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On The Table Read, “The Best Book Reader Magazine in the UK“, Tyler J. Smith shares details of her new book, Your Success Guide, why she wants to help readers achieve career success, and her writing process.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author Tyler Smith about her new book, Your Success Guide, how she helps readers increase their income producing habits, and the process that went into writing it.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am – like all of us a creator. I say, “all of us”, because everything you have is what you have brought into your life. I am one of those lucky people who decided to ‘give in’ to my creative side and befriend it. This relationship took years for me to reconcile myself to, this was one of those overthinking it decisions.
I grew up straddling celebrity – my dad was an entertainer, and my mom was a department head/schoolteacher. Two extremely different environments. My Dad was based in L.A., I lived on NATO bases and ultimately in four countries. You just know there had to be a story there – rock & roll, blackboards and chalk dust.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I wanted to write my first book when I was five, however it took 30+ years to make that happen. A clear example of procrastination – or imposter syndrome!
When did you take a step to start writing?
I started writing out of sheer necessity to regain my sanity – or if you listen to my children find sanity (still looking). I was working as a brand, marketing, communications specialist managing the careers of celebrities. I was doing ‘fun’ work, with the most incredible people, however I wasn’t feeling settled. I was going through a divorce and the time was right to switch over to writing. I met with our entertainment lawyer at the time, who was working with a talented celebrity chef, and I pitched a book series for him.
We got the publishing deal, I wrote the first book, it became both a best seller and a book series. The irony – I ended up managing chef’s career for five years and we did well, however it took me away from writing again.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
We are on a tough deadline. Our chef was the star of a barbeque show, the publisher wanted the book on the shelves for spring. From the time we had our first meeting to me seeing the books in retail at major outlets like Chapters and Coles, it was about four months. I use that as inspiration for myself when I’m feeling up against ‘it’ and overwhelmed at times.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
This book – Your Success Guide has been a 2 ½ year labour of rebirth for me. Lots of research, testing and focus groups went into making Your Success Guide a very simple system and a very effective one.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Your Success Guide?
The idea for this book came from working privately with clients from all different industries. These clients had commonalities – besides being human, they wanted to level up in their careers and achieve a deeper feeling of fulfillment. As a brand, marketing, communications specialist, I would help them realize their
purpose and marry that with a more fulfilling career. I was putting together spread sheets, questionnaires, reading material and I wanted to make this is a tidier, simpler process for them.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Your Success Guide?
Getting past my own insecurities. It had been 12 years since I had written a book. I was very used to being that person behind the scenes and I genuinely love helping people realize their dreams. It’s a natural high for me.
Getting used to being the ‘front person’ in my own life took (takes) daily awareness and practice.
What was your research process for Your Success Guide?
This book is a system that teaches people how to create new and sustainable habits – chiefly around income producing habits. I was my first tester – knowing that I wanted to write for a living, I needed to create better habits. I was also working a side hustle in a direct seller/multi-level business and wanted to help my growing team, so I tested the book with many of them. I also did focus groups and surveys which resulted in a lot of different iterations of the system.
Once that was sorted, I created an online course to go with it. Everyday felt like a marathon.
How did you plan the structure of Your Success Guide?
The book/system is structured around awareness and building new habits particularly on income and life hacks to support goal setting and success. I created a system I call ISAT = Intention, Schedule, Action and Tracking and built the book and online course around that acronym.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Your Success Guide need?
I got a lot of support with editing. I consulted with experts. I was very lucky to have two incredible editors who worked tirelessly on the system and the course with me. We wanted to make sure we were including the best research and also avoid pesky spelling mistakes.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
The same advice I give to my clients, and I teach in my online course curriculum. Break your big goal into smaller more digestible parts. For instance, let’s say you want to have your twelve-chapter, 360-page book done in twelve months. Instead of thinking about the whole book – think about one chapter per month. Instead of thinking about 360 pages – think about 30 pages per month. Then break those numbers down even smaller. 30 pages per month becomes one page per day. ONE PAGE PER DAY!? You can totally do that!
The key (as I teach people) once you’re aware of what you’d love to do, you then develop the habits to get it done. I love this stuff. This to me is like a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie – manna!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
This current book is geared toward helping entrepreneurs. Our next book – (formal release soon) is for Direct Sellers/Multi-Level Marketing professionals. We’ve been testing the student version for two years which will be released this year, I also teach marketing and publishing at a college, so I’m really excited about that one. From there we’re looking at various industries and wholesaling opportunities – working with companies who would like to use the book/system for their employees and brand the book as their own.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am beyond grateful for this project. I am living my dream of being creative in ways that fuel me – chiefly being able to help people and see the ripple effect that their success causes around the world. It is so much fun! Work? What work?
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Books may be purchased on my website and Amazon.com
Website: https://www.yoursuccessguide.pro/
Instagram and Facebook: @yoursuccessguidepro
Email: Support@yoursuccessguide.pro
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