A Book of One's Own: A Women’s Manifesto

In this episode, Lucy speaks with Sophie Milliken, a recruitment and employability expert with more than fifteen years of experience. She’s worked with many employers across various industries to help them design and deliver graduate recruitment campaigns. Her company Smart Resourcing Solutions is the leading provider of assessment center simulations for universities and has trained more than 30,000 students. Today she’s here to speak about her book From Learner to Earner, her upcoming TED talk, and how she’s building meaningful connections.    "When you tell stories and you open up to people and you're honest, there's some truth to that" - Sophie Milliken   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates   In This Episode: Why Sophie wrote From Learner to Earner What to expect from Sophie’s upcoming TED talk How people on social media responded to Sophie opening up and being vulnerable Do women worry more about being vulnerable and open than men?  What it’s like to speak in front of strangers about her story Sophie's plans for future events and books Resources: Smart Resourcing Solutions From Learner to Earner    Connect with Sophie Milliken: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter   Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

While women are represented in books like those on diversity and confidence, few women are seen as authorities in the leadership space. Sophie Devonshire was determined to add at least one more name to that list of published female authors with business-minded books, and she used that desire to finish Superfast: Lead at Speed. Sophie is the CEO of Caffeine Partnership, a firm that helps clients deliver their vision with high-energy, high-impact consulting. As an experienced leader and brand specialist fascinated by speeding up success, she wrote Superfast as a response to the excitement and exhaustion people are feeling with the ever-accelerating rate of business and technology advancement. She joins Lucy in this episode to share how she took her business book from concept to publication, how it’s impacted the Caffeine Partnership, and how it’s helped skyrocket her own credibility. Tune in to hear how we can all work to amplify the voices of women by being loud about what we bring to the table. “I believe that women need to have a voice about business. I [wanted] to make sure I at least [added] one more female name to published books.” -Sophie Devonshire   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates   In This Episode: How the exponential growth of technology, and her clients’ struggle to keep up with the excitement, inspired Sophie’s book The incredible ways Sophie’s book has helped market her business and land her speaking engagements  Why being a female voice in the business publication world is so important to Sophie The challenges Sophie faced when writing her book, and the three things she used to overcome them What tech tools Sophie used to organize and her book and other strategies she recommends for aspiring authors The role of having a mentor and team played in Sophie’s ability to finish her book Sophie’s advice to women hoping to write their own business book How to reframe self-promotion and stop thinking of it as a selfish act Resources: Superfast: Lead at Speed by Sophie Devonshire   Connect with Sophie: Twitter LinkedIn The Caffeine Partnership   Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

There tends to be a misconception that business books must be cold, instructional devices rather than engaging and inspiring guides. When writing her business book, however, Emily Macpherson abandoned complex jargon in favor of clarity, practicality, and encouragement for her readers. Emily is the founder of Find Peace of Mind, a financial planning firm, and author of Retirement Compass: Personal Finance for the Life You Desire. Her business was created as a result of her own poor interaction with a financial advisor, and her efforts to expand on traditional methodologies by helping clients see their lives holistically is a thread woven throughout her book. She joins Lucy in this episode to explain why she took this approach to authorship, how she buckled down to write, and how her experiences continue to shape her professional work. “It was a challenge to write the book, but… I did that and it’s my physical evidence that I can rise to the challenge and I’ve got something positive to give.” -Emily Macpherson   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates   In This Episode: How Emily was inspired to go into financial planning and open her business at 22 after her own experience with an advisor The catalyst that got Emily to commit to her book, even though she’d tried to write it several times before How Emily’s business, and book, deviate from the traditional methodologies of financial planning The workshop exercise that played a pivotal role in Emily finishing her first draft in 30 days, and why done is better than perfect Will finding an accountability partner really help you write your business book? How Emily’s book has impacted her business, confidence, and industry credibility Emily’s breast cancer journey, and how it’s inspired her to write a follow-up book geared toward financial planning for young people Her biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to write their business book Resources: FindPeaceOfMind.co.uk Retirement Compass Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

