Fiction vs. Non-Fiction: The Right Choice for Entrepreneurs

Welcome to the latest newsletter
of Million Dollar Author!

I'm Travis Cody & I have over 15 published books, as well as a rich history of working as a screenwriter in Hollywood. I am bringing you the latest insights and tips from the trenches of the publishing world. Whether you're working on your first manuscript or polishing your latest masterpiece, my mission is to help you unlock your full potential and become a Million Dollar Author. Weeky, we will go over strategies that can transform your approach to writing, editing, & marketing so that you feel confident to get your book done! Let’s get started!

Not all books are created equal - you need to publish the right book for your business.

After being a published writer for nearly 30 years, I can tell you that there are over a dozen different types of books, and each serves a different purpose. As an entrepreneur, writing the wrong type of book can lead to poor sales, struggles with reviews, and missed opportunities to enhance your influence and respect in your industry.

Let’s dive into the types of books and identify the one that can propel your business forward.

Fiction Books

Fiction is what most people envision when they think of authorship. While it’s attractive and romantic, making significant money from fiction is challenging. The average author needs to publish 12 books to make $1,000 per month in revenues. How long would it take you to write 12 books?

Non-Fiction Books

Non-fiction books usually focus on specific experiences or periods. Examples include "Mozart in the Jungle," "Orange is the New Black," and "American Sniper." My book, "30 Days Unplugged," started as a journal of my experience disconnecting from technology for 30 days. Non-fiction shouldn’t be confused with memoirs, which cover a person’s full life story.

Memoirs

Memoirs delve into the author’s life story. They are a popular subcategory of non-fiction but have a distinct focus on personal narrative.

Children's Books, Coloring Books, and Young Adult Books

These categories, like "Twilight" or "Hunger Games," cater to younger audiences. They are lucrative but not typically aligned with business growth objectives for entrepreneurs.

Cookbooks and Recipe Books

Cookbooks are another popular genre but unless your business is food-related, they might not be the best fit.

Self-Help/Personal Development Books

These encompass diet, fitness, leadership, skills, and more. They are great for positioning yourself as an expert in a particular field.

Scholar Books

Academic books and trade journals are written by and for scholars. They can enhance credibility in academic and professional fields.

eBooks

eBooks are a booming industry. I have a client who sold over 2 million copies of his eBooks without appearing on any bestseller list. eBooks can command premium pricing, making them a lucrative option.

Interview Books

These can be based on interviews you've conducted or interviews with you. Tim Ferriss’s "Tools for Titans" and "Tribe of Mentors" are prime examples.

Expert/Authority Positioning Books

This is the type of book you, as an entrepreneur, should focus on. It positions you as a master in your field, builds credibility, sets you apart, and opens doors to speaking engagements, media appearances, and more clients.

Remember, the right book can be a game-changer for your business!