Episode 19

Mick Silva

Evaluating Your Book Idea

As a long time editor and writing coach, Mick knows how to spot a good idea, and he knows how to help clarify your idea into a book project worth working on. Mick joins me to share his questions for evaluation.
As a long time editor and writing coach, Mick knows how to spot a good idea, and he knows how to help clarify your idea into a book project worth working on. Mick joins me to share his questions for evaluation.
00:00 57:59

Show Notes:19. Mick Silva — Evaluating Your Book Idea

As a long time editor and writing coach, Mick knows how to spot a good idea, and he knows how to help clarify your idea into a book project worth working on. Mick joins me to share his questions of evaluation.

Mick’s Vision Questions:

  1. 1. What is the 30-word summary of the one thing your book is about—the unique, compelling appeal? (Why would anyone read it over other books?)
  2. 2. What is the specific demographic and psychographic of the book’s audience? (35-to-50-year-old working mom with degree who wants solutions for balancing discipline and love in parenting.)
  3. 3. What is your reader’s felt need, i.e. the big problem? Also define the size of the need.
  4. 4. How will your book meet your readers’ felt need? What is your solution to their problem? Be specific. (Where are they mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and where will they be afterward?)
  5. 5. What support helps prove your market exists? (stats, research, trends, reports, etc.)
  6. 6. Survey the competition and compare the content of the significant competition in print. Find at least 3 similar titles and how yours is different.
  7. 7. Outline your writing experience and annual sales of your previously published works.
  8. 8. Summarize your education, experience and career background.
  9. 9. Explain your qualifications to write on this topic and your platform (speaking, ministry, affiliations, churches, groups, endorsers, friends/influencers in the industry, etc.). Provide endorsements and/or a foreword, and share how you will promote.
  10. 10. In 100 words, share why you wrote this book. What does it mean to you personally?
  • It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
  • For the last year this kid has trained, often five nights a week. I told him I would never make him, but if he wanted, I would find a way to get him there. His hard work paid off. He had to compete at a higher belt level and still won his three matches to take first in the bracket. Some many great lessons. @dynastyjiujitsu
  • Just working on a little Bible project.
  • We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
  • Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
  • Collecting shells and cracking coconuts.
  • Silver Dollar City 2024
  • I’ve been hunting with Millie for twelve years. Not sure how many more I’ll get, but this was another good one.
  • South Dakota pheasant hunting with my dad and brother.
It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
It doesn’t get better than catching smallmouth with Will on the river. And he definitely out fished me today.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
For the last year this kid has trained, often five nights a week. I told him I would never make him, but if he wanted, I would find a way to get him there. His hard work paid off. He had to compete at a higher belt level and still won his three matches to take first in the bracket. Some many great lessons. @dynastyjiujitsu
For the last year this kid has trained, often five nights a week. I told him I would never make him, but if he wanted, I would find a way to get him there. His hard work paid off. He had to compete at a higher belt level and still won his three matches to take first in the bracket. Some many great lessons. @dynastyjiujitsu
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
Just working on a little Bible project.
Just working on a little Bible project.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
We got it in before the snow comes. Fun day.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
Happy birthday to the cutest 8 year old I know.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/10
Collecting shells and cracking coconuts.
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/10
Silver Dollar City 2024
Silver Dollar City 2024
Silver Dollar City 2024
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
I’ve been hunting with Millie for twelve years. Not sure how many more I’ll get, but this was another good one.
I’ve been hunting with Millie for twelve years. Not sure how many more I’ll get, but this was another good one.
I’ve been hunting with Millie for twelve years. Not sure how many more I’ll get, but this was another good one.
I’ve been hunting with Millie for twelve years. Not sure how many more I’ll get, but this was another good one.
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
South Dakota pheasant hunting with my dad and brother.
South Dakota pheasant hunting with my dad and brother.
South Dakota pheasant hunting with my dad and brother.
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/10

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