Creating Quarterly Books - Inside Strategic Coach with Dan Sullivan

Introduction

• Hosts: Shannon Waller, Dan Sullivan
• Topic: Process of creating quarterly books at Strategic Coach
• Context: Many inquiries about the creative process and teamwork involved

Background

Dan Sullivan's Previous Experience

• 13 Books: Written before starting the quarterly book process
• Belief in Physical Books: Despite digital trends, physical books hold significant value
• Statistics: Physical books remain more popular than eBooks (70% vs. 30%)
• Entrepreneurial Magic: Having a book enhances credibility for entrepreneurs

Commitment to Quarterly Books

• Public Commitment: Dan committed to writing 100 books in 25 years (100 quarters)
• Initial Challenge: Found the solitary process grueling and lonely
• Teamwork Approach: Shifted from individual effort to a teamwork-oriented process

Team and Process Overview

Initial Phase

• 10 People Involved: Including Dan
• Time Reduction: From 100 hours to 30 hours per book
• Continuous Improvement: Identifying shortcuts and efficiencies over time

Topic Selection

• Workshop Ideas: Topics are based on ideas tested in Strategic Coach workshops
• Impact Filter: Used to evaluate and develop ideas into potential book topics

Impact Filter and Scorecard

• Mindsets: Each book is structured around 8 core mindsets
• Scorecard: Developed for each mindset to provide psychological depth
• Writing Process: Dan drafts outlines and subheads, not the full text

Writing and Editing Process

Interview-Based Content Creation

• Interviews: Dan is interviewed by Shannon to expand on outlined ideas
• Transcription: Interviews transcribed and edited for book content
• Writing: Subheads crafted by Dan, text developed by Adam (copywriter)
• Editing: Carrie (editor) refines content to match Dan's voice and structure

Graphic and Visual Elements

• Cartoons: Created by Dan's cartoonist, HH, adding visual representation to ideas
• Color Palettes: Different colors for contrasting ideas (positive vs. negative)

Finalization and Production

Audio and Video Materials

• Author Interviews: Recorded to provide an audio version of the book's content
• Video Summaries: Short videos highlighting main concepts
• Multiple Formats: Text, audio, video, and cartoons to cater to different preferences

Print and Distribution

• Final Proofing: Ensures quality before printing
• Quarterly Deadline: Each book released at the start of a new quarter
• Project Team: Including graphic designers, video producers, and audio engineers

Key Takeaways and Lessons

• Unique Ability Teamwork: Central to the success of the quarterly book project
• Flexibility: Process accommodates unforeseen delays and events (e.g., HH’s injury)
• Continuous Improvement: Constantly refining process for efficiency and effectiveness
• Audience Engagement: Audience feedback plays a role in shaping subsequent books
• Creativity and Expression: Team members focus on their strengths and passions

Conclusion

• Joyful Collaboration: Best teamwork experience for Dan in his career
• 360° Growth: Teamwork fosters comprehensive growth and improvement
• Next Steps: Continuing to refine and improve the process for future books