Can you Unlock your Future?

Is there such a thing as a key that can unlock your future? Sure, but it's not a magic bean or a Holy Grail. And it's not 1 key, it's actually 4 of them. Back in 2012, while still stuck in my day job, I stood on the threshold of my future with a ton of uncertainty. Although I didn't know what the future held, I knew it was much more than my current reality. I felt it deep in my bones and no one could convince me otherwise. So what happened? I discovered 4 Keys that unlocked my future, and today—just 5 years later—my life is drastically different.

4 Keys To Success

Key #1: Clarity

My thoughts on clarity: Before we can get what we want, we must know what we want. Clarity attracts and confusion repels. Clarity only comes with action.

Key #2: Creativity

My thoughts on creativity: Today is a brand new chance to create the life you love. Rather than reliving the past, create a new future. Stop comparing and start creating. 

Key #3: Complexity

My thoughts on complexity: Complexity kills clarity. Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

Key #4: Community

My thoughts on community: Without loving people there is no leading people. The quality of your soul is much more valuable than the quantity of your followers.

In today’s podcast I share how to use these keys to unlock your future. (Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher).

This Episode is Sponsored By Author Academy Elite

What do all these things have in common? Meeting and partnering with Hollywood celebrities. Going from day job to dream job. Being a guest on top-ranked TV, radio, and podcast shows. Creating global businesses that truly help people. All of these "doors" were unlocked with one single key: becoming an author and publishing the right way. Author Academy Elite is the premium writing, publishing, and marketing experience. To start your author journey today enroll in our free 7 day course, My Book Hook.

Check Out This Resource Mentioned

If you want Become an Author | Unlock your Future—our newest eBook for FREE—then just click on the image below. It will also include a FREE ticket to our live author training.

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Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. I am also mentioning the names of all who rate the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes. We encourage you to join the Igniting Souls Tribe on Facebook. It’s a community of like-minded influencers as well as listeners of the Igniting Souls Podcast. You can tell your friends on Twitter about the podcast by simply clicking this link and sharing the tweet you’ll find at the other end. And, by all means, if you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page. Finally, thanks for listening and remember, “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”

I FELL INTO GHOSTWRITING BY ACCIDENT...

I've been an author since 2004. But for the first 8 years, it was always a side-hustle. After all, with a wife and 3 kids, I didn't think I could make a living as a full-time writer. Then in 2012, my friend Scott asked me if I could help him fulfill his dream of writing a book. After chatting further, he said he needed a ghostwriter. I didn't know the first thing about ghostwriting, and I certainly never planned on becoming one. All I knew is my friend needed help, and so I jumped in headfirst. Besides helping Scott write a compelling book, that same year I also left my day job. If you guessed those two events are related, you’re right. In a way, you could say that ghostwriting helped me turn my dream into a full-time gig. 

I TURNED MY PASSION INTO A PROFESSION:

That first gig turned into a second and then a third. Initially, I was surprised at how lucrative ghostwriting can be. The rates below are considered the "industry standard."

• $10,000 to $20,000: just getting started with ghostwriting
• $20,000 to $30,000: mid-level ghostwriter
• $30,000 to $50,000: veteran ghostwriter
• $50,000: celebrity ghostwriter or really busy

The Professional Writer’s Association of Canada provides clear guidelines for ghostwriters: $10,000 to $50,000 flat fee entire advance + 50% of royalties. And even if you’re not Canadian, The Writer’s Union of Canada establishes a great baseline for ghostwriters everywhere: For a book of 60,000 to 90,000 words, the Union recommends a total minimum fee of $40,000.

Naturally, this variance is based upon several factors including: experience, competence, length of manuscript, deadline of project, etc.

GHOSTWRITERS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND...

Many Traditional Publishing Houses admit that about 70% of their books were written by ghostwriters. Even crazier, nearly 99% of all books published by artists, celebrities, and politicians were ghostwritten. Throughout history, there may have been a stigma with ghostwriting in some circles. But today it's much different. Many ghostwriters are proudly displayed on the front cover or in the acknowledgments. Ghostwriters play a significant role by helping clients tell their story. As a result, thousands of people are impacted. Ghostwriters are valuable because:

1. They produce a better book. 
2. They save their clients time.
3. They save their clients money.

INTRODUCING GHOSTWRITER ACADEMY...

Today, I don’t ghostwrite any longer because my current business focus doesn’t offer me the bandwidth. After all, in 2014 I started a publishing company: Author Academy Elite. We’ve published hundreds and hundreds of books from authors around the world. I’ve had a vision to train up a guild of ghostwriters. Until now, I haven’t had the margin to do so. But within the last year, after turning down several potential books inside Author Academy Elite due to a lack of ghostwriters, I realized we couldn’t delay any longer. I knew that many writers, editors, and ghostwriters would join Ghostwriter Academy and start their own businesses or level up their current ones. This is all part of the plan. Whether you get your gigs on your own or through The Guild, I believe in abundance. After all, if 82% of the population wants to write a book, then the world needs high quality ghostwriters defined by clarity, competence, and confidence.

