The key to a best-selling book 🤩 ... Plus, a new era in publishing

Eight years ago, I stopped half way through my run, stared across the lake at downtown Toronto, and decided that I was never going back to work in the city again.

No more racing after the train, subways, stuck in traffic and sobbing over the steering wheel of my car because my kids are always the last ones picked up from daycare and it still isn’t enough at the office.

No more getting calls from the school and telling the teacher there is no way I can pick up my sick kid because by the time I make it home, school will be over anyway.

I closed that back door all the way shut and committed myself to a life of entrepreneurship—I would never work for anyone else ever again. 

Turns out, I’m my own worst boss 🤪

As a sole business owner, I work round the clock, including weekends, and last Friday that day started at 4am and ended at 11pm, and spilled over to Saturday and Sunday too.

But I’m building a team to help me grow, as I keep telling my kids. I love my work (maybe a little too much). And I still have the flexibility I’ve always wanted, to volunteer at my daughter’s school, look after my kids on sick days at home, and even squeeze in a little “me” time while everyone else is away at work and school.

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Much like writing a book, it takes a lot of courage and persistence and determination and get up and go and a village to cheer you forward on good days, and pick you back up on bad ones, but making that call was the best decision I ever made.

Back then, staring out across the water, I was afraid of leaving the “security” of my job and stepping off the corporate ladder. 

Now I know that was just fear and scarcity talking.

Sometimes you gotta decide: What’s bigger, your fear or your desire?

In the words of Florence and the Machine, “It’s hard to dance with the Devil on your back, so shake it off.”

Shake off that fear, because you and I, we’ve got dancing to do. 

Cat xo

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The secret to a best-selling book

My client Joe Lyons-Rising recently launched his book Pain Remixed: Navigating Life with Trauma, Grief, Depression and Anxiety.

Part memoir, part self-help, the book is a dream come true for this author who admits it was years in the making. (Until he met me, that is – wink-wink.)

I recently caught up with Joe, whose book has reached best-seller status on Amazon in multiple categories. (Congrats again, Joe! You rocked it!)

Joe shared with me his secret to best-selling success, and do you want to know what that was?

Asking for the sale.

Joe personally DM’d everyone he knew and many that he didn’t, asking them to buy and support his book.

As a result, he became a best-seller in at least 3 categories, ranking in the Top 20. 🏆

Now I can’t promise you’ll sell books no matter how many podcasts you get on.

Or morning shows.

Or from any other media or influencer coverage.

But looking at Joe’s example, I feel pretty confident in saying, that if you ask everyone you know to buy your book, you will likely fare better than most.

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The rise of self-publishing — a new era in publishing

Fans of the Tilt newsletter no doubt saw this piece about self-publishing bypassing traditional publishing in number of titles. (Thanks, Lori, for the heads-up!)

In its most recent report, Bowker found that the number of self-published titles with ISBNs rose 7.2% in 2023 over 2022, topping 2.6 million.

By comparison, the number of traditionally published titles fell 3.6%, to 563,019.

In the article, Draft2Digital’s Mark Coker is quoted as saying, “[It used to be that] self-publishing was viewed as the publishing option of last resort.” Today, self-publishing is the “option of choice” for many authors, as it offers greater control over their “pricing, promotion, and distribution,” allowing indie authors to connect with their audiences “faster, and more profitably.” 💰

The tide is turning, and it’s looking like money in the bank—"industry observers estimate that annual sales of self-published is in the billions of dollars”—and even publishing deals, with a growing number of traditional publishers in 2024 signing major deals for previously self-published books and series, particularly in the genres of romance, horror and romantasy. Several traditional publishers have even created imprints and programs dedicated to bringing in self-published authors. 

If you were waiting for self-publishing books to be more “legit” before hopping on the bandwagon, it’s already here. It might be a publishing path worth exploring for your next book.

PS: Want to know more about self-publishing versus traditional publishing? (I can help you with both!) I’ve opened my calendar to chat with a few people about their options and can help you find the best path forward for YOU. Click here to book a call with me.

How writing is like foreplay (and other things you won’t hear from other coaches)…plus 6 ways to monetize your book

How are you cultivating your creativity?

For me, mindset is everything.

What that looks like is boundaries, and protecting my mind space.

I have days for coaching calls. Days for potential partnerships calls. Days for connection and building relationships and what feels a lot like making new friends at the playground.

Then I have head down and write days. Edit days. Days where I shut myself off from the world as much as possible for the kind of deep focused work that only happens over longer stretches of time.

I do my writing and any creativity work first thing in the morning, and most days, I don’t take calls before noon. I warm up with a run or if it’s raining, indoor workout. Play some music. Make the bed. (Foreplay.) All the while whatever story or piece of content I’m mulling over is turning over and over in mind, so by the time I get to my computer I can’t wait to drive it home.

I’m an entrepreneur and I own my own business, so that helps—I finally have control over my schedule and my time (ish).

But just because you run your calendar doesn’t mean you have it optimized for performance.

So how can you better structure your days so you can give your best to everything you get to be and do? Decide what your priorities are first, then let your days fill up around that.

Cat xo

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6 ways to monetize your book

You didn’t hear it from me, but most of my clients are making waaaaaaay more money off their book derivatives than the book itself. After all, how many books would you need to sell to match a high-ticket client who read your book and just had to work with you? Or a speaking engagement you landed because your book caught the eye of an event organizer?

How many books sold add up to the price of one of your online courses or workshops?

How many books sold can match the value of an enhanced brand, more authority as an expert in your space, free media exposure and guest podcast interviews?

Don’t get me wrong—as an author and publishing consultant, I want to sell as many books as I can.

But also, I know there’s a lot more money—and opportunity—to be had when you have a book to leverage.

Lead generation, speaking engagements, spin off courses and workshops, “free” advertising, enhanced brand, growing platform and audience reach—these are all the benefits that come with being a published author.

So what are you waiting for?

PS: What’s between you and a published book? Fill out my survey here for the chance to get a free ticket to my book launch workshop!

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Giveaway!

Do you love books? I’m giving away free books over at catmargulis.com/books. Sign up for the chance to win a signed copy from one of my author friends!

If it’s good enough for Taylor Swift 🤔 ... Plus, should you self-publish? And how to social proof your book

One of my clients has a first edition copy of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich worth thousands of dollars. Recently, a collection of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first editions sold for over a HUNDRED THOUSAND dollars. 💸

I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I read or heard that ANYONE paid anything as much for a Tweet, Facebook post or even YouTube video.

Today, content is cheap, even though the time, energy and resources we all put into creating it is quite an investment. Few people are actually willing to pay anything for it—which is why most of the newspapers and magazines we used to subscribe to have fallen away. Instead of buying records, CDs and even theatre tickets, must of us pay a token subscription fee to Spotify and Netflix, and if artists and creators don’t play along, we’ll simply move on to the next one because we have a world of entertainment to choose from and never enough time to consume it all.

But books? Books may be one of the few things in life that continue to increase in value. Like the Bible, they endure. Through book burnings and censorship, library purges and exile. (As you can tell, I have a thing for rebel authors.) Through the rise of the Internet and social media and everyone everywhere having access to everything all the time. Through Kindle and audiobooks, Amazon and even AI.

