a blog with targeted pillar material written (for the period mentioned above), you are halfway to publishing your book because your material is practically already written. All you do is call up posts you’ve written in a particular category, sort out the material you don’t feel fits in your book, compile your manuscript from the posts in each category, and edit. (You can hire someone for this too!). Every category on your blog can become a chapter in your new book.
- Your book doesn’t have to be too long. From 50 – 120 pages should do it. If you don’t dawdle too much and stay on topic it should be a great read.
- You can use a transcriber. I personally use the Naturally Speaking Dragon Transcriber. It has given my writing (of articles and books) a pace that I think gives me an edge no matter what niche I choose to dominate. You simply talk, it writes down what you say using your preferred word processor. Then you should give it a quick once-over before sending it for proofreading and editing. (Do not skip this step.) This is a great method for those who have all their knowledge ‘up-here’ (pointing to my cranium). You can just talk and your book practically writes itself. I have written an entire 22 chapter book on grace in a matter of 20 days (and for me that’s slow).
Methods of self-publishing.
You can go the conventional printing-book way using two different methods:
- You can go to publishing houses and try selling them your book through a book proposal coupled with a very ingenious and exciting pitch. They don’t normally publish people’s books that don’t already have a huge following and pre-sold orders. You need to basically already be an expert, so this method might not be for you. It’s tedious, difficult and crushes dreams (and you make a lot less money too!). That brings me to office printed or bound books. I have more information on this method on my blog.
- I wrote my first published book in 3 days and printed the pages on an office printer. (You do need to do some research on what specifications are needed). Remember to get an ISBN, otherwise the book is NOT published or doesn’t belong to you!
Then you can look at the following methods:
- You can print on demand. This means you have limited outlay and you print only when you get orders. The printing should rather be done by a printing house (with my way you should really know what you’re doing). A great way to do this is on Amazon’s CreateSpace program. I have some video tutorials available here.
- You can electronically self-publish books for Kindle. This is also an Amazon product but the benefit is that it causes books to go viral quickly. I have more details on my blog too. Remember that expert power is in holding the printed book in your hand, so perhaps this could be an additional method for you.
Promoting your book.
You can promote your book in some of the following ways (There are more methods but these are some general ones):
- Standard social media marketing.
- A dedicated website.
- A mailing list.
- Book signings and industry talks.
- Trade shows.
- Radio interviews.
Books open up development opportunities.
After you have published your first book, extend the longevity of your book idea by developing your material into more detailed products, like:
- Training DVD’s/online videos.
- Virtual products available for affiliates to sell on marketplaces like Clickbank or CommissionJunction.
- Offline training and workshops etc.
To summarize. You can expand your earning potential and become an expert by following these methods:
- Write a book, looking out for these self-publishing tips and stumbling blocks.
- Establish yourself as a self-publishing expert.
- Expand your business’ product inventory.
- Multiply your income potential
In conclusion, imagine yourself doing a talk at a convention for groups in your field. You’ve been invited because you have a blog on the subject and it seems you know what you’re talking about. Most people are ho-hum, some listen, some yawn and others take notes, until… You whip out your book! Ta-da! The heavens open and angels start singing.
I’m just kidding, but when this happens peoples’ jaws tend to drop to the floor and you will make more money that day (besides your speakers fee, if you charged one) because you will have books and audios to sell. You will be invited to more talks and your competition and protégés will read your book to see what you’re talking about. 3 months after that they will also be teaching those methods. Congratulations, you’ve just become a trendsetter.
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Stop dreaming and make it happen!
Ivin Viljoen
Ivin Viljoen is a columnist, scriptwriter, freelancer, blogger and published author. He blogs daily at Authopublisher.com where you can download his free Self-Publishing ebook on How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book. Join the Authopublisher Self-publishing forum for community Q&A and support.
Ivin
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On the subject of promoting writers, a bunch of them have come together to present projects at this year’s Cannes film festival. Although there is a really good case for self-promotion, sometimes a collective approach is a good thing.