WE GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED...

1. Ghostwriter Guidebook:

An 86-page interactive guidebook chock-full of resources. This is the proven process I used to go pro.

2. Video Modules:

Benefit from 7 Masterclass modules comprised of 29 videos, each designed to be clear, concise, and direct. Leverage these "forever access" tools and tactics in your own ghostwriting business.

3. Curated Content:

The ghostwriting industry has shifted over the last few years, and you need to cash in on these changes. Dive into this curated content via hand-selected articles and websites.

4. Contracts and Checklists:

Turning your passion into a profession means looking professional. Utilize these contracts and checklists within your own ghostwriting gigs.

5. Global Community:

Much of the business world runs on relationships. Enjoy lifetime membership to our global community of generous collaborators.

6.  Ghostwriter Certification:

Upon completion of the modules, you will receive a professional level certification, declaring you as a successful graduate of Ghostwriter Academy.

THE GHOSTWRITER ACADEMY FRAMEWORK^©

Module 1: Your Creation Story

PAST: You are your business, so stop hiding your story. As the adage goes, people buy from those they know, like, and trust. Until you learn and leverage your creation story, you'll feel stuck and stagnant. "Sticky" brands have sticky stories. Package your past struggle with your present solution so you can design a new future for your eventual clients. PRESENT: The truth is that until you see yourself as a ghostwriter, no one else will either. It starts with an internal identity. Soon after, it seeps into an external reality. Ghostwriter Academy is designed to help you turn your passion into a profession. Whether ghostwriting is your side-hustle or your main gig, fortifying your WHY will help you clarify your WAY. FUTURE: You’ve probably heard that envisioning your future and goal achievement are interrelated. Sometimes it’s called beginning with the end in mind. Other times, it’s called moonshot thinking. If you want to turn your passion into a profession, then you need to fill in some blanks. What new reality do you want to create?

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Module 2:  Why

TIME: Before you can develop a thriving business, you must understand why the world needs ghostwriters. Simply put, ghostwriters save their clients time. Many clients are too busy to take time away from their careers, businesses, and lives to write a book. SKILL: Ghostwriters bring a unique skillset to their clients. Many clients think they can write, until they try. Not everyone can write, nor should they try. About 99% of politicians, celebrities, and musicians use ghostwriters to write their books. Many traditional publishers state that around 70% of all their books are written by collaborators and ghostwriters. MONEY: Ghostwriters bring value to their clients because they save them time, and everybody knows that time is money. Many clients would lose money by spending their limited time trying to write a book.

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Module 3:  What

GHOSTS: Most nonfiction books solve problems—even oftentimes memoirs. In other words, they offer solutions. A framework is a solution broken down into simple steps. All three books I ghostwrote contain frameworks. It’s an effective way to write because it helps your reader see and feel an intentional beginning, middle, and end. GIGS: It’s important to know the different terms that apply to “writers for hire.” Most clients who need help don’t know the correct terminology. They may think they need a copyeditor when they truly need a developmental editor—or even a ghostwriter who collaborates with them. Clarity comes once you know how the gigs differ and where you fit in. GUILDS: A guild is an association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft in a particular town. Guilds were first organized in the late Roman Empire and rose in popularity during the Medieval period. Naturally, guilds benefit their members if managed properly. Discover which guilds are helpful, which are harmful, and most importantly why.

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Module 4:  How

RATES: Many ghostwriters simply don’t know what to charge. The rate for ghostwriters varies quite a bit. This variance is based upon several factors including: experience, competence, length of manuscript, deadline of project, etc. Learning the formula will help you charge with confidence. RULES: Without the proper guidelines you could make a big mistake. The right rules protect you and your client. Get forever access to the proper intake forms, release forms, and sample contracts to help you turn your passion into a profession. RISKS: Savvy business owners mitigate risks by taking the proper precautions. By completing our checklist, you'll set yourself up for success.

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Module 5:  When

CONSULTATION: Too many ghostwriters don't set clear expectations or boundaries with their clients. As a result, they end up working for far less than their worth. By integrating our system, you'll end up creating value for your clients while getting paid. COLLABORATION: Most of us with something to say or sell would benefit if we had a bigger platform. We try partnering with top leaders, hoping to give our message the exposure it needs. Why do some people break through while most are blown off? Discover how to change the pattern by following nine steps for gaining favor with influencers. CREATION: You’ll need to find your own voice as you write your client’s story. Think of this process as a delicate dance. How do you maintain your own freedom, while respecting their message? In this module you'll discover a model and a metaphor to help you achieve both.