I can’t tell the future, but by looking at the past, I’d say books are not going anywhere soon. And if Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich is any indication, their value will only continue to rise. As will any author who endeavours to contribute to our collective canon.

Cat xo

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Should you self-publish your book?

Last week, Taylor Swift set the internet on fire by announcing she would self-publish her next book, through her own imprint.

Self-publishing under her new Taylor Swift Publications, Swift’s 256-page Eras Tour book is scheduled to be released on Black Friday as a Target exclusive. 

Should I self-publish my book is a question I get a lot from authors. And here’s my long answer:

By self-publishing, Swift can expect to keep more of the revenue than typical celebrity memoir deals and traditional published authors. She is also able to control the creative content of her book and release it sooner.

On the other hand, self-published authors don’t have the same access to distribution, media, promotion and staff who are often part of the engine that helps traditional published authors succeed in the marketplace.

As a traditional published author myself, who helps self-published authors write, publish and market their books, my short answer to that question is it really depends on what YOU want out of publishing your book.

Do you want control over every aspect of it? Do you want to publish it sooner, and keep more of the profits?

Or would you gladly hand over a cut of your book sales for help with editing, publishing and marketing your book? Do you seek in-store and wider distribution? (Book store representation is an uphill battle for self-published authors.)

Today most of us are our own distribution channels. 🤩 Like Swift, many of us have Facebook friends, Linkedin and Instagram followers, and YouTube and Substack subscribers. We may have a substantial email and newsletter list (if not, start building one!). We may even have events—talks, workshops, conferences—we can sell our book at.  

It’s quite possible we don’t need bookstores in order to sell our books. And if our pockets are deep enough, we can still pay to have our book stocked in select stores and bookshelves.

So do you need a fairy godmother literary agent and publisher to grant your wish of getting published? Not anymore. But do you still want one? That’s a question only you can answer.

PS: If you have more questions about publishing paths and writing a book, feel free to reach out and schedule a discovery call with me. I’ve opened some times in November, so grab them before they’re gone!

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Who will endorse your book? 

As many of us know, a big part of marketing your book is social proofing: Getting others to review, like and share your book on Amazon, Goodreads, social media and more.

Something traditional publishers do well that self-published authors often overlook is the power of a good blurb: When someone who is well-known/well-respected endorses your book on your front or back cover, or inside your book. 👏

As you begin to finalize your manuscript, you might find yourself ready to reach out to potential book blurbers, but building those relationships and goodwill well before then is essential.

When thinking about WHO would make for a great book blurb, consider:

-Who has an audience that you want to call to you for your book?

-Who is well respected in the genre/industry/space you want to see your book in?

Sometimes, that can lead to two very different groups, and that’s okay too. But don’t leave it until the last minute, when you’re ready to hit publish, because reachouts can take time. Finding people to say yes can take time. And reading your book to review it also takes time.

The best advice I ever gave to a writer… Plus how to write a book in 6 months, 3 months, 12 days

Just breathe.

I was on a coaching call with one of my authors. She was trying to figure out how to keep up the momentum and stick with writing her book while on her vacation. She would be travelling with 12 other people, sharing sleeping spaces, their calendars packed morning to night.

As a book coach who helps busy people make time for their book publishing dreams I did the unthinkable:

I told her to live her life.

One day we’re all going to be dead and all these dreams, as beautiful as they are, won’t matter anymore.

If you’re at all spiritual, as I consider myself to be, I can’t help but think that if I can just love this one person this one time, maybe this moment can matter. Even after everything is said and done.

Dream big, yes. But don’t forget to live your life in the meantime, and love the people you’re with. All we have, really, is this moment. So make the most of it.

One of the best parts for me of On Writing, Stephen King’s book on, well, writing, is when he shares about creating the room of his dreams to write in. He designs this perfect study/library and orders all his family to stay out. And then…crickets.

After some time and dreaded writer’s block, Stephen opens up his study, moves his desk to the middle of the room, and invites his kids and wife to hang out in there. Once again, the ideas start to flow.

Creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Yes we need time for quiet reflection, to receive wisdom and direction from God, the universe, Muse, but also…the best kinds of stories are the ones we write together.

Live your life. Move that writing desk to the centre of the room.Invite others in. And discover the treasures in store for you there.

Cat xo

PS: Oh, and if you want to cry, listen to this Pearl Jam beauty as you watch the leaves turn orange and…just…breathe.

PPS: Last week I got first copies of my book, and held off on the reveal until after my mom’s birthday. This moment is everything.

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How launching a book is like a start-up business

I’ve been talking about and sharing one very special book with everyone I meet lately, so I absolutely must share this with you now.

Even traditionally published authors know they can’t count on their publishing houses anymore to do the heavy promotional lifting, and if you’re self publishing, you’ll need all the help you can get to help your book rise above the rest.

Which is why I love Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth.

Launching a book is like launching a start-up in a way: Teams are small, money is stretched. But you do have one thing your competition doesn’t have—the ability to move quickly, stealthfully, with an ear that’s closer to the street.

I call this stealth marketing, and it’s what I’m committed to exploring and exploiting with my authors. How we can create the most impact with the fewest resources.

It starts with asking, what’s in your competition’s gap, that you can nudge yourself into, carving out a space for your book?

And what special strengths and relationships do you have that you can leverage, to help your book travel?

That’s where I invite you to go with your book launch and marketing strategy.

Ask yourself those questions, and whatever you’re building, make reading (or listening to the audiobook of) Traction the number one thing on your to-do list.

PS: I’m opening up a few days and times in November for discovery calls with me, before I wind down for the holidays. If you want to schedule some time to chat about your book and best next steps, grab your spot now before it’s gone.

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How to write a book in 6 months or less

Writing a book doesn’t have to take years. In fact, it can take as little as 12 days, as one of my authors managed to do.

All it takes is commitment, declaration and team.

I just shared this breakdown with someone who attended a recent workshop of mine, so I’ll share this here too for anyone embarking on writing a book. Here’s how you write a book in 6 months or less:

Write 500 words a day (approx. one hour a day, depending on the book and the writer)

Write five days a week = 2,500 words a week

= 10,000 words a month

= 60,000 words in 6 months

Want to write your book in 3 months? Double the daily/weekly word count, and halve the months it takes to write it.

And remember, this is just to finish your shitty first draft. The magic is in the editing.

PS: If you’re looking for additional strategies to help you write your book, or accountability to help you finish it, or even an editorial team to help you polish it, schedule a discovery call with me and learn about my packages and programs.

I f**ked up and here's what I learned...plus, have you heard this story about Guns N' Roses?

I fucked up and here’s what I learned...

This weekend I was honoured and privileged to have the chance to speak in front of a gorgeous room of soulpreneurs, coaches, experts and thought leaders.

I was invited by my friend Robb Gilbear at Growth Habit to speak about the power of story, in our lives, businesses and contributions to the world.

It happened on short notice but I wanted it to be special, so I created a brand new talk for this specific audience. I had just enough time to build it, but not enough time to rehearse it.

