How to Structure a Book that Works!
for Small Business Owners
Step-by-Step Training for Business Owners and Aspiring Authors on Effective Book Organization for Nonfiction and Fiction
Available in two formats: 2hr online or 3hr in person.
Table of Contents
A stand-alone course that may be taken independently or as a companion to Write, Publish, Profit
A good book needs more than a good idea. Whether you are writing a business book, short Kindle book, micro-story, or fiction, its underlying structure can determine whether readers keep reading, recommend it, and want more from you. This course is designed for business owners, solopreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in writing books that can generate income, build credibility, support a business, or develop a loyal readership.
For nonfiction, we examine the anatomy of effective books and chapters, including how-to and problem-solution structures, short authority books, stories, case studies, summaries, exercises, and calls to action. For fiction, we explore the Hero’s Journey, three-act structure, character arcs, conflict, pacing, turning points, and other techniques that keep readers engaged and wanting the next book.
We also look beyond the final page. Business authors can use books to attract clients, strengthen credibility, support speaking and training, and generate additional opportunities. Fiction writers can build newsletters, reader communities, and a following for future books. Ethical use of AI is included throughout as a tool to strengthen the author’s skills, research, thinking, and organization, while keeping the Human in the Lead.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn how to:
– Select a structure that fits the purpose, audience, and type of book they want to write.
– Build stronger nonfiction chapters using stories, examples, case studies, summaries, exercises, and other reader-engagement tools.
– Apply proven fiction structures such as the Hero’s Journey and three-act structure without treating them as rigid formulas.
– Strengthen fiction through character development, conflict, pacing, stakes, scenes, and turning points.
– Structure short books, Kindle-only books, micro-stories, and other focused publishing opportunities.
– Connect nonfiction books to credibility, clients, products, services, speaking, training, and other income opportunities.
– Turn fiction readers into repeat readers through newsletters, reader offers, and future books.
– Use AI ethically to assist with ideas, research, organization, structure, and review without replacing the author’s judgment, creativity, experience, or voice.
Two-Hour Live Online Webinar
The two-hour online version introduces the major fiction and nonfiction structures and shows participants how to apply them to their own book ideas. Interactive questions, examples, polls, and short activities help participants begin identifying the structure that best fits what they want to write and what they want the book to accomplish.
Three-Hour Live Workshop
The three-hour version adds hands-on activities and more participant interaction. Attendees can work on their own fiction or nonfiction ideas by mapping chapters, examining story and chapter structures, developing characters or case studies, and identifying what they want readers to do after finishing the book. Participants leave with the beginnings of a structural blueprint they can continue developing after the class.
Developed by Martin Brossman and Dr. Richard Grassi, with input from Dr. Justin Rose
Martin Brossman is an author, business coach, speaker, and trainer who has worked extensively with small and micro-business owners throughout North Carolina. He has provided training through North Carolina Small Business Centers since 2006 and has written and collaborated on numerous books covering business, marketing, career development, personal growth, and AI. His work focuses on turning practical experience and knowledge into resources that people can use and businesses can profit from.
Dr. Richard Grassi is an author, educator, artist, and publisher with a doctorate in the humanities. His teaching has included English writing, literature, and communication, and his published work includes textbooks, humanities books, and children’s fiction. As founder of Cedar Books, he also brings hands-on publishing experience to help authors move from manuscript to finished book.
Dr. Justin Rose holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and is a Certified Workforce Development Professional with extensive experience in workforce development, AI, emerging technology, and professional education. He has collaborated with Martin Brossman on AI training for small businesses and professionals and contributes expertise on the ethical, practical, and effective use of AI throughout the writing and publishing process.
To schedule this training contact Colleen@MartinBrossman.com or call 919-847-4757 Option #2 (email is prefered)
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