Stop right there: don’t write a word of your new book until you are absolutely sure you’ve got your Big Idea figured out.
The title of your book can sometimes change as you write it. But what shouldn’t change are the big concepts you want to cover.
If you don’t have those nailed down, stop what you’re doing, and listen to this episode.
Jeff Goins shares a brilliant approach for writing a best-selling book. He’s reverse-engineered some of the most popular nonfiction books and found a formula that seems to apply to all of them.
In this 26-minute episode, Jeff and Pamela discuss:
- The counterintuitive angle you can use to make your topic sound fascinating (bonus: it will sell more books, too)
- How to come up with a “that’s interesting!” idea that makes people want to know more
- Why complete honesty in the way you approach your topic is essential
- Three ways to think about what a book actually is (it’s more than what you think)
Listen to Zero to Book below ...

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Hey Pamela and Jeff. You two have come strong out the gate. I think I’m really going to love this Podcast and I already feel like it’s helping me formulate my ideas, the kind that will have “that’s interesting!” hook. Thanks so much for doing this.
Thanks for listening, David!
This episode contained excellent information.
This episode led me to completely re-think my Big Idea for the book I’m writing. Thanks Jeff and Pamela!
The questions you raised led me to a much stronger premise for the book … and an idea that I think will find a much larger audience.
So glad it was helpful, Sonia. It helped me, too!
I am not writing a “thought leader” kind of non-fic book at the moment.. or so I thought! This interview allowed me to look at the whole thing with a new perspective and I think I can definitely incorporate some of the advice and make my book stronger.
I’m another one who had to completely re-think my Big Idea for the book after listening to this episode! I know my book will be better for it – so thank you! – but right now I’m back on the drawing board 🙂
Good luck, Jen. Keep us posted!