When I arrived at the venue, I was presented with a choice. I had three things to hold—my phone with my notes on it, a microphone and a clicker to click through my slides—but only two hands.

And I had to make a choice

Who did I trust more?

I didn’t choose me.

Despite all the talks and workshops I’ve done in the past, despite a lifetime of knowledge and lessons learned and stories collected and accumulated, despite knowing this subject better than I know myself even, I chose the security of the notes on my phone.

I didn’t trust myself.

And because of that, I gave away the clicker for someone else to control my slideshow, and I pretty much fumbled through my presentation as a result of it.

It was a hard lesson to learn, but one I’ll never forget, and I have a whole new appreciation for the dance my slides and I get to do.

When everything goes right in a creative act, we call it “being in the flow.” Being in the flow is like tuning into a song only you can hear. But you can’t do that when you’re staring at the lyrics sheet. Sometimes you just gotta let go, and see where the music takes you.

So if there’s a tip or an inspiration I leave you with this week, it’s the advice of course that I give everybody else and failed to follow this weekend: Trust yourself. You already know everything you need to know to serve and share your gifts with others.

And NEVER EVER hand over your clicker. 😉

Cat xo

PS: I’m hosting a free online workshop (note free) this Wednesday. We’ll dive into what you need to know about writing, finishing, publishing and marketing your book. Click here to sign up now.

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What I Did Right

I did do some things right on Saturday, however, and I want to share those lessons too because those can be just as important:

• I got to know many of the attendees before my presentation, so I was able to speak directly to them and personalize my talk.

• I trusted my hunches and intuitions to give powerful feedback and coaching to my fellow entrepreneurs as we masterminded our businesses through the afternoon, creating breakthroughs for them, and for myself.

• I allowed myself to learn from others and be curious about different perspectives, approaches and possibilities. As a result I’ll be pivoting on a strategy I was working on for a group coaching program I’m launching soon (more on this to come)—to make it ever stretchier for me, and more impactful for my authors. 🔥

To catch Robb’s next event, sign up for his newsletter, where he shares great advice on messaging, connecting with your ideal client and building a business—and life—you love.

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Have you heard this about Guns N’ Roses?

A friend of mine is best friends with Slash, so I’ve heard A LOT of Guns N’ Roses stories over the years. 🤯

But what my friend Dan Blank shared in a recent newsletter of his blew me away.

He talked about the REAL secret to success for the legendary band, and it’s not what you think.

Turns out long before summits and Click Funnels, bands like the Gunners were avid fans of building email lists to stay connected to their fans.

And Axel and his crew took it even one step further—not only would they email their list, but they would even CALL THEM one by one, to invite them to their shows.

I mean, can you imagine?

It really takes the shine off their supposed nonchalant, devil-may-care rock band image. But as an entrepreneur, I am sooooo impressed. And inspired.

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game when you’re building a business, or promoting a book. And we can be so quick to forget to appreciate each and every soul who has lent their support and encouragement.

But if Guns N’ Roses’ success is indication, that’s a playbook I want to learn from and emulate.

How about you?

PS: Dan has a great newsletter that comes out each week, with tips and advice for building your author brand and platform. Click here to check out his latest and subscribe.

We interrupt this program to bring you this important message: Who’s ready to jump with me? 😁🙌🏼

See, the problem is: You’re thinking too small.

When it comes to passion projects, without a big, bold, badass vision, you’re going to give up, set aside and put off your dream—whether that’s a book you want to write, or a business you want to build.

Back in my magazine editor days, I wrote a story about extreme sports, which gave me the chance to sample things I would never try in real life—like UFC-style grappling and Parkour.

I’m so grateful for the chance, because my Parkour instructor taught me something I’ll never forget about faith.

He ordered me to scale a wall.

“Wait—you want me to run into a wall?!”

It went against everything I’d been taught or knew about self-preservation.

Yet he explained, if I didn’t want to end up mangled and broken, I needed to believe. I needed to see it done.

Most importantly, he told me that if I hesitated, I wouldn’t stand a chance.

The goal was to run at the wall with all the force of someone who knows they’re going to overcome it. It’s the only way to achieve something that’s never been done before—by you, and in your lifetime.

My book Again, Only More Like You is launching next spring. A traditional publisher is backing it, and Simon & Schuster is distributing it. It has been many years of highs (signed out of the gates by a top literary agent and agency) and lows (book not selling to one of the Big Five in its first year of submission), not to mention tens and maybe even hundreds of revisions.

No matter what anyone said to me, or how many publishers loved it but turned it down because it “wasn’t the right fit” or the right time, I knew, without a doubt, that they just didn’t get it. Because I had already seen it done.

Eventually I did find the perfect publisher for me and my book. And the timing, for so many reasons, could not be more perfect. (Like my friend Robb G said to me the other day, “Is it odd, or is it God?”)

As Beetlejuice star Michael Keeton said in a Smartless interview, when the hosts asked him about his wide-ranging choice in roles and how they ran counterintuitive to building a successful acting career: “I always bet on me.”

I wouldn’t have gotten this far if I didn’t have faith. If I didn’t have the vision of meeting my readers in bookstores and getting the chance to hug them. If I didn’t give it everything I had, and run at it full force, with all the confidence of someone who has seen the future and is just waiting for everyone else to catch up and join the fun.

So run at your dream. Jump so far and so high that there’s no chance you won’t make it, because you dared to dream that big, and see that far past the obstacles.

And always bet on you. (And on God.)

Cat xo

PS: I’m loving this song today. I hope this makes your day!

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Writing tip of the week: How to build a personal brand people love

I was preparing for my mastermind group when a fellow mastermind member put a question in the chat about marketing and social media. He was wondering how to “brand” himself.

If that’s you too and you’re wondering, what is my brand? Maybe you’re even wondering, who am I to have a personal brand? (If so, as someone who has overcome a lot of “I’m not worthy”/imposter syndrome, I feel you!)

Guess what, you already have one. The people who know and love you already know what you’re about. They know what they can expect and come to you for, and they know your heart. You just get to remove the distance between that and the people you don’t know…yet.

The way I help authors do this is by asking: what do you stand for? And how do you want to make people feel? How will they know they can trust you and that you won’t hurt them, betray them, let them down? How are you an expert at what you do?

Then through your stories, show this so new people/audiences/viewers can understand this at a glance, just by looking at your Instagram grid, YouTube channel and landing page.

When all is said and done, the only things people will remember about you are your stories and how you made them feel. 

Let your personal brand be a reflection of this. 👆

PS: Hi I’m Cat, and I’m an author, book coach and mom of 4. I help people by sharing my stories and empowering others to discover theirs so we can be transformed by them. If that sounds like a movement you want to be part of, come join me at my free workshop next Wednesday where I’ll share how to write, finish, publish and market your book. Sign up here and feel free to invite some of your favourite people along. 

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How to start a movement

Friday is my birthday and—besides getting tickets to a Taylor Swift concert for me and my daughter (hello, if you can spare any, hit me up!)—I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate than by workshopping my business with like-minded creatives, soulpreneurs and people doing bold shit.