But one thing you should always remember: even as a writer you have to polish those inter-personal skills. You’ll need them to pitch!
michael would love you to read ..Scriptwriters to make a mark at Cannes 2012
Wow, this post is a book in itself.
When it comes to becoming an expert, I wish I had adhd with hyperfocus haha.
Kindle is a very popular way nowadays to publish books.
The traffic is already there. Amazon is trusted and it’s easy.
But selling it from your own site has major benefits as well: No cut for Amazon! So do both for maximum reach.
Danny would love you to read ..Remington RM1015P 10-Inch 8 Amp Electric Pole chain Saw
I like the kindle option for publishing. It seems like a great place to start and something that can make your product instantly available to any fans or followers you might have.
Anthony would love you to read ..Acne Diets-Let’s Get Real
This is an impressively motivating post. My husband is currently working on a book based on self discipline. Having something like that really helps in terms of credibility and expertise.
Megan would love you to read ..My Honest and Personal Review
Great idea Ivin, having a book published will certainly boost your status as in expert, especially because publishers have high standards for books and they wont accept just any kind of content to by published.
Also, outsourcing your writing to a ghost-writer and having your already written content as a guideline, is definitely a fast way of providing content that has already proven itself useful into a boo.
I have always wanted to become an expert author in my niche. I have tried authoring some books and articles. Its takes a lot of hard work and practice to become one.
It does! Get in touch if you need any help.
Writing a book sounds so much easier after reading this post, the tips on how to write a flowing story is very motivating, Ivin and you are a fine writer. I think it’s really a brilliant idea to publish some books at first and then decide accordingly. I believe writing needs a lot of practice and ideas too. Its sometimes amazing to think how some writers can get their point across to their readers so easily and how their writing style keep the readers absorbed.
Some of the methods assume you talk well, imagine you could write as well as you talked. Here is how you can. But you have a point, a book starts with writing.
There is nothing more dificult than geting self respect
No dude getting Self respect is not so difficult. I think getting Self respect is very easy Coz it is totally in your hand. But yes it depends on you how you take it to gain your self respect.
In my experience, respect is difficult to come by, especially in business.
Nice article you wrote.
Rachel
Rachel would love you to read ..Jennifer Aniston to direct a movie
Thank you for the compliment Rachel.
I am an advocate of “self-publishing.” It is one of the best ways to become an expert in a specific niche. You have more freedom if you “self-publish.”
It is, but I have noticed over time that self published author don’t get the respect that conventional published authors do.
Thanks for your contribution.
Everybody dream about this, because every live is a story that can be put it in a book; but how many of them succeed one in they life!
No problem.
I really appreciate this. If you have the passion to do something. You can surely get it!
Stop dreaming and make it happen. You can do it if you want to!
With a book finally published against your name, I feel more than accolades, credibility, applaud, fame etc. it will be the most satisfying moment in your life! It will be something which you will enjoy mentioning to your grand kids with great pride & honor.
‘It will be the most satisfying moment in your life!’
Can’t agree with you more. My step mom kept my book on her dining room table for all to see around three years.
This is a really good read for me. Must agree that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw. Thanks for posting this useful article.
Best? I won’t go that far, but I’m trying. You just made my day!
How do you feel about e-books?
1. In general.
2. Maybe to start, then a longer more fulfilling copy in paperback.
Dennis Edell would love you to read ..The Ultimate Time Management Challenge Coming Soon!
As I mentioned in the post, electronic books have a better chance to go viral, especially if they are given away as free reports. They are generally not published books – as I haven’t seen many of them with ISBN numbers. Remember, if there’s no ISBN it’s not published.
I have generally more respect for a printed copy because of it’s impact and respect given it. Anyone can make an ebook: write munch of nonsense in a word document and print as PDF. Not tghat tough. A prinmted, published book has more to it.
I hope I brought out the difference. Besides, if you’re speaking at a conference and you’re plugging your book, how would it look if you help up your flash drive 🙂
It is tough, but I do believe anyone dreaming of it can do it. Even though he outsources certain tasks he doesn’t feel comfortable doing.