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Module 6:  Where

INWARD: Most ghostwriters struggle getting gigs because of one fatal flaw. Discover how to secure more ghostwriting gigs than you can handle. This strategy enabled me to get all my gigs without even asking. OUTWARD: Each of us have limited time and so we must make our time count. Looking in the wrong places for gigs will drain your energy and creativity. Isn't it time you learned how to look and who to look for? We'll show you where to find quality leads when looking outward. DOWNWARD: Anyone with something to say or sell needs a bigger platform. As a ghostwriter, this works to your advantage. There's no better platform than a well written, published, and marketed book.  With 82% of the population aspiring to be authors, if you know the right steps, you can land the right gigs.

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Module 7:  Your Career Story

PAST: Many times, we can see everybody else’s gifts and talents, but not our own. Yet—if we take a moment to list all of our experiences, skills, and hobbies—we’ll often be surprised by the assets we can bring to our potential clients. PRESENT: When I was trying to go pro with my passion, I had a choice. I could wait until I got clients before I gave myself a title, or I could give myself a title and then get clients. Some people ignorantly label this a "fake-it-till-you-make-it" tactic. I disagree. There was no pretending for me. Rather, I made an internal commitment before I experienced external validation. FUTURE: You’ve grown into a new person. Your role as a ghostwriter will literally change people’s lives. You serve as the bridge between authors and their audiences, and without your skills their stories would remain untold.

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Bonus Module: The Guild

This special invitation is only for our Ghostwriter Academy graduates. These certified ghostwriters are the only ones qualified to join The Guild.

About the instructor

KARY OBERBRUNNER is Igniting Souls. Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, he helps individuals and organizations clarify who they are, why they are here, and where they should invest their time and energy. Kary struggled finding his own distinct voice and passion. As a young man, he suffered from severe stuttering, depression, and self-injury. Today a transformed man, Kary invests his time in helping others experience unhackability in work and life. Kary's writing career spans 15 years and counting. He is a 6-time traditionally published non-fiction author (The Journey Towards Relevance, Called, The Fine Line, Your Secret Name, The Deeper Path, Day Job to Dream Job) as well as a fiction author (Elixir Project). He has ghostwritten three books, published over 400 books through his publishing company, Author Academy Elite (AAE), and has trained over 60,000 authors through online education. Kary is also the founder of Ghostwriter Academy and The Guild. He has negotiated publishing deals and gained the title Master-Level Marketer due to his ability to turn books into 6-figure businesses through his 18 Streams of Income^© model. He is the founder of Redeem the Day, which serves the business community, and Igniting Souls, which serves the nonprofit community. He and his wife, Kelly, are blessed with three amazing children and live outside Columbus, Ohio.

I'll show you how to level up your business...

Besides teaching you the skill of ghostwriting, I'll also show you the business side of ghostwriting, too—including lead generation, marketing, contracts, collaboration, and much more. Over the last 15 years, I've helped hundreds of entrepreneurs - in nearly every industry - start, scale, and level up their businesses.

Check out the Flip Book & Podcast

If you have more questions scroll through the flip book and listen to the podcast.    In today’s podcast I share the entire backstory behind Ghostwriter Academy. (Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher)  

Why a 6-Figure Author?

Trust me. It's not about the money. Here's what I mean... I published my first book in 2004, The Journey Toward Relevance. The truth is, I didn't know what I was doing. No one was mentoring me on the finer details of writing, publishing, or marketing. Naively, I thought I'd sell a million books and make a million dollars. Why? So I could do this writing thing as a full-time gig. Sure I loved being a pastor and serving in a church, but even back then I felt the pull between my day job and my dream job. Every once in a while I'd get a phone call or an email to go speak somewhere about my book. I'd literally have to tell the caller or sender, "Hold on. I'll have to get back with you. I need to check with my boss." Then I'd bring up the request in my next weekly meeting with my Senior Pastor. He was a very generous leader, but rightfully so, I'd have to "sell" him on the idea. I'd explain why it was a good thing to leave my "job" for a couple days to go and talk to groups of people who needed to hear the message behind my book. Sometimes he let me. Sometimes he didn't. Sometimes I'd have to "sell" other people on the idea too like my director, other staff members, ministry leaders, elders, etc.

We feel imprisoned when we need permission to do our passion. (Tweet This)

I Needed Permission to do my Passion

When I didn't get permission, I'd squeeze in a speaking gig here or there on the front end or back end of a vacation. In those days our vacations weren't that glorious. It probably meant Kelly and I visiting her family in Michigan or my family in Wisconsin. Still, it always felt like speaking invitations were a stressful experience because I had to defend my rationale for wanting to take them. And then there was the actual writing of the books. I am a father of three kids. They are each two years apart. Imagine having a 5 yr. old, 3 yr. old, and 1 yr. old and trying to write as well. Since I was absolutely committed to be the best employee and father and husband, that meant writing a total of 4 books in the "margins" of life. These books were written at 12 am or 2 am or sometimes even 4 am, in between feeding the babies. I'm not complaining. I loved those moments of bonding with my son and daughters. And since I was up anyways, I thought rather then go back to bed I'd crank out a thousand words of the next book that loomed over my head. After all, my traditional publishers weren't about to let me miss a deadline.