So I was extra thrilled when the host, my friend and client Robb Gilbear, invited me to speak at the event as well. I’ll be talking about how to turn your story into a book and how to turn your book into a movement.

It’s taking place this Saturday in Toronto, so if you’re in town and want to have a blast building your brand, business and impact, come join me. Come join us!

Click here to get your ticket.

What to do when you get stuck… Plus how to make writing the best part of your day ✨

October is my birthday month and safe to say, I’ve started celebrating already. I’ve already seen Beetlejuice 1 & 2 (you can’t beat the first, though Michael Keaton holds strong, and Monica Bellucci is, as always, mesmerizing).

I’ve been pampering myself as much as I can, in the small windows of me-time that I have, including an extra-long run this morning to some of my favourite moody artists (Nick Cave, Kurt Vile, PJ Harvey—don’t they just ooze fall?).

And as much as I have a tower of manuscripts to edit, and the list of books in my TBR pile keeps growing, I couldn’t help but indulge my inner Winona Ryder last night by cracking open Grady Hendrix’s My Best Friend’s Exorcism, because to be honest, everything I’ve read since The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires last fall has paled in comparison.

I guess I’m sharing this glimpse into my own private world because there are seasons for living out loud, chasing goals and going hard. And there are seasons for quieter reflection, to do things just for the fun of it, to honour and stoke those creative fires. 

And also because, as much as us humans like to master and be the master of things, not least of all ourselves, Muse is a tricksy, fickle, slippery thing. Creative sparks don’t always happen when we expect or command, but rather when we stop, listen and follow.

I guess where I’m going with this is sometimes you know where you’re going, but sometimes—like this message—you don’t until you get there. Sometimes writing, creating, looks like stepping off a cliff into the great unknown, when you’re open to what you might discover there.

Cat xo

PS: I’m hosting a FREE book publishing workshop in a couple of weeks. If you want to know more about how to write, finish, publish and marketing a book before you take that leap of faith, sign up here.

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Writing tip of the week: Are you having any fun?

I was chatting with a client recently who was struggling to meet her commitment to her book. Digging underneath it we discovered that she had made her book a have to, versus a get to.

There are so many things we HAVE to do—laundry, cooking, cleaning, homework, bookkeeping, going to the gym. I don’t want writing to be a have to as well—for me or my writers.

For me, going on long walks/runs in nature feels like selfcare. It’s also where most of my ideas come from and where I get my best writing done.

For you, though, what would make the writing experience delicious? Could it be creating a cozy writer’s nook, one decorated with beautiful artwork to inspire you? Lighting candles with some of your favourite fragrances? Is it a weekend retreat in cottage country? Or an overnight in a fancy hotel room?

Think about what would make the writing experience fun/exciting/enticing. Then go do it. (And let me know—I’d love to hear!)

PS: If you would like someone to help you get unstuck in your writing so you can achieve your book publishing dreams, hit reply to schedule a discovery call with me and see if we can make magic together! Or sign up for my next free workshop here.

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Comps that Click: The Art of Finding Your Perfect Comp Title

One of the hardest things for an author to do can be finding the perfect comp titles for your book. 

Comps are books that are similar to yours, and identifying the right ones can help you position your book for success – but only if you do it right!

Whether you're querying agents and publishers, or marketing your self-published book to readers, listen to my interview with literary agent Léonicka Valcius to discover her tips for choosing the perfect comp titles to elevate your pitch and make your book stand out.

The truth about super heroes…plus the best thing I learned from personal development

If not you, who?

One of the reasons why I wanted to publish my book after writing it, versus stowing it away in the depths of my basement crawl space, is because by the time I wrote it, I hadn’t found a book, movie, TV show or even song, really, that I could relate to.

All around me, people were telling stories with characters who didn’t look like me, talk like me, or face the same problems that I faced. And if I didn’t have anyone to look up to, as an example of what was possible, how the hell was I going to make it happen for myself?

We all need heroes. And the best ones don’t wear capes or have superpowers. They’re just normal, average people, sucking at life and scared as hell and trying to figure out their next step. Sometimes they get it right, most of the time they don’t. But when they do…. Man, that’s the good stuff right there.

You probably don’t feel like a hero…yet. You’re probably not where you hoped you’d be, or as successful as you think you need to be to have a say. Or a platform. Or a seat at the table. Maybe you think you need to be bigger, richer, more famous, before you can write your book or do that thing—you know, that thing?—that you’ve been thinking, dreaming about.

But I’m going to tell you—and I hope you’re really paying attention here—you are exactly the kind of hero the world needs today. And your story matters a whole helluva lot.

There’s a line in Dr. Seuss’ book The Lorax that I love: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

You’re that someone. Believe it. And if you won’t believe yourself, believe me.

Cat xo

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Man versus Machine

Speaking of heroes, one person who is that for me is Angus Fletcher, Professor of Story Science at Ohio State's Project Narrative. Angus is on a mission to revolutionize the power of story and how we teach it to our kids.

I had the chance to interview Angus a few years back and I was sooooooooooo relieved to hear that he didn’t believe AI could ever replace us when it comes to that most human function of storytelling.

Not only that, but he also identified something I believe to be true as well—that the problem with the world today is that we’re stuck in the wrong kinds of stories.

Which means… stories—more of them—could be the very thing that saves us.

As Angus says, “The reason I think we are having so many problems as a society is because we are caught in a loop of the same stories…The number one thing you can do is say to yourself, ‘There are more stories. I can create them.’”

There are more stories than we’re being sold on today. Consider it your civic duty to share yours.

PS: Sign up for my newsletter to catch the rest of my interview with Angus.

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The best thing I learned from personal development…

Any Smartless fans here?

Recently I was listening to an interview on the show with Jared Leto (yes, the Jordan Catalano, for my fellow My So-Called Lifers).

In it, Jared shares, “I love to be the dumbest guy in the room. I think that’s a fascinating room to be in.” Jared continues, “It’s great to continue to learn new things. It’s great to be a beginner.”

It’s a revealing posture for the the multi-talented actor-singer-visual artist (Fight Club, Thirty Seconds to Mars) and probably explains why he’s been able to keep us watching and engaged for so many years and films.

Who you hang around with matters. If you want to do a Ted talk, how many speakers do you know? If you want to launch a new business, how many business owners do you meet with regularly? If you want to write a book, how many authors, editors and marketers do you bounce your ideas off of?

Not only can they offer awesome feedback, but they can also share their lessons to save you time and money, and help you from falling into the same traps and mistakes that they did.

Since I started my personal development journey, I’ve sought out opportunities to be the dumbest person in the room, where I could learn from others who are already way further in their journey in entrepreneurship, leadership or story mastery. Thinking, or pretending, you know it all won’t get you as far as surrounding yourself with people who can get you there faster.

So surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also levelling up their craft, business and impact. Bring your questions. And while you’re there, trust that you have something of value to give as well.

PS: Want to quantum leap your book progress? Doors are opening on my next book publishing accelerator cohort. I have a few spots left for authors looking to publish their book next year, and who are ready to get the ball rolling this month. Email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com to schedule a discovery call with me and see if this is the right program for you.

