So you have an idea for a book.... now what? 

Well, for one, you could just start writing. Block off some time in your day—5 minutes, 15 minutes, an hour—and just start writing everything you can think of that has to do with your idea. You could even dictate and use a service to transcribe your musings. That would be a phenomenal start. Try doing that every day for a week and get excited about what reveals itself on the page. If you're enjoying the process and feel like you have more to get out, keep on going!

If only it were always that simple.

No one needs an editor or a book coach to start writing, but for most people, especially first-time authors, it's easy to get stuck in the idea phase. Many authors feel more comfortable working within a structure that ensures their efforts are moving them in the right direction. That's where I come in. 

Idea to Outline Program 

One of the ways I support authors in getting past "I have an idea" to "I'm writing a book" is through my Idea to Outline program. It's particularly useful for authors who are looking to land a book deal, because it forces them to consider all of the business aspects of writing and publishing a book, in addition to their personal desires and goals for the endeavor. Over the four-week Idea to Outline program, I meet with authors weekly to brain-dump all of their thoughts, dreams, and goals for what their book might be. Then, I use that information to help them determine a publishing path and to create a book plan, outline, and process for moving forward. To learn more about the Idea to Outline Program, click here. 

Ultimate Book Planning Guide

For authors who prefer a more self-directed approach, I offer my Ultimate Book planning guide, which includes 20 pages of critical questions, thoughtful prompts, and curated resources derived from my near two decades of publishing experience. The guide serves as the book's "North Star," keeping authors inspired and on track to write the book that's burning in their hearts. To purchase my planning guide, click here. 

Getting Unstuck Consulting

For authors who fall somewhere in the middle—they're not ready for the full Idea to Outline program but would  appreciate personalized support—consulting is the way to go. I offer 60-minute consulting sessions to help address author’s questions and concerns about where they are in the process and to determine their next step. Authors can send their questions and up to 10 pages of their work in advance, which I use to prepare for the call. To schedule a consulting call, click here.

For all three options, the goal is that the author has a sound foundation from which they feel confident taking the next step in making their book a reality. 

If you're in the "I have an idea" stage and aren't sure what to do next, I'm here to help. Contact me and we can figure out the best way to work together for your needs. 

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There are three things that I look for to guide authors on taking a self publishing or a traditional book deal route:

1. Story
2. Platform
3. Timing

Story: Is it unique? Is it interesting? Is it trending? Importantly, is it something that you’ve already tested and that people have already shown an interest in? That says to me that there's something there.

This is usually the factor authors are most focused on, but, perhaps surprisingly, it’s the lowest hanging fruit of the three. The next one is the highest: 

Platform: Is your name already out there in the world in relation to the story you want to tell? Are you connected to people who can support you in promoting this book and establishing your credibility? Are you willing to do the ongoing work of building on that foundation?

You see, the way that it works with traditional publishing is that publishers aren’t really looking for people who want to use the book to build their name. They want people who already have a name so they can use it to sell the book. So either you need to have a platform in place or you need to be willing to do the work to build that platform before you get a book deal in order to attract the interest of a publisher. And, of course, you will have to do the ongoing work of growing your reach to promote and sell the book once you have a deal. 
And then timing, that's the last one. 

Timing: The unknown factor if you’re seeking a traditional book deal.

Let's say you had a a burning desire to get your book out in the next 12 months. I would tell you that the only way that you can guarantee that happening is if you self-publish. Because nobody can say for sure how long it's going to take to 1) get an agent and 2) for that agent to sell your book to a publisher. And then, once those two steps happen, with those big question marks as to how long they're gonna take, it's going to be generally 18 months to 2 years between signing a book contract and that book actually being published and put out into the world. So if you had a specific timeline you were looking for, that would be a reason for me to guide you towards self publishing.

Thoughts? Given those three factors, what do you think is the best publishing route for you?

When you're ready to take the next steps on whatever your publishing journey may be, I'm here to help. And if you're still not sure, contact me anyway! We can figure it out together! 

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Learn more about my products and services here. 
Sign up for upcoming promotions here.
Contact me here. 

Congratulations HeatherAsh Amara on an epic pub week!

Wild, Willing, and Wise is the #1 release on Amazon in Shamanism and I know why. This modern reimagining of the Maiden (wild), Mother (willing), and Crone (wise) archetypes gets to the heart of the turmoil women like me often feel about how to move through a world without feeling, simultaneously, like too much and not enough. 🤪🙃🫠

​​When should I say yes?

When should I say no?

When should I say f-ck it and risk it all?

​How can I learn to pause and trust in my intuition?

What are the energies I need to tap into to flow with life instead of resisting and inevitably getting tumbled by the waves? ​

​📚 Order Wild, Willing, and Wise wherever books are sold.

🤓 Contact me to learn how I supported HeatherAsh and how I might be able to help you!