Books are only effective when they serve a specific job of work.

In this week’s episode, I spoke with Kristi Linebaugh, who’s been an integral part of our team for years—guiding new authors through the first critical steps of turning their ideas into conversation-starting books. From helping clients overcome early hesitation to refining raw concepts into clear, compelling outlines, Kristi plays a vital role in setting the tone for successful book projects.

We talked about why so many people get stuck at the starting line—imposter syndrome, decision fatigue, chasing trends—and how a guided strategy call brings clarity and confidence. Kristi explains how she helps authors shift from “how can I talk about everything I do?” to “how can I start a conversation with the right reader?” She also walks through our outlining process, which gives authors a structured plan so they can show up energized and prepared, not overwhelmed.

This episode is especially valuable for anyone who’s ever felt unsure about what to include in their book—or worried about giving too much away. Kristi offers practical, repeatable strategies to focus your message, tell stories with real business relevance, and avoid the common trap of turning your book into a pitch instead of a pathway.

I always enjoy conversations with Kristi—she brings both warmth and wisdom to every part of the author journey.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

• I explore the journey of transforming passion into action in the book-writing process, with Kristi Linebaugh offering insights on overcoming common challenges like imposter syndrome.
• Kristi and I discuss crafting a strategic book message, emphasizing the shift from a personal excitement-driven approach to one that addresses the needs of the target audience.
• We delve into the process of creating a comprehensive outline for authors, highlighting the importance of structure in maintaining focus and enhancing the writing experience.
• Our conversation explores the transformation from a sales-driven mindset to a service-oriented approach, aiming to build genuine relationships with readers.
• I examine the challenges of writing how-to books, suggesting that specificity and a concise approach are key to engaging potential clients and fostering dialogue.
• We highlight the benefits of a coaching-style framework for managing writing projects, which allows authors to focus on delivering valuable content without planning every detail.
• The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to connect with us for guidance on their writing journey, underscoring the supportive process we offer.

Show notes & video: 90minutebooks.com/podcast/199
How does your book idea score against the 8 book building blocks we use here all the time: Book Blueprint Scorecard
Titles & Outline Workshops: 90MinuteBooks.com/Workshops
Ready to get started: 90MinuteBooks.com

Kristi Linebaugh:

Website: 90 Minute Books

LinkedIn: Kristi Linebaugh

Questions/Feedback: Send us an email
Extra Credit Listening: MoreCheeseLessWhiskers.com