I Needed to Find a Better Way

Needless to say, the pressure of being a pastor, a daddy, a husband, a doctoral candidate, an author, and a speaker wore on me.

I tried to do it all...AND because I wasn't a 6-Figure Author I needed to do it all.

Writing books was only a part-time job. It paid some bills, but it certainly didn't pay ALL the bills. And because it didn't, I needed to keep my day job. This reality created a growing internal tension. I found a way to make it work, until the day they asked me to be the next Senior Pastor. Don't get me wrong, I worked for an amazing church on so many levels. The people were unbelievable and the elders were extremely kind. I seriously considered being the next Senior Leader. He was the catch. The church wanted to identify me as the next Senior Pastor and then begin a 10-year succession plan. As a young man in my mid 30's I knew this wasn't in the cards for me. Although I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, I knew I didn't want to sit on the bench for 10 years while in the prime of my life. And so I got incredibly focused. I told myself, I'd find a way to become a 6-Figure Author more out of necessity than out of desire.

 Becoming a 6-Figure Author isn't about the money; it's about the freedom. 

If I wanted to do what I loved full-time then I needed to provide for my family. I knew this meant replacing my income so I could pay for health insurance, mortgage, school, vehicles, food, clothing and the money required to start a business.

How a 6-Figure Author?

It's been 5 years since I left my day job. Looking back, I wish I had a map or even a model. But I didn't. Prior to leaving the church I had a ton of fear and it all centered around not being able to pay the bills and provide for my family. David Branderhorst, my business partner today, told me I was a like a bird in a cage. The door finally swung open and I sat in the cage staring at freedom, wondering if I really wanted it after all. I finally found my wings and a way to become a 6-Figure Author right out of the gate. I made three critical mental shifts. I also turned my books into 18 streams of income. We did this with Your Secret Name, then The Deeper Path, Day Job to Dream Job, and even my last book, a fiction one called Elixir Project. This model worked so well, I began sharing it with other authors who also became 6-Figure Authors too. Fast-forward five years and today we have a Global 7-Figure Business. We're helping hundreds of other authors achieve their financial goals so that they can have the freedom to do their passion full-time too.

You have a choice

What about you? Are you an author? Are you an aspiring author? Have you bought into the myth that you need to be a starving artist? Or do you believe it's possible to write full-time? You have a choice and the choice you make will make you. In today's podcast I share more on this topic. (Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher)   I also invite you to join me in the FREE 6-Figure Author 5-Day Challenge. Here's why...

Writing as a hobby or a part-time passion is a tough gig. I tried it for 8 years with my first 3 books. Then I discovered a system that helped me turn my passion into a full-time gig. I turned each of my next 4 books into 18 Streams of Income and 6-Figure Businesses. Join our FREE 6-Figure Author 5-Day Challenge facebook community and I'll show you how.

You have a challenge

You can think about becoming a 6-Figure Author or you can take the first step toward becoming one. All it takes is one simple click. It's FREE and it will connect you to a community, just like you. Life change can happen in a moment. And when you prepare the for the moment, the moment is prepared for you.

Dreams aren't given to you; they're given through you. Your dream is a temporary trust and unless you take action, it will flee you as quickly as it found you.

Start Dreaming. Stop Doing

I want you to imagine a life you love. If you're like most people then this isn't your current reality...at least not yet. But turning points happen in an instant and this could be your defining moment. Change happens when we decide to think differently and then back that new thinking with new acting. I just recently returned from a trip where I wrote, spoke, and coached some amazing men and women from all over the world. I taught 4 different times. I also connected with many industry leading colleagues at something called the Epic Breakfast Club. I didn't pay for my housing, my travel, or my food on this trip. Every single place I went, my ticket in the door was simply my books. Reflecting over this past week and over my last 15 years, I've discovered how to turn my books into a dream business.

Turn your Book into your Dream Business

Books are somewhat magic. They open doors you didn't even know existed. Here's what I mean.

D - Demystify: Books help you clarify your message.

R - Refortify: Books help you strengthen your brand.

E - Edify: Books help you build your business.

A - Amplify: Books help you increase your impact.

M - Magnify: Books help you expand your reach.

In today’s podcast episode I share how to turn your book into a business. (Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher)  

Stop Dreaming. Start doing.