As a woman, do you face additional hardships to attain and maintain leadership positions? In this episode, Lucy interviews author Kadi Cole, who has over 25 years of diverse experience in leadership. Kadi shares her experiences with writing, publishing, and working with men and women in leadership. Listen in to hear Kadi’s advice on everything from handling criticism as an author to the positive practice of female leadership. “I believe that we are made to make a difference in the world.” -Kadi Cole   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 1:55 - Kadi explains the origins of her book on leadership.   5:22- Kadi speaks to the most common mistake she sees in the practice of female leadership.   8:54 - Kadi maps out the process of writing and publishing her books.   12:37 - The similarities and differences between secular and faith-based workspaces in female leadership   18:09 - Kadi breaks down the impact of her two books on her clients and work experiences.   21:03 - Do women face additional struggles in writing a book and getting it published? Kadi works through a couple of problems she faced and how she overcame them.   25:04 - Kadi speaks to handling criticism as a female author.   26:43 - Kadi explains her next steps.   29:19 - Kadi shares her tips for aspiring and current female authors.   Resources: Buy Lucy’s book on Amazon A Book of One’s Own Private Facebook Group Kadi’s books on Amazon Connect with Kadi: Twitter Website Instagram   Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Website Facebook

Can you write a business book before you’ve started a business? After more than two decades of working with McDonald’s, that’s exactly what Marianne Page did. Upon leaving the corporate world behind, Marianne wrote Process to Profit as a precursor to her coaching business; she later published the best-selling Simple Logical Repeatable to help consolidate her model into an online program. Today she joins Lucy to discuss the role writing played in her business’s evolution and the importance of getting your ideas onto paper and out to the public. “Women are changing the world… We need to get what’s in their hearts and minds down on paper.” -Marianne Page   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 05:37 - How writing a book can boost your confidence.   07:45 - How a book can build, and evolve, your business.   10:13 - Why it’s important to get your expertise out of your head and onto paper.   15:01 - Why prolific is better than perfect.   18:25 - The growing book trend you must take advantage of to reach a wider audience.   24:31 - Why you need to be confident about putting your brilliance into a book.   34:48 - Marianne’s top tips for writing your book.   Connect with Marianne: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram mariannepage.co.uk Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

How is the writing process different when you team up with a colleague? Lyn Bromley and Donna Whitbrook join Lucy to discuss how they leveraged their collective skills to co-author Trusted: The Human Approach to Building Outstanding Client Relationships in a Digitized World. You’ll hear how their book made their expertise more accessible to the masses while bringing them speaking engagements and notoriety. Don’t miss this dynamic duo’s advice on confidence, human connection, and collaboration. “We all have credibility, but it elevates you in your field... People want to know what we have to say about it.” -Donna Whitbrook   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 03:56 - How Donna and Lyn developed a collaborative writing process that gave their book a cohesive tone.   08:55 - How their book made them more accessible.   12:06 - Why a lack of confidence may be holding women back in the workplace.   18:26 - Why women in corporate need to write a business book, too.   19:45 - How “writing for everyone” can help break through unconscious bias.   23:24 - The self-sustaining cycle of marketing a book.   27:33 - Lyn and Donna’s “book magic moments” that surprised them both.   Connect with Lyn & Donna: Lyn’s Twitter Lyn’s LinkedIn Donna’s Twitter Facebook firstimpressions.uk.com Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

Your business book does more than set you apart from your competition; it’s the legacy of your personal and professional experiences. Sandra Webber is a high-performance coach who knows what it takes to create positive changes in your life. Her book Own It: Regain Control and Live Life on Your Terms was written intentionally to connect her story to the framework she uses to help her clients take action. Today she joins Lucy to talk about her unorthodox professional journey, her path to authorship, and the impact of her book. “You’ve got, in the book, your journey and the breadth of your experience.” -Sandra Webber   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 08:19 - The first step that made Sandra’s writing process feel easy.   10:27 - What will motivate you to write if you’re worried it’s a selfish use of time.   15:41 - How your book will leave a legacy.   16:42 - Why planning is non-negotiable if you want to follow through.   21:47 - How to make your book more relatable, and why it matters.   31:09 - Sandra’s top tips for women who want to write a book.   Connect with Sandra: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook sandrawebbercoaching.com Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

