Before you even START to write your FIRST book...Read this one! Whether you've already started to write, are still thinking about writing, have written already, or are anywhere on the road to publishing a non-fiction book, this book will guide you through the process. From starting, finishing and polishing your manuscript, to understanding the self publishing vs traditional publishing models and then handling your marketing and distribution challenges you'll find out how to AVOID Expensive learning curves and traps for new authors! With the experience of publishing, marketing, and distributing dozens of non-fiction books in the last 10 years, Dixie Maria Carlton openly shares all that she's learned about the process of going from Idea to Author-ity that will save any author time, significant money, and frustration when faced with "I wrote a book - now what?" Having helped more than 50 authors, to write/publish/market/distribute and get leverage on their books, Dixie knows what it takes to get from just having a 'gem of an idea' all the way through to actually earning an income from writing books and using them as a paid expert or thought leader. A strong background in promotional marketing, social media, and being entrenched in the global professional speaking industry for many years, Dixie and knows how it all fits together too. Interview with the Author Q: What made you decide to write this book? A: I have helped more than 40 authors to write and publish books, and over 10 years I've learned a lot about what it takes to not only write, but also to publish and then use that book to help promote their wisdom, expertise, or stories. I developed a step by step formula that makes the writing really easy and keep sharing how to write and publish a book - so decided it was time to write a book about how to write a book. Q: What is special about your book writing skills and formula? A: Well quite simply I love making big things easy, and my writing skills formula for non-fiction books is one that will help anyone to map out the manuscript, write the content, and have it ready for the editiing, design, and formatting phase within just a few weeks. Then this book also walks the reader through what happens next. Q: What do you love most about helping people to write books? A: I love that even if you are pressed for time, or have limited writing skills, I can help get the information in someone's head out to a book so that they can use their book to really market their own expertise and specialist skills better. Q: Are you saying that being an author should be part of someone's marketing strategy? A: Yes - because if you become an Author-ity:, you can use your opportunities to speak to groups and share your knowledge through blogs and articles (already mostly written in your book content) to really connect with your readers - and they can become your most easily sold to customers. Q: So your book helps people to become better at writing for business? A: I'm sure my formula and publishing guidelines help people become better at business writing, and then guides them to better use their material for attracting ideal customers and clients.