If this sounds interesting, I want to show you how to do the same. I want to teach you how to turn a Book into a Dream Business. This week I have a FREE webinar where you can discover:

---> 5 Reasons why your Book ISN'T a Business Card Business cards don’t change lives. Books do! I’ll show you 5 reasons why your book is actually a business. Better yet, I’ll show you 1 simple step for turning your book into a dream business.

---> 3 Differences between Poor Authors and Smart Authors Although I was traditionally published, I made 3 major mistakes with my first 3 books. As a result, I kept my day job. I’ll show you how I made the switch and turned my next 4 books into 4 separate 6-figure businesses.

---> How to Turn your Book into 18 Streams of Income No hype…just hope. I’ll give you a roadmap for turning your current and future book into 18 streams of income. Sink your teeth into a proven model that gets results. I’ll unpack each model and give you one simple step to start your dream business today.

The webinar is free, but our spots are almost full. Register now and get your free ebook immediately.

Is your book everything it could be?

For far too long, we’ve witnessed inferior books outshine superior ones simply because of better marketing. Although it might not be fair, it’s reality. The Author Elective Series is designed to help authors and aspiring authors create more influence, impact, and income from their books. Don't worry. You don't have to become someone you're not. And we're not talking about settling for spammy or salesy.     Instead, you'll meet authors just like you who followed our model and found the way to win. By redefining selling as serving and marketing as storytelling, you can level up your game too, just like them. In this live FREE 3-part Master Class series you'll discover:

#1 - How to get your book into Barnes & Nobles and other bookstores

#2 - How to spike your book sales with a killer trailer and launch party

#3 - How to get 50 or more Amazon reviews in 1 day

As an author it's easy to feel like everyone is against you. Imagine finally writing a book and then having Barnes & Nobles and other brick and mortar bookstores tell you:

"Sorry we CAN'T carry your book."

Notice I used the word CAN'T not WON'T. The problem is that many authors don't know the insider secrets that allow Barnes & Nobles to carry your book. It has nothing to do with self-publishing. (HINT: It has everything to do with createspace and several other important factors.) Remember, I'm a coach to over 300 authors. It's my passion and joy to create a system that removes all the obstacles from your book getting into Barnes & Nobles and other brick and mortar bookstores. I'll tell you more about my proven model on our upcoming Author Elective Series.       I look forward to sharing these insider secrets. It's time to stop playing small. You and your book are worth it.  

Hope you can join us. Click on the pic below or this link. We have a limited numbers of seats for these FREE LIVE Master Classes.

 

In this blog post I'll show you 18 streams of income you can create from your book. If you want my advance training immediately, access it for FREE here. Best wishes and enjoy the blog post and the training. 

Your Book Shouldn't Be a Business Card

Many times I meet authors who treat their books like business cards. Why? I'm not sure. Perhaps a self-proclaimed guru or mentor gave them this advice somewhere along the way. Although there are major differences between business cards and businesses, most authors don't know them. Sadly, this is why most authors are also broke. Here are just a few of the differences:      

Poor Authors Make These 3 Mistakes

I started out as a poor author and I stayed a poor author, despite being a traditionally published. Put it this way, although I wanted to be a full-time writer I kept my day job. I made 3 critical mistakes in the beginning.

18 Streams of Income for your Book

Then in 2010 with my 4th book I started to get smarter. I changed my perspective and my influence, impact, and income began increasing. As a result, I turned my next 4 books each into 6 figure+ businesses. These 18 Streams of Income helped my dream of becoming a full-time writer become a reality. (If you want my advance training immediately, access it for FREE here.)

1. Audiobooks

A few months ago I wrote a blog post and recorded a podcast called: Why Audiobooks are the Fastest-Growing Format in Publishing and How to Cash In. If your books aren't on audio you are missing a huge opportunity. The “Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks“ offer got me started on audiobooks a few years ago. Now I’m hooked! I've turned most of my books into audiobooks including my December release Elixir Project. Here are 3 reasons why audiobooks are exploding in popularity:

* Audiobook players (a.k.a. smart phones) are always within our grasp. * Audiobooks create an entirely different experience. (The spoken word adds a     new dynamic.) * Audiobooks allow us to do two things at once (1 cognitive and 1 non-                 cognitive).

2. ebooks

Similarly to audiobook players, ebook readers are now as close as your smartphone. The average person touches their smartphone over 2600 times a day. Reading an ebook can happen while standing on a subway, sitting in a doctor's office, or waiting in line at the grocery store. The deal sweetens rather quickly when most ebook royalties now pay authors 70% of the retail price.

3. Hardcover

Hardcovers make a statement unlike any other format. They scream expensive and they are. They often retail at more than twice the price of the paperback version. However, self-published authors and top selling traditional authors can benefit from getting massive discounts for their hardcover books when they order in bulk. (This is why you sometimes see certain authors "giving" away 10,000 copies of their hardcovers at their conferences—one copy per attendee.)