Celebrating wins, plus the secret to making habits stick

The past couple of weeks have been huge for me. I’m celebrating wins like…

-I got picked as a speaker-presenter at the CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) Convention in Costa Rica in December!

-Authors that I totally admire are saying yes to blurbing my book!

-One of my author-clients finished her book in 2 weeks and delivered a gorgeous first draft to me! (We set stretchy and attainable goals and created a plan of action, plus workshopped her outline, to get her there—it was not a fluke. 😂)

-I hosted a kickass mastermind with my incredible group of author-members who are doing cool shit like hanging out with Russell Brunson and attending the Emmy’s! (Message me if you want to learn more about joining us for the next one.)

-AND I’ve locked in my dream venue for my book launch next spring! (Sign up for my #AOMLY newsletter for the chance to be invited to the party.)

Plus…

-My son got his first job—as a lifeguard!

-The twins now have their own rooms!

-My daughter has a big girl desk and chair and somehow, her shoebox room looks bigger because of it!

MOST OF ALL I’M CELEBRATING BECAUSE….

I can!

Usually, the best part about winning, for me, is that it means I get to move on to my next dream/goal/passion project.

Because, if I’ll be honest, it comes from a lifetime of not feeling, well, good enough.

And now that I KNOW I am, there’s just that much more I’m excited to do, have and become.

But it hit me a couple of weeks ago, that if we fail to celebrate our wins, we miss the chance to…

-Be grateful

-Acknowledge our teams, processes and leadership that contribute to our wins

-Build positive habits (more on this below)

So I’m committing to celebrating my wins and encouraging my writers and team members to do the same.

Like Sarah MacLauchlan sings in Ice Cream, “It’s a long way down to the place where we started.”

You and I have come a long way, baby. So acknowledge it.

’Kay, your turn ;)

Cat xo

PS: What are you celebrating today/this week/this year? Let me know. I’d love to hear it!

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Cat’s Mastermind Top Takeaways

At last week's mastermind, I had the chance to catch up with my author-members, who have been busy prepping for Ted talks, launching events and so much more, in addition to writing books. They shared their wins, their struggles and their lessons along the way. 

Here are some of my favourite takeaways: 

• Keeping your vision and your "why" for writing the book front and centre can boost your energy around writing your book and fuel you through your journey to the finish line.

• Did you know that there are sponsors out there who are willing to purchase your book in bulk for events, groups and more? Make that a part of your book marketing strategy!

• When planning your book launch and podcast tour, remember to budget space and time for other book marketing strategies as well as to catch up on rest and self care.

• If you're appearing on other peoples' podcasts, have your call to action drive listeners to a page you control, and your email list, so you can keep nurturing those relationships. 

Sorry you missed it? Ask me about joining my next mastermind.

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How to Build a Writing Habit

One of the things I help my authors do is build a writing habit. That looks like workshopping the optimal days/times to work on their book and helping them stay accountable to it (or helping them shift to a new strategy if that one doesn’t work out).

Personally, when I’m on a writing sprint/deadline, I make it my goal to touch my book at least once a day, preferably first thing in the morning, so it can work in the background of my mind for the rest of the day.

Just as, by working out at the start of the day, you kickstart your metabolism so it continues to burn energy at an accelerated rate for the rest of the day…

Similarly, by writing first thing in the morning, you begin a mental process that will have your subconscious continue to work on your book for the rest of the day, bringing you new ideas to implement.

The thing about creating a habit is…you can’t do it through willpower alone. It’s chemical, actually.

Celebrating wins is the key to creating a habit. It fuels a craving/desire to keep showing up and to follow through, which supports future successes.

And what’s the best way to celebrate and create that craving/desire? Have a payoff for good behaviour ;)

That means celebrating wins, not just once the project/goal is completed, but at every step along the way.

What that can look like is…

-For short-terms wins/celebrations: Treating yourself to a Netflix show/podcast episode AFTER you’ve met your daily word count target—to reinforce that daily habit with feel-good hormones, which encourages you to show up again tomorrow.

-For long-term wins/celebrations: Promising to buy yourself a new outfit from that store you’ve been eyeing, once you’ve completed your first draft, to help you keep your energy and enthusiasm up through to the finish line.

So, quick, how do you build a writing habit?

-Celebrate your wins (short term and long term!) to get those feel-good hormones working for you, to reinforce positive habit building and create a craving for more growth/progress/wins.

-Find the optimal time of day to write that you can be consistent with, even if it’s just 20 minutes a day.

-Back up your clock and join the 6am club or 5am club, if you have trouble finding time to write once your day gets started.

-Find an accountability partner/group to support you in your positive habit building journey. (I just happen to know one ;) Message me for deets.)

PS: Have a question about how to create a writing habit, get an agent, outline your book, and whether you should self-publish or not? Schedule a discovery call with me and find the right program and path to publishing for you. 

I’m ba-ack! Plus: Doing it scared, and tools for writers

It’s been a summer 😂

I pretty much got swallowed up by my kids – between birthdays, broken arms (for two different kids!), bedroom makeovers, beach getaways and erratic camp schedules, there hasn’t been much time leftover for me.

But I DID manage to reinvent my website (hurrah!) and finish the next (final?) edit for my book Again, Only More Like You, which launches next spring. From here, ARCs (advanced review copies) will go to reviewers and the widespread panic that us authors feel as our books begin to hit the streets will set in.

It’s said that having a child is like having a piece of your heart walking around outside your body. And the same could be said of a book.

I’m still getting used to the idea that people even know it exists, never mind prying into the contents inside.

It’s terrifying, not least because after reading this latest iteration, I never realized that I swear so much. 🤣

It’s hard to put yourself out there like this. To stand naked for everyone to judge and point fingers at. To be seen.

So why the hell do we do it? Because the thought that this book, these words, might encourage and inspire someone to take a leap of faith, pursue their happy, laugh, cry, feel loved, seen and appreciated it, is worth what any a---hole might say about my attempt to put some good out in the world. (There I go again, foul mouth!)

If you’re writing a book, no doubt you’ve experienced some of the same fears. But like I reminded an author friend recently, we do it scared. 

Plus, I dare you.

Cat xo

PS: If you do want to follow my journey to the book shelf and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what the path to publication looks like, sign up here for my #AOMLY newsletter.

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 There’s a group for that!

Another thing I’ve been building in the background this summer is my community. And today, I'm inviting you to join my book publishing membership. Here's why:

My vision for this membership is to give you everything I wish I had as a newbie author, and everything I need now as an author launching her book next spring. Everything I've ever learned and everything I'm seeking out next—I want to give it to you. And the membership is the way I can do that, and help the most people.

From monthly group coaching sessions and masterminds to help you with book publishing, book marketing, crafting a novel and monetizing your book, to our weekly write-ins and prompts, seasonal writing challenges, guest speakers, Slack #authorlife community, and more—it's all included with the price of a monthly membership.

I hope you'll join us, because I have big plans for this group. Most of all camaraderie, support, mentorship and knowledge sharing. Basically, this membership is your built-in team, and we're committed to your book publishing success. 

Sign up today and receive your invite to our next monthly mastermind, weekly write-ins, guest speaker events, Slack community and more.