Many aspiring entrepreneurial authors, especially women, are worried that writing is a selfish use of their time. Vicki Wusche, a five-time author and property wiz, wants you to know that the opposite is true. Today she joins Lucy to talk about why sharing your knowledge is never a selfish act. You don’t want to miss her no-nonsense approach to shedding the excuses and owning your journey. “If I know something that, if I shared it with you, could help you in some way, why wouldn’t I do that?” -Vicki Wusche   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 06:39 - How your book can be the turning point of evolution in your business.   12:45 - Why you shouldn’t be afraid of being criticized for sharing your journey.   18:16 - The “tribe of readership”, and why you shouldn’t be concerned with comparisons.   21:05 - Why you don’t need to write specifically for women.   26:01 - Why keeping your expertise to yourself is selfish.   Connect with Vicki: Twitter Facebook YouTube vickiwusche.com Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

For women, having variegated lives informs our work, our behavior, and our writing. Today Lisette Schuitemaker, a four-time author, chats with Lucy about birth order, childhood conclusions, and socialization. They discuss gender differences in perception and performance, and why the world needs to hear more from women. Lisette’s work focuses on spiritual- and self-development, and you don’t want to miss her insights on what it means to live a multitrack life and being a woman who owns her story. “We do need women’s wisdom and ways of looking in this world, desperately.” -Lisette Schuitemaker   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 04:40 - The characteristics of eldest daughters and how they translate to professional performance. 17:07 - What are childhood conclusions, and how do they inform our work? 22:45 - How your book acts as a business card and finds people for you. 25:12 - Lisette’s tips for writing your book. 27:57 - Why the world needs to hear from women.   Connect with Lisette Schuitemaker: Twitter Facebook Instagram lisetteschuitemaker.com/en Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

Once you’ve planned and written your book, how do you actually get it published?  In this episode, Lucy explains the three main routes of publishing a book: traditional publishers, DIY self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. She shares the details that will help you decide which route to take when publishing your book. You'll hear all you need to know in order to publish your book your way. “To leverage your time and expertise, you need to pay someone other than yourself to create a book.” -Lucy McCarraher   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 02:38 - An overview of Traditional Publishing and what you should know before starting   11:10- DIY Self-publishing overview and what you will need to publish your own book   16:05 - A look into hybrid publishing, a balance between DIY and Traditional Publishing   25:40 - How to distinguish between Self-publishing and Hybrid publishing Resources: A Book of One's Own website Buy the book on Amazon Private Facebook Group Rethink Press free eBook Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook

How can you turn trauma and the taboo into a practical handbook? Jane Duncan Rogers is a coach, speaker, and not-for-profit founder who helps people establish end-of-life plans. Today she joins Lucy to discuss how her book, Before I Go, helped her package her personal experience into an effective and palatable guide that seeks to change the way we think about “The D-Word”. Not only has she turned a conversation-stopper into a tool to use with her clients, she’s created training material for new end-of-life plan coaches. “Life was showing me what I needed to do next, and all I needed to do was show up.” -Jane Duncan Rogers   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 9:37 - How unpacking emotional work in a business-like way helps you be more firm with your audience.   11:28 - The importance of having a supportive network.   15:10 - What it means to be sitting on a “mountain of value”.   18:18 - How writing helps bring your specialties and experience together cohesively.   19:39 - Why you’re never lost for content when you’ve got a book in your repertoire.   21:46 - How your book acts as a recruitment tool.   30:24 - The key things Jane’s book has brought her.   Connect with Jane Duncan Rogers: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook YouTube beforeigosolutions.com Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

Once you’ve developed a thorough outline for your business book, how do you actually get it written?   Working through a clear process is the most effective way to get your book out of your head and onto paper.   In this episode, Lucy explains her W.R.I.T.E.R. Process, a step-by-step model to completing your manuscript.   She shares how to write your first draft quickly, how to recruit beta readers, and how to review your book objectively.   You’ll hear how to work the W.R.I.T.E.R. Process from start to finish for a better, more polished business book. “Clarity of expression leads to clarity of thought” -Lucy McCarraher   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 02:04 - An overview of Lucy’s W.R.I.T.E.R. Process and what you must have done first   05:49 - The three key elements to writing and how to get your first draft done   16:05 - How to get objective and review your manuscript   23:39 - The ideal sequence to work through your notes to improve your draft   28:40 - The five places you can find beta readers, why you need them, and how to approach them   39:21 - How to edit your manuscript for consistency and clarity   42:43 - The two steps you need to repeat before handing your polished manuscript off for publishing   Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com      