4. Softcover

Softcovers (also called paperbacks) are still hot sellers. This format gives your readers the benefit of your book without the higher cost of a hardcover.

5. EPUB

EPUB is an e-book file format with the extension .epub that can be downloaded and read on devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, or e-readers. Why not maximize your book sales by making it available in every format possible?

6. Mastermind Group

Napoleon Hill defined a Mastermind as, "Two or more people, who work in perfect harmony for the attainment of a definite purpose." Masterminds can range in price from FREE to over $100,000 per person per year for high end versions. I've created Masterminds around several of my books including this one that centered around Day Job to Dream Job.

7. Self-Study Online Programs

Many readers want to experience your content on a deeper level. As a result, we've created an online coaching program for each of my last 4 books, including my fiction book too. Clients can access the content 24/7. Best of all, you only need to create this once and then you can increase your influence, impact, and income for the rest of your life. Here is a description for each of our 4 Online Programs:

* Your Secret Name 5 Week Journey * The Deeper Path Coaching Cohort * Dream Job Bootcamp * Elixir Project Experience

8. Live Coaching Programs

I love the rush I get from coaching clients through my books in a live setting. Although I started in 2012 with in-person coaching programs, after a few months I quickly moved these coaching programs to include a live virtual programs too. This is easy to do with Zoom for as little as $15 a month. You can even record the session and send the video to clients who had to miss. It's as easy as connecting with your phone, tablet, or computer.

9. Certification Program for Speakers, Trainers, Coaches

One of the smartest ways to increase your influence, impact, and income is to certify other people to speak, coach, and train on your content. We began this process in 2011 and today we now have over 100 team members in over a dozen countries. It's been a wonderful process for everyone involved. We open up our Igniting Souls Teams four times a year. You can check out the benefits and the process for each of our three teams below:

* Your Secret Name Team * Deeper Path Team * Dream Job Team

10. Paid Webinars

You can run FREE webinars through Go To Webinar or many other platforms. These webinars can be live or recorded. We run several FREE ones like How to Become Unhackable. However, you can charge a fee for these webinars too. It's a great way to bring in some extra income and extend your reach.

11. Paid Conference Calls

Paid conference calls are cheaper and just as effective. I ran dozens of conference calls several years ago. With FREE tools like eventbrite and freeconferencing there is no reason not to. We use eventbrite monthly and have for the past five years.

12. Keynote Speaking

Getting paid to share your message is an incredibly rewarding experience. Why not? You're the expert...and you literally wrote the book! You should be the one to speak on your subject matter. Keynote speaking often involves traveling to breathtaking places and connecting with amazing people.

13. Live Seminars

I've done over one hundred live seminars on topics from my books. These ranged from 30 minutes to several hours. I love this format because it gives people the opportunity to experience you and your content in a small way without a high level of commitment. Don't forget to have a table in the back where you can make your books and coaching programs available.

14. Conferences

The past 5 years we've had an annual event called the Igniting Souls Conference. People come from all over the world come to attend. Think of it as a family reunion chocked full of practical content. Last year we designed the entire conference around my most recent book—Elixir Project. Attendees learned how to become Unhackable in work and life.

15. Workshop Immersion

Don't think your event needs to take place within the four walls of a hotel or conference center. My book Day Job to Dream Job uses a Shawshank Redemption metaphor to describe how the prison of our day jobs keep us institutionalized. In the book I teach people how to go from Prison to Plan to Payoff. I thought it would be cool to have an event called Escaping Shawshank at Shawshank Prison. We taught people how to escape the prisons holding them back. Every attendee said this event was life-changing. Think outside the box. Maybe your immersion experience could be at a castle, a bed-and-breakfast, a museum, or some other exclusive location relevant to your book.

16. High-End book Creation Consulting

Once you create a few of these streams of income, people begin to take notice. They look to you as an authority who can help them in their own author journey. If you'd like you can begin consulting with individuals or organizations. I call these 1/2 day experiences Igniter Sessions. I find them incredibly fulfilling for me and the author alike.

17. High-End book Marketing and Launch Consulting

Again, at this point you're creating an amazing enterprise. I document everything I do in my own launches so I can help others save time and money when it comes time to create their own launches. Marketing the book is as important as writing and publishing the book. Although I charge for my consulting, I share many tips, tricks, and tools, in this FREE training. Over 50,000 authors have benefitted from this content.

18. Author Program

After creating 17 streams of income you might want to think about creating your own author program. I've helped over 300 authors write, publish, and market their book the right way. Each of them started by watching the FREE training below. On the webinar there is no click to buy anything. Rather, you'll receive a webinar guidebook that will help you on your author journey. Every minute is designed to bring you value. I've reduced the most important lessons I've learned in my 13+ year career as a 6 time traditionally published author.  