PS: If you're not sure if the membership or 1-1 coaching with me is the better fit for you, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com to schedule a discovery call with me and explore the best program for you. 

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 Resources for writers

At one of my masterminds this summer, the group and I shared our go-to tools and resources for making our books happen. Here’s a list we came up with:

Reedsy: Great for first draft, accountability and tracking progress.

Scrivener: Great for editing and revising a manuscript.

Save the Cat beat sheet: Great for workshopping your protagonist’s hero’s journey and making sure the right moments shine at the right time. 

AEON Timeline: Great for keeping track of story timelines.

Manuscript Wish List: To help you with your search for agents and publishers if you’re going the traditional publishing route.

Lulu: Questions about self-publishing? Here’s a fantastic resource from Lulu, which helps you self-publish your book, right to your website.

PS: Have a question about how to get an agent, how to outline your book, and whether you should self-publish or not? Email me at hello@passionprojectpod.coms to chedule a discovery call with me and find the right program and path to publishing for you. 

This is for all the late bloomers

This time of year always put me in a commencement speech frame of mind, however, this time, I’m going to dedicate mine to all the late bloomers 🌻

I was sharing with a friend a while back that sometimes I feel like Renton in Trainspotting. You remember, the Scottish heroin addict played by Ewan McGregor who walks away from it all at the end—the drugs and the crime, the loser friends and the bad behavior.

“I’m cleaning up and I’m moving on. Going straight and choosing life.”

Now I was never THAT bad, but I wasn’t great either. And it took a big butt-kicking from the universe to finally turn that corner and become the bright, passionate, try-hard, 100% engaged with her life, team-playing little Miss Sunshine who stands before you. 😍

That turning point started around the time I turned 40, and well, I’m well past that now. I’ve got a thriving business, a book that’s launching next spring and more friends and passion projects than I have time for, though I’m desperately trying to keep up.

I know there are some people reading this who are waiting for the best part of their lives to begin. Who are hovering on the edge of their next chapter, wondering if they should take the chance and try their hand at the biggest change of their life. Who are wondering if it’s worth it. If it’s too late, especially to start over.

While I would never encourage you to do anything reckless, I do want to be that little whisper in your ear that says, maybe you still can. 💫

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that WE CAN rewrite our stories. We can choose to tell a better one that better serves us. We can imagine a different ending. We can be the hero of our journey, even if it feels like you’ve been riding in the passenger seat for FOREVER.

Now I won’t lie and tell you that you that it’s easy or that it isn’t scary. Or that you can author your life and have it turn out exactly the way it does in the movies—or the way you hoped or imagined.

Because I know better than that. I know how stories can take on a life of their own. And that part of the reason for that is … our stories are connected.

But when you look back at your life, I hope you’ll see all the stepping stones that led to the greatness that’s STILL in store for you. You may be standing on one right now.

So, look. Listen. Tune into your inner ear. Ask questions. Be curious. Consider the possibilities. And have the courage to wonder, What if I did?

What if you did.

Cat xo

The secret to writing well

When I was revising my book, “again only more like you” was the edit note that I pasted into every chapter as a reminder of what I was doing here.

That each revision wasn’t about getting the book to sound better—for me anyway, that’s the easy part.

Rather each revision was about: How can I be more honest and truthful, even in a work of fiction?

Something I tell all my writers and workshop audiences is, “Good writing just sounds like you.”

As with life, the more practiced we get at authenticity, the better at it we become— as writers, as people, and even in our businesses.

Each of us is gifted with a unique perspective and life experiences. We each have a message to share, our life song if you will, and the more you lean into what is distinctly you the more original, innovative and successful you will be with it.

The natural by-product is attracting the exact people you are meant to serve and create for.

Authenticity is your super power. You are your own special sauce.

So feel free to make “again only more like you” your own revision reminder— whether that’s a book you’re working on, or your life’s next chapter.

Being perfect is not the point. Being honest is.

Cat xo

Exciting news!

So this happened last week…

I thought I’d be more excited about my cover reveal—given how many years I’ve invested into writing, revising and getting this book published.

And certainly I’m proud of the work that I’ve done.

And I’m excited for all the hearts I’m going to light on fire through this story.

But the truth is, I felt complete a long time ago.

See, over all this time that I’ve been working on my book, I’ve been working on myself too. So much so that sometimes I wondered if I was writing this book, or it was writing me.

I also feel like I’ve turned yet another new corner for myself. I’m on to new chapters, and closing the door on old ones.

This book doesn’t define me anymore. I hope it does great, but whether it does or doesn’t, doesn’t define me either.

So I hope you buy the book. And I hope you like it. But even if you don’t, I’m okay with that.

Because I love this book and I love myself regardless. I hope you find similar success in your life :)

Cat xo

PS: Sign up for the #AOMLY newsletter for updates on my book release, book tour invites and exclusive giveaways!

The truth about writing

The truth hurts...

If there’s one thing you can expect from me, it’s full frontal honesty. And something I’m not afraid to tell other writers and authors is, writing is harrrrrd. Not as hard as parenting, but pretty damn close ;)

And this from a person who considers writing and storytelling as essential to my being as the air I breathe. As someone who has been getting paid as a professional writer and editor for over 25 years. It’s still hard, even for me.

One of the hardest parts about writing—for me, anyway—is what I call “the threshold.” 

That’s the line we cross from “getting ready to get ready” to actual words on the page. For some people it looks like waiting for the perfect moment. For others, it’s the endless quest to gather more information so they can (finally!) get started.

I was chatting about this with one of my writers recently and it reminded me of Shonda Rhimes’ book Year of Yes, where she shares about her own struggles with writing—yes, THE Shonda Rhimes. She of the Grey’s Anatomy/How To Get Away With Murder hit shows and probably one of the most prolific minds out there today. Even. She. Struggles. With. The. Same. Thing. As. We. Do. (In fact, there’s a hilarious part of her book where she shares that struggle—click here to read it.)

So that’s the truth. Even pros have a hard time writing, getting started, keeping going. It’s normal. YOU’RE normal.

The only difference is, we eventually cross that line, we keep showing up, we keep laying tracks, and we keep going. 

Hey, if it's good enough for Shonda...

Cat xo 

Can we talk about memoirs for a sec?

Can we talk about memoirs for a sec?

Here’s the convo I recently had with my husband:

Me: Do you want to read my book before we publish it?

Him: No. I trust you. What’s it about anyway? 

(This, after a decade of me writing it 😂)

Me: Us. It’s the story of our lives.

Him: Which part?

Me: All of it.

Him: ALL of it?

Me: It’s like a photo album, only it includes the pictures we didn’t take.

Him: I trust you.

Me: I love you.

Him: I love you too. 

Love, marriage, parenthood, single hood, breakups, layoffs and EPIC fails—this book has it all. Only it’s not a memoir because I make A LOT of shit up. I had a lot I wanted to say and I just didn’t want to be limited by my personal life experiences.

That said I work with many memoir and life story tellers and that comes up a lot: the boundaries between our stories and those we share with others—in particular family and friends.

I’ve worked with clients who have written beautiful books only to shelve it because their families weren’t ready for the story to come out.