Who the hell are you to write a book? If you’re an aspiring entrepreneurial author, you can’t miss today’s episode.   Audrey Chapman, sales strategist, and author joins Lucy to discuss how she conquered self-doubt and wrote a book that allowed her to dig deep and reap the rewards.   You’ll hear how writing Love Selling: How to Sell Without Selling Out was a transformative experience -- one that landed her a six-figure contract.   Get comfortable, because Audrey is going to answer that nagging question, “Am I good enough?” (Hint: the answer is YES.)   “It’s a lot easier than what one imagines and far more profound than you’ll ever believe.” -Audrey Chapman   Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates   Timestamps: 05:33 - How writing a book adds weight to your professional experience.   07:00 - The unexpected place you’ll find your ROI after writing a book.   10:34 - Facing your internal dialogue of self-doubt.   18:18 - Audrey’s life-changing shift in perspective that came from her writing process.   21:07 - Audrey’s advice to get started writing.   Connect with Audrey Chapman: Twitter Thesalesresolution.co Book: Love Selling: How to Sell Without Selling Out Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

The lack of female representation in the winners of the first Business Book Awards led Lucy McCarraher on a journey to unpack the gender gap in business book publishing.   What is holding women back from writing and publishing their business books?   How can we close the gap and encourage women to share their expertise?   In this bonus episode, Lucy provides some troubling statistics, shares how the Business Book Awards got proactive about representation and fills you in on her mission to get 50 more women to write their book this year.   Will you join the challenge?   “To reduce the gender gap in business book publishing, affirmative action needs to be taken by all parts of the industry” -Lucy McCarraher Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 02:00 - This history of the Business Book Awards and shocking statistics about women in publishing   04:54 - Do you need to step out of your comfort zone? How women are held back by lack of confidence, fear of criticism, and limited mentorship   07:09 - How we can all work to reduce the gender gap in business book publishing   10:27 - Lucy’s mission for the 2020 Business Book Awards and how you can join the challenge   Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Rethinkpress.com Join the Challenge Join the Facebook Group      

As a woman in business, it can be daunting to sell yourself. We often minimise our professional experience and undervalue our knowledge. But what if you could package your expertise in a way that would build your confidence, client base, and visibility -- without feeling pushy? Today Lucy is joined by Antoinette Oglethorpe, leadership coach, and author, to discuss how she did exactly that. Take some notes; you’re going to learn how Antoinette’s book, Grow Your Geeks, impacted her business and transformed the way she sells. “We’ve all got more of a story… than we realize.” -Antoinette Oglethorpe Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 04:29 - How to tackle your fears and get over the idea that you don’t have anything to say. 08:28 - The anxiety that surrounds taking risks and why “selling yourself” can be difficult for women. 15: 25 - What it means to write a book that sells you. 20:16 - The role of writing a book plays in building your business. 21:44 - Gaining confidence and clarity in yourself and your business. 23:51 - Antoinette’s advice for writing your own business book.   Connect with Antoinette Oglethorpe: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Google+ antoinetteoglethorpe.com Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook

In order for your book to be as valuable an asset as possible, you must position it perfectly before publishing. It’s imperative that you take the time to plan its alignment with your business and target market. Luckily, Lucy has an exact model for you to follow and she is sharing it with you today. You’ll hear the details of her P.L.A.N. method and the precise action steps you need to take to position your book. “Direct your valuable information to the reader who is going to be most valuable to you” -Lucy McCarraher Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 02:00 - What is the P.L.AN. method? 03:45 - How to position yourself as an author 06:20 - How to clarify who you’re writing for 12:05 - How to determine what your ideal client wants to hear, and where you need to meet them 15:06 - How unpacking the solution and benefits you offer will position you as a unique provider 16:33 - Why standardizing your unique processes is important for establishing intellectual property 20:37 - What your book needs to sell you without sounding like a marketing brochure 22:10 - How and why you need to let your P.L.A.N. compost Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