Now it's Your Turn

I hope this blog post has helped you imagine what's possible for your book. And I hope you never refer to your book as a business card. Books change lives, including your current or future one. If there's anything you need or if you'd like to share your thoughts about this post please comment below. I read every single one and my heart is to serve and help you on your author journey. If you know another author who would be inspired to dream bigger by reading this post please share it with him or her. And don't forget about the limited time FREE author training. Your Author Coach,   —Kary Oberbrunner    

"I'm going to build my platform before I become an author." "Just like all those other big-time authors, I need a bigger following first." "I don't have enough fans to publish now." These statements might sound wise or even prudent, right? And you might have said them or heard other people say them. But these aren't justifications for delaying your dream of becoming an author.

It's time to label them for what they truly are.

EXCUSES!

Stop comparing. Start creating.  We need you and your message.

  As an author of 7 books—spanning the past 13 years—and as a coach to over 300 authors I've gotten pretty good at smelling fear. The truth is I used to believe these same lies. When I first started, before I saw my writing dreams come true, I was scared and stuck. I didn't know whom to trust or what to believe. An author named Max took a couple hours and invested in me way back in 1998. He helped me believe that I could one day become an author. Seems like many aspiring authors can relate to feeling stuck. They cling to the soundbites above so they can rationalize their tendency to procrastinate. Besides, they've heard that unless you have a big platform they don't have a chance in the marketplace. Focusing on getting a bigger platform gives them the illusion that they're being productive. The truth is it's a delightful distraction that keeps you from making your dream come true.  In this post we'll separate fact from fiction. We'll unpack the real issues one at a time. Then you can decide for yourself if you need a bigger following before you write your book.

What is a platform?

While platform is a buzzword that strikes fear into would-be authors, the truth is many people toss around the word without having an accurate definition.

Platform is the ability for you and your message to be seen and heard. 

In the old days, people would stand on “soapboxes” and communicate their message. These raised platforms were often wooden crates originally used for shipment of soap or other dry goods from a manufacturer to a retail store. “Soapboxes” functioned as inexpensive and portable temporary platforms for street corner speakers attempting to be seen and heard at improvised outdoor meetings. Today our platforms are more sophisticated.

How big should your platform be?

I get this questions all the time.

Hey Kary, I don't have a big platform. I don't have a big following. Should I still write a book or should I focus on building my platform first?

The answer is start NOW...wherever you are!

You'll be building your platform for the rest of your life. It's true for everybody. Look at the biggest celebrities. Did you know the Pope has a twitter account? And Oprah Winfrey and her team are trying to increase her reach every single day. She is focused on getting more listeners, viewers, and touching more people around the world. Why? Because there are more people around the world who do not know about her. The Pope and Oprah are still focused on building their platforms. Therefore, you and I will be building ours for quite a while too. If you wait until your platform is "big enough" or until you have "enough followers" before you publish then you will be waiting for the rest of your life. It's just another excuse. How do I know this? Because way back when in 2004, when I published my first book, I didn't have a platform. But I wrote it anyway. And then guess what happened? I gained readers. Then I wrote another book and got more readers and more media gigs. And then a few years later, I published again and then again. The point is I got started. You have a dream inside you for a reason. Don't let your story die inside you. If you do you'll regret it. I meet people all the time who are full of regrets.

3 Ways to get a Bigger Platform

Don't think I'm against platforms. They certainly help you spread your message by getting you seen and heard. But from the beginning, my strategy has always been both/and NOT either/or.

The most successful authors do BOTH. They write their books AND increase their platforms.

Also, don't think getting a bigger platform is a one size fits all. There are 3 ways to get a bigger platform. Intuitive authors know this and use it to their advantage.

1. You can BUY a Platform

Investing money to increase your platform is usually classified as Interruption Marketing. According to Seth Godin, interruption marketing is communicating messages that interrupt customers while they are doing something of their preference. Examples include advertisements on television, radio, or social media. Most businesses prefer interruption marketing because it’s faster, easier, and cheaper. Here are a few examples:

Purchasing email lists Spamming (illegal) Running ads Placing flyers on windshields Delivering free community papers to your door

Unfortunately, this type of marketing doesn’t work in the long run. For starters, think of the internet as one big, noisy room. Over time people naturally tune out these interruptions. Secondly, it requires more and more money to get people's attention. Consider this year's Super Bowl. According to Forbes, the cost of a 30-second spot is a whopping $5 million dollars, the equivalent of $166,667 per second.

2. You can BUILD a Platform

Building a platform is effective, it just takes a very long time. I should know. My first book released in 2004 and I've been building my platform ever since. Examples of building a platform are:

Writing a blog Launching a podcast Shooting a video

When you build your platform you're usually engaging in permission marketing versus interruption marketing. Notice the difference, also explained by Seth Godin:

Permission marketing is the privilege (not the right) of delivering anticipated, personal and relevant messages to people who actually want to get them. Real permission is different from presumed or legalistic permission. Just because you somehow get my email address doesn’t mean you have permission. Because I don’t complain doesn’t mean you have permission. Just because it’s in the fine print of your privacy policy doesn’t mean it’s permission either. Real permission works like this: if you stop showing up, people complain, they ask where you went.