I’m helping writers create books that they know are going to piss a lot of people off.

As long as it’s truthful and well-intentioned and I know this is going to help people, I’m game.

For most of these authors, though, it helps to have someone to hold their hand through it all, even if it’s just to be a shoulder to cry on. Or someone to tell them that everything is going to be okay. (It is.)

Like I tell my writers, writing doesn’t need to be a lonely endeavour. In fact, the best kinds of stories are the ones we write together.

Cat xo 

PS: Subscribe to my #AOMLY newsletter to follow my journey to the book shelf!

The magic key to creativity and innovation

What does success mean to you?

In my workshops, and in my talks, this is a question that I ask and interestingly, it’s not an obvious answer.

Mostly because I think a lot of us are running outdated programs. Many of us are going off of what success has always meant to us, but that doesn’t take into account how we’ve changed over the years, through experiences good and bad, and so as we answer that question we sometimes realize, huh, that doesn’t feel so good or right or true anymore.

Maybe we have reached a point where our criteria for success is changing.

I know it has for me.

Success for me used to be about prestige, money, job titles and VIP access to exclusive parties, events, restaurants and hotels.

Then, as I began having kids, it became about time and freedom and control over my life and my schedule.

Today my number one criteria is: Is it fun? Am I excited to work on this book, this project, with this person?

Followed by: Is this meaningful? Do I see that we can make a difference and help other people to live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives?

Personally, I found that when I pursue these two criteria - joy and generosity - they have never steered me wrong. In fact, they have brought me more joy, more abundance, more opportunity than any of my previous criteria ever have.

So what does success mean to you NOW? It may be time for a new story.

Cat xo

PS: Did you know my book Again Only More Like You is coming out next April? Sign up for my #AOMLY newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses and some other cool things I have planned along the way. CATMARGULIS.COM/BOOKS

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Where to Find Your Creative Push

Another fascinating interview by music producer Rick Rubin, this time with the amazing Joe Dispenza.

In it, they talk about healing, energy work, mind, body and soul.

But as a writer and author, what really captured my interest was hearing what they had to say about creativity and innovation.

As Joe says, if we write from the present moment, we are creating from the past. Essentially from our own archives—things that have already happened, that we already know and much of it that we have inherited or which has been passed down to us.

If we want to create something truly new and forward thinking—and I for one do!—that means we get to create from the future, and THAT means stepping into the unknown.

The key to this magical portal is asking yourself: What don’t I already know? And then inviting God, Source, the Universe, etc., to lead you beyond everything you know so you can access new levels of awareness and possibility.

Deep, right? But if you have the time to spare, this is truly an inspiring conversation around opportunity and where to find it.

Click here to listen now.

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Last Call!

Heads up that I’m closing my office doors for the summer (unless you’re already a member or client), so if you want to get on a discovery call or speak with me about my membership or 1-1 book development program, message me to schedule that in now.

What you need to know about AI, plus my biggest takeaways from the Content Entrepreneur Expo in Cleveland last week

I’ll admit I was nervous…

Speaking to a room full of content entrepreneurs, content creators, experts and influencers at the CEX Content Entrepreneur Expo in Cleveland last week.

These were people who made BIG things happen on the regular. Did they really need me to show them how to write and finish their book?

Here’s the thing about writing, though: When it’s just you and the blank page, all those accolades can easily disappear. Only to be replaced by self-doubt, fear and feelings of unworthiness. 

See, when you’re confident at what you do, everyone can be in their leadership. It’s easy to stay committed and show up day after day when you feel good about what you’re bringing to the table.

But when you’re trying something new, uncomfortable, scary? Something you’ve never done before? All those good tools and habits and mindsets and confidence disintegrate and that’s why the team ethic is such a cornerstone of the work that I do with my clients.

We all need someone who believes in us more than we do, especially when we’re trying something new or different. We all benefit from guides and mentors, who have been there before us, to show us the best and quickest way forward. We all produce better when we have a team to hold us high, hold us accountable and cheer us along the way.

That’s who I got to be as a speaker at CEX. And that’s who I want to be for you too.

Cat xo 

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Wanna be a content entrepreneur?

At the CEX Content Entrepreneur Expo last week, I was surrounded by the top experts and personalities in the business, and learned a ton. Here are some of my most memorable takeaways:

-From memberships to teaching platforms to podcasts, social media and books, there are innumerable ways to monetize your knowledge and expertise, and to serve and impact others. Basically, if you can dream it, someone is willing to pay you for it.

-Maybe it’s because I’m overly familiar with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, but I’m wary of AI. Still there were some talks that were definitely compelling as to what the benefits can be, particularly for content entrepreneurs. What I found most fascinating was the case that speaker Andrew Davis built for using AI to augment and enhance what you do. Rather than replacing yourself or your team with AI functionality, ask how can AI make you better or more effective at what you do?

-Speaking of AI, I also had the chance to attend a workshop on the legal and ethical ramifications of the use of AI on IP. As content creators and entrepreneurs, we must be cognizant of the possibility that we can be unintentionally plagiarizing someone’s work or leaving our own work vulnerable. If you’re using AI to improve your productivity—amazing. If you’re using AI as your creative collaborator, tread carefully, especially if you plan to monetize it later.

-Another topic of conversation that I never got tired of was social media algorithms, which seem to have most people scratching their heads, as we try to uncover the magic formula that will attract audiences and keep their attention by leaning into a platform who’s only ultimate goal is to keep our eyeballs on the screen for as long and as often as possible. The question arises: Do we allow those algorithms to define who we are and how we show up, even if that means becoming a caricature  of who we really are?

Or do we follow the words of CEX speaker B.J. Novak, who in his keynote insisted that you just gotta do you and if that resonates, fantastic. If it doesn’t, at least you’ve attracted the right people and audience.

-While the workshops, breakout sessions and keynotes were all fantastic, I think the greatest value I got from my three days at CEX were the many new friends and connections that I made. I found it invaluable to meet so many different experts on so many different things from so many different spaces, and to be able to learn from the masters on everything from scaling and building your business to memberships to podcasting to all the ways we can use AI to help us improve what we do and how we run our businesses. Thanks to CEX and Tilt Publishing for an inspired and inspiring time!

PS: If you didn’t have a chance to go to CEX this spring, be sure to add it to your calendar for next year. I promise you won’t regret it! 

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Would you rather?

Last night at dinner, my daughter was playing her favourite game, “Would you rather?”

On the third round, she asked me, “Would you rather keep writing or be married?”

That was a tough one for me. Truly

I love my husband and…writing to me is like breathing. I’m not sure I could even exist without it?

I was listening to a podcast interview with Steven Pressfield, who asks what I think is a brilliant question that I’ll leave you with this week, to ponder as a barometer of whether something is worth pursuing:

If you couldn’t make any money from [insert thing in question], would you still want to do it?

I know what my answer is. And it’s the same I gave my daughter. What about you?

What are you waiting for? Plus how producers turned The Chosen into a megahit show

You think you have forever but you don’t…

The number one challenge most people face when it comes to drafting up their book—or starting any passion project, really—is time, or lack of it.