If you can dream it you can do it is the old adage?
Great idea Ivin, having a book published will certainly boost your status as in expert, especially because publishers have high standards for books and they wont accept just any kind of content to by published.
Also, outsourcing your writing to a ghost-writer and having your already written content as a guideline, is definitely a fast way of providing content that has already proven itself useful into a book.
Alex would love you to read ..Camione cu remorca
Remember that I am speaking about self-publishing here. If you have enough faith in yourself and would back you book promoting it – why not. We are talking about getting away from the publishing police and gatekeepers.
Why not publish a book if you feel you have something to offer, no-one else should tell you you’re material is not good enough. If you are confident you can stand behind your work, why not? After all, it’s your name in the balance. You won’t publish something if it’s going to throw away your name.
Test the book with friends and family first, tweak and enlarge the circle. Test again and enlarge etc.
You can even write a book on jocuril if you like.
Yes, that’s many peoples’ drawback. Not having faith in themselves. Anybody can become an expert if they pay their dues.
Hi Ivin, I have a habit of writing epigrams since my younger days in life. These all are based on what I’ve learnt from life.Would it be a good idea to collate it and publish it? I was wondering because it is not a flowing story, plot or those sorts which can keep readers enthralled.
Yes, it will take some time to formulate properly. It’s exactly what I’ve done with my first book. It was a testimony, teachings and resources all collectively put together to make a flowing story.
Get everything together and read it the way you feel you want to read it. Make notes how they flow. Copy and paste into one document and start editing it ending each chapter with a small paragraph that flow into the next.
Then place chapters, write introduction, preface, endorsements etc. To give the book somestructure. When its done read the book yourself first – that should take time as more thoughts will come, reminders etc. Add them and read again – untill you feel the process is done. Spell and grammar check and proofread. Then let someone else proofread. Then send it for editing.
When that’s all done get hold of some of my product that can help you publishing.
Then comes marketing.
Good luck!
They are a little better, but you still have to train them hard as nails. But once you two flow as one… The possibilities.
Ivin’s last post: http://authopublisher.com/autoresponders/annoying-unethical-emails
That was really a very educative share! Thanks Ivin, among everything else, the thought of making the book sustainable in regards with readership was quite brilliant.
Simon Payne would love you to read ..Start Blogging Today
It’s a pleasure Simon.
Stop dreaming and make it happen!
By writing something you get self confidence and your get chance to boosts your inner God gifted qualities.Your career touches to the top and you become a strong member of this society.
It’s true, once you hold your own book in your hands, nothing seems impossible anymore. Especially if you’ve done it yourself.
Actually book is display of your intellectuality and it keeps you alive for ever. I think book is your eternal introduction.
You mean like a legacy? Gary Vaynerchuck (WineLibrary) said: ‘Legacy is the new currency’. Can’t agree with you more.
Ivin’s last post: http://authopublisher.com/autoresponders/annoying-unethical-emails
It is good to know that there is software out there that helps writing down the spoken words, which you can edit later on, because many people can phrase sentences better when talking out loud than in front of a white piece of paper.
I like the fact that I can write as fast as I talk – which is really the speed of thought. When I discovered the method I thought: ‘Why isn’t everyone doing this?’
Hi Ivin,
The main reason I haven’t tried voice recognition software is that the original versions were very slow and took a very long time to train to recognize your voice. Talking Like This Wasn’t Fun and it took longer to fix the errors than the time you saved using them.
It sounds like they are much better now?
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That stuff would be really, really useful for journalists looking to write articles. They could basically just interview someone with a microphone plugged into one of those devices 😉
/Joel.
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I don’t know if that technology exists yet. The product I linked to is dedicated to one voice. IT needs to be trained to know how you talk. So using different people on the same software might not work.
Unless technology has advanced of course.
The last one I used was quite boring. It was diffucult for the programe to master your voice and it wouldn’t progress untill you get a word correctly pronounced