3. You can BORROW a Platform

There is a much faster and effective way to getting a bigger platform. It's not a result of buying or building. I increased my platform exponentially by BORROWING other people's platforms. Borrowing someone else's platform means that they invite you on their stage. They extend their trust to you and promote you and your message. Over the years I've:

Stood on other people's stages Spoken on other people's podcasts Talked on other people's TV stations Written on other people's blogs Shared on other people's radio stations

If I waited to get a big enough platform before I wrote any of my 7 books I would have been waiting forever. Thankfully I didn't. I wouldn't have been able to buy or build a platform fast enough. Instead, I wrote my books AND borrowed other people's platforms. Don't get me wrong. Buying and building aren't bad. However, they have limitations.

Buying a platform often costs a bunch of money. Building a platform often takes a bunch of time. Borrowing a platform doesn't require time or money.

Over the past 13 years I've discovered how to have other people invite you onto their platform. Here are just a few examples.  

I Want to Help you Like I Helped Them

I love to help aspiring authors. Over the years I've helped hundreds write, publish, and market their books. They all began just like me...scared and stuck. They didn't know whom to trust or what to believe. They clung to the soundbites floating around so they could rationalize their tendency to procrastinate. They heard that unless they had a big platform they didn't have a chance in the marketplace. Today these people are authors. Here's a picture of just a small amount of authors I've helped. They're each holding their book. Many have gone on to do amazing things. They've spoken all over the world and helped many people. They've also increased their influence, impact, and income. (I'm the bald guy with a girl's name in the middle.)  

One aspiring author named Dalia asked me to help her get in front of a particular celebrity with 2 million followers. I shared my process with her and within days she was featured on this actress' instagram account.

   

Enjoy my Free Author Training

I'll never forget how Max invested a couple hours in me. To this day I still have his letter way back from 1998. He changed my life by believing in me. His encouragement convinced me that one day I could become a full-time writer. (See a picture of that letter below.) As a result, I want to pass on what Max did for me and help you overcome your obstacles and help you achieve your dreams. I have a FREE training that has helped over 50,000 authors. There is nothing to buy in this FREE training. I give you nearly ninety minutes of solid content. Since I believe in practicing 100% integrity, I'll tell you up front that at the end of that training if you want more from me, there is a simple form where you can request more information. My FREE training even comes with a helpful interactive guidebook to help you on your author journey. I know you'll enjoy it. Most importantly...just get started. Stop delaying your dream and remember...I believe in you.  Please comment below and let me know a little bit about yourself. What do you want to write about?  

(Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher.)

(Listen via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher.)

Audiobooks are on the rise

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've probably heard of audiobooks. Maybe you're even one of the millions of people who use an audiobook subscription service? Places like Audible are getting smarter. They remove all the risk by giving you a 30 day free trial with audiobooks included.   The "Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks" offer got me started on audiobooks a few years ago. Now I'm hooked! Like many people, I found my margin for reading getting smaller and smaller. Yet, I also realized I had unencumbered time when I was driving, running, and doing errands. Rather than wasting this time, I popped in my bluetooth earpiece (when driving) OR wore some inexpensive headphones (when running). {There are hundreds of options for both, including the pair I use for driving and running.} Business guru Brian Tracy reveals what's possible in our daily "drive time." He says:

The average person drives 12,000 to 25,000 miles per year which works out to between 500 and 1,000 hours per year that the average person spends in his or her car. You can become an expert in your field by simply listening to educational audio programs as you drive from place to place.

  After a short amount of time, I found myself working out my brain and my body simultaneously. Since then, I've consumed many quality books and kept my edge physically, emotionally, and professionally—even as a husband and father of three little ones. I'm not alone. Audiobook downloads have doubled in the past 5 years.  

3 Reasons why audiobooks are exploding

In episode 96, I share several reasons why audiobooks are quickly becoming the preferred medium (listen via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher).

1. Audiobook players (a.k.a. smart phones) are always within our grasp.
2. Audiobooks create an entirely different experience. (The spoken word adds a new dynamic.)
3. Audiobooks allow us to do two things at once (1 cognitive and 1 non-cognitive).

Heather Masters, the narrator of Elixir Project, joins me on the Igniting Souls Podcast. We reveal key business principles like:

• How to attract top level talent to work with you and for you.
• Why your first email to top talent says everything about you.
• How vision-casting is essential to drawing out the best in your teammates.
• Why you should treat the people you hire as your clients.

Enjoy episode 96 and click HERE to  Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks. Who knows? Elixir Project might be one of two you choose.