But when you think about it, especially if you’re writing a book to grow your brand, business or impact, do you really have time to waste?

Next week I’ll be in Cleveland for the CEX Content Entrepreneur Expo coaching hundreds of people on how to write, finish, publish and market their book. I’m excited for my talks, and double excited to learn from other content entrepreneurs and share those takeaways with you.

After Cleveland, I fly back home just in time for another two-hour workshop I’m presenting in front of an association of speakers.

Before you know it, it will be mid-May and there will be just six weeks left before I cut back on my office hours and scale down for the summer, to focus on my family, and existing clients and members, not to mention my own books and passion projects ;)

In short, you think you have forever but you don’t.

Every day, someone is carving out their niche in YOUR space.

Every day, someone is growing their audience with people you would love to serve.

Every day, someone is becoming an authority for expertise you’ve spent a lifetime gaining and are finally ready to share, through your book, talks and program.

Every day someone is getting known for their book and the impact it’s creating, and that could have been you.

How long are you willing to wait before you miss the opportunity completely?

There’s a saying. Opportunity knocks once. You never know when you’ll get another chance.

Or in the words of Pink Floyd, “No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.”

I’m telling you now: Run, don’t walk, to your goals.

Cat xo

PS: If you’ve been thinking about scheduling a discovery call with me to find out how I can support you with writing, publishing and marketing your book, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com to book a call with me in May, so we can get you moving toward your goals in June.

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What’s your strategy?

I’ve been getting a lot of people reaching out to me to support them with their book marketing. Many of them have already published their book, and then…crickets.

Or they’re already working with another publisher or book coach or editor and discovering how little they support their authors with marketing strategy.

So let’s get real clear on what’s at stake here:

Writing a book is about more than just words on a page, or having a stack of papers bound together in your hand.

To be successful, your book requires a content strategy, which should support your business strategy, which should align with your life’s strategy. Everything is connected.

If you’re just focused on the story, you’re missing the bigger picture, and you’re sure to be disappointed with the results—because you haven’t identified what those are in the first place.

So get clear on your why for writing a book, and what your definition of “success” really is—for the impact the book will have on readers, your business, and your life.

Next, make sure that everything—and I mean, everything—connects back to that.

Then no matter what results you create, at least they’ll be the right ones.

PS: If you want to see how I prepare for my book launch, follow me on Instagram and sign up for my #AgainOnlyMoreLikeYou newsletter here.

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The Secrets to YouTube Success

Last week I shared my interview with Frank Rose, who talked about how audiences are evolving and wanting to become part of the story—whatever that might be.

That reminded me of my interview with Derral Eves, who is one of the minds behind the hugely successful show The Chosen, about Jesus and his disciples.

Derral is THE YOUTUBE guru, and has helped create YouTube success stories and phenomenons like Mr. Beast.

But for The Chosen, he ACTUALLY passed on YouTube and focused his efforts instead on Facebook, because he knew that was where he’d find the show’s future audience.

Derral also shared with me that his company became a content making machine, producing 60 pieces of content a week to promote the show long before it even aired, to grow and prime their audience, making The Chosen one of the biggest success stories in TV watching history.

Listen to my interview with Derral for more brilliant insights into how to be successful on YouTube, and how to make your book, message and impact travel.

Click here to listen now.

How to launch a book, and what you need to know about the future of storytelling

It is the perfect storm…

I was working on the book marketing portion of my workshop for the upcoming CEX Content Entrepreneur Expo in Cleveland happening in a couple of weeks, and as I pulled together timelines to help my audience strategize their own book launches, I realized…

Holy crap, my book is launching soon!

Okay, so it’s not exactly being released next week, but I am entering the year-long countdown to launching my book Again Only More Like You, and as I coach my audience, that’s when the work of marketing your book should begin—at the very least.

In fact, you should plan for a two-year window when it comes to promoting your book. The year leading up to your book release, and the year following it.

I won’t get into the weeds on that here, but if you want to learn more, register for my CEX workshop and keep an eye on my upcoming newsletters to hear about future workshops on this subject, as this becomes a bigger part of my offering.

In the following weeks and months, I also invite you to read between the lines in this space, and sign up for my author newsletter, to see how I go about launching my book. I’ll be coaching you on launching yours from afar.

Cat xo

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1000 True Fans

Something I explore in my CEX Workshop is the 1,000 True Fans Theory from Kevin Kelly (former Wired magazine editor). It’s the idea that you don’t need a whole lot of people to buy or promote your book (or product, service or other offering). You just need 1,000 super fans who love you and will support you whatever you do.

Totally doable, right?

As you develop your book (or any other passion project, for that matter), think about what relationships you can cultivate and platforms you can nurture to grow your 1,000 true fans. 

As the old adage goes (with a little twist from me, that is), think not what your fans can do for you, but what can you do for them?

Click here to learn more about Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans Theory.

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The Art of Immersion

One of the biggest takeaways I got from my Power of Story interview series was the power of immersion. As Frank Rose—the author of The Sea We Swim In: How Stories Work in a Data-Driven World, and The Art of Immersion, a landmark work on technology and the evolution of narrative—articulates, audiences are evolving and what they are demanding more and more is to have a role in the stories that others write.

They want to know how the story ends, AND they want to have some say in how it ends—a fascinating, and quite existential really, paradox.

As Frank says, “The internet is making story participatory.”

“Before, immersion was reading a book and missing your stop. There’s a new kind of immersion, which is all about participating. You’re called into the story. You become part of the story.”

So how can you make your story, and book launch, more immersive? Keep an eye on this space, and sign up for my author newsletter, to see how I do it with mine.

Listen to my interview with Frank below.

Are you playing to win?

My teenage son calls them “Try Hards.” I call it playing to win.

But I get it—when I was his age, I sat at the back of the class too. Too cool for school. Too cool to care, too cool to try. The less effort I put toward anything, the better—especially if I still managed to pull off the grades.

It followed me all the way into my career as a journalist and magazine editor—where I’d get my thrills by secretly sabotaging myself and seeing how far I could get anyway. Turned out, it was pretty far.

That all stopped when I started supporting my friends and friends of friends as a book coach. All of a sudden, I loved the people I served too much to not give them EVERYTHING I’VE GOT.

But on a personal level? I was still playing not to lose. Holding back. Keeping small. Afraid of failure. Afraid of success. Even when it came to my own book.

A few weeks ago, I caught myself saying “I don’t care about selling lots of books.”

I mean, WHAT?

I was telling myself that I was being humble and modest about the kind of impact I was hoping to make, like that was a good thing.  

Are you freaking kidding me?

My bruised ego had already made a pact with itself, that we were going to try JUST ENOUGH to make my publisher happy BUT NOT TOO MUCH that we could actually risk failing to achieve a bigger vision—or, worse, succeeding at it. Because fear of success is a very real thing too.

Fortunately, I stopped myself right then and there: YOU WANT TO DO SO-SO? OKAY? YOU JUST WANT TO SELL “A FEW BOOKS”? F*** THAT!

That’s when I decided.

I’m going to win this thing.

Play to win.

If you played to win, what would that look like today?