Impostor Syndrome is a pervasive phenomenon that leads you to doubt your abilities and accomplishments. Tara Halliday’s book UNMASKING: The Coach’s Guide to Impostor Syndrome unpacks the realities of Impostor Syndrome and teaches coaches how to help their clients through feelings of insecurity. Today Tara joins Lucy to discuss self-sabotage, fear, and the value of writing. With a Ph.D. in engineering and two decades of experience working as a therapist and coach, she brings a unique perspective about what’s holding you back -- and how to get over it. “Your personal story is important; it can be instructional, it can be inspirational.” -Tara Halliday Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 08:00 - Why writing a book is valuable, even if no one reads it. 13:42 - Why women tend to write about people-oriented subjects -- and why that’s okay. 18:23 - Why your book is a gift, and your story is valuable. 20:54 - How an accountability partner can help your writing process. 29:09 - The benefits of writing a business book. Connect with Tara: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook YouTube completesuccess.co.uk Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com    

As an aspiring entrepreneurial author, it’s important for you to have the tools to get through the writing process without being sidetracked, losing confidence, or giving up. As Lucy was writing A Book of One's Own and unpacking her interviews with women entrepreneurs, she got to know ten women archetypes. These archetypes can either distract you from your goal or help you plan, write, and publish your book. Today Lucy introduces you to the archetypes, teaches you how to spot them, and shows you how to call upon your female superpowers. “You can become the hero of writing your own book and using it to expand your influence, increase your income, and make an impact” -Lucy McCarraher Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates   Timestamps: 03:21 - How Lucy discovered the ten archetypes, and why it’s important to understand them 07:09 - The three archetypes that sap our self-confidence, and how to confront them 13:37 - The three archetypes that ambush us, and how to keep them from derailing your process 19:48 - The three archetypes related to our superpowers as women 26:20 - How you can evolve into the final archetype that expands your influence, increases your income and makes an impact Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

What if you could have financial capital and an engaged audience behind your book before it’s published? Jane Frankland joins Lucy to discuss how she harnessed the power of crowdfunding to validate her idea and gain visibility before ever releasing InSecurity: Why a Failure to Attract and Retain Women in Cybersecurity is Making Us All Less Safe. Hear how this cybersecurity consultant and entrepreneur generated buzz and got booked for speaking engagements while writing to challenge the status quo in a male-dominated field. You don’t want to miss this episode about Jane’s unique path to authorship. “I can say I am the world’s authority… It enables you to own a niche.” -Jane Frankland Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 02:31 - Jane’s approach to turning one report into a fully-researched, science-backed book. 08:45 -  How Jane transitioned from speaking for free to getting paid for her appearances. 13:48 - How Jane got paid for her book -- before it was ever written! 17:41 - How Jane got her family’s blessing to write her book. 19:37 - The important conversations Jane’s book is starting in her industry. 24:43 - The ritual that helped her stay on track. 30:58 - Jane’s tips to write your own business book. Connect with Jane Frankland: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook cybersecuritycapital.com jane-frankland.com Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com

Fewer women than men are doing the one thing that can automatically increase credibility, income, and reach: writing a book. Lucy McCarraher is an author, mentor, publisher, and speaker. She is on a mission to inspire more women entrepreneurs to write their business book and claim their authority. Today she reveals the 6 C’s that discourage women from writing and the five reasons they must push through their self-doubt and get their book published. “Women are losing out on a vital asset that can make all the difference in your income, impact, and influence” -Lucy McCarraher Love the Podcast? Leave a 5 Star Review and Subscribe on iTunes for updates Timestamps: 03:12 - Why do fewer women write their business books than men? What Lucy found when analyzing the results of the Business Book Awards 08:43 - What are women up against in publishing? The 6 C’s women face in business and book-writing 15:48 - Why writing your book is not a selfish process 18:26 - The first reason you need to write a business book: What the planning process does for you 20:06 - Reason two: How your book’s content works for you 21:42 - Reason three: How authorship changes your standing in your industry 23:34 - Reason four: How your book sells you 25:00 - Reason five: The magic of writing a good book 27:24 - How to get started on your writing journey Connect with Lucy: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook rethinkpress.com