SPQ 008: How Do You Manage Multiple Book Projects?

SPQ 008: How Do You Manage Multiple Book Projects?

The Question…

A reader asks how many projects Steve typically has in his publishing pipeline. In this episode, Steve explains how he moves from idea to completed project.

Biggest Takeaway…

[Tweet “Don’t sit on any finished titles; publish them immediately! “]

Steve’s Answer…

Steve usually works on no more than two or three books at a time. He doesn’t sit on any finished titles; he publishes them immediately. If he has an idea for another book, he writes it down and then continues working on his current project.

The process starts with an idea. Steve often gets book ideas when he is running or doing something other than writing. He uses Evernote to record these ideas so he doesn’t forget any of them. Then he lets the idea “ferment” for about two to four weeks so he can gather information and come up with related ideas.

Steve has a 46-step checklist he uses for every book project. He prints this list and starts filling it out as he completes the steps. Then he writes until the book is complete.

It’s important to have a process because you won’t get stuck at a “single point of failure.” If you have other projects in the pipeline, you won’t be stuck doing nothing while you wait for an editor, cover designer, or writing partner. This is why Steve recommends working on two projects at a time.

Resource Links

Evernote: Steve’s recommended tool for capturing ideas and organizing information

46-Step Kindle Publishing Checklist: The checklist Steve uses to move each project from idea to completion

4 thoughts on “SPQ 008: How Do You Manage Multiple Book Projects?”

  1. Steve,

    Having a minimum of two books at various stages of the production process is great advice.

    I know you are a fan of Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit and in it he talks about the habit loop – Cue, Routine, Reward plus the craving – and for me having various books at various stages has created this loop that helps me push them along. I crave getting them moved from one stage to another.

    This also helps with writer’s block. If I don’t feel like writing one day (which hardly happens) I know there are plenty of other non-writing, but crucial publishing tasks I can focus on.

    I love the short, targeted format of the podcast, keep it up.

    George

    Reply
    • Good attitude! There are lots of things you can do to promote your books–even when you’re not in the mood to write. That’s why I love checklists because if you’re at a low energy level, you can pull out your list and do a few small actions that can still drive your book business forward.

      Reply
  2. Good attitude! There are lots of things you can do to promote your
    books–even when you’re not in the mood to write. That’s why I love
    checklists because if you’re at a low energy level, you can pull out
    your list and do a few small actions that can still drive your book
    business forward.

    Reply

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