Saying “I’m an author” just isn’t enough anymore.
It no longer carries the same weight it did years ago. It’s just not as impressive.
The book-in-a-weekend thing? It likely won’t boost your credibility as a thought leader. Â
Writing a book is still worth it... but only if it’s a good book.
There’s no question about it: a book can increase your impact. It can amplify your speaking career. And it can positively impact your revenue.
But a sub-par book will do none of those things. If you want to write a book, quality matters.
You know this. You don’t want to write just any book, you want to write the book. The one your readers need. The one they’ve been waiting for. The one that changes their lives, and yours.
Whether you’re writing your first book, or your second, third, or fifteenth book, this is the training program that will help you write a better book.
A book that gets read.
Our Promise
Write a reader-driven book, at your own pace. Master a repeatable process to draft, edit, structure, and prepare to pitch and publish your book successfully.
The Program
This connected-distance learning program is a combination of live interaction, independent learning, and practical assignments designed to take you through the key steps of the book-writing journey.
Over the span of 14 weeks, you’ll learn how to use a structured, repeatable process for writing a reader-focused nonfiction book that actually gets read. Then, in the Independent Writing Phase that follows the core curriculum, you'll have dedicated time to continue refining your manuscript.
With weekly video lessons, sequenced assignments, personalized feedback at key milestones, live virtual sessions, and exclusive author interviews, this program is designed to give you the structure, support, and confidence every author needs to succeed.
14
3
10
.webp)
The Essentials for Book Writing Success
Unlike programs focused on completing an entire first draft, GRAD | Book Writing Mastery emphasizes building a strong foundation. Here, you’ll learn the essential and repeatable book-writing fundamentals you need to draft, edit, pitch, finish and publish your book successfully.
You’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and mastery to write a book you’re proud of. A book people won’t just buy, but read—and love. The book that will change lives for years and years to come.
You’ll focus specifically on the book-writing fundamentals every author needs to write an impactful, reader-focused book. No matter where you’re at in your writing journey, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap, expert feedback, and the confidence to finish your book.
.webp)
Get to Know Your Ideal Reader
A book is not about something. A book is for someone.
Putting your reader first is a craft. It doesn’t just build trust and connection, it shapes the entire trajectory of your authorship journey. Learn how to deeply understand your audience so you can meet them where they are. Write a book that’s put into practice, recommended, and kept forever.
1
.webp)
Your Core Message: A Shift in Perspective
This is what truly guides your writing (and changes the world).
What is the fundamental truth you’ll share with your readers? Does it have the power to change their world, and yours? Craft your Core Message, test it in the market, get visionary feedback to refine and improve it, and start using it right away to connect with readers and inspire change.
2
.webp)
Your Book’s Most Important Chapter
A polished first chapter hooks readers and sets the stage for success.
Accomplish the first chapter’s five primary objectives and convince your readers your book is worth reading. Discover how to connect with your readers where they are, build trust, masterfully spotlight your Core Message, and more. Get two rounds of developmental feedback on your Chapter One to make it as compelling as possible.
3
Don’t Organize Your Book Like a Silverware Drawer
Take your reader on a transformational journey towards a powerful promise.
The problem with most book outlines is that they're too linear, too compartmentalized. When you see your outline as the map of your reader’s journey, you’ll be able to give them what they need, when they need it. Craft a transformational book outline that makes writing your first draft not only easier, but much faster, and much more enjoyable.
4
Be Certain Your Book Works (Way Before It Hits the Market)
Earn the type of writing confidence that shines through on every page.
Most authors skip this vital step, and then wonder why their book isn’t selling like they’d hoped. There’s a simple way to be absolutely certain your book will deliver on its promise: through testing. Discover the two essential stages in the book-writing process where you must test your content to determine if it’s working (and how to do it effectively and efficiently).
5
.webp)
Founder of CEK Communication, Consulting, Coaching
"It snaps you out of 'Oh, I want to write a book in this lifetime,' and gets you clear about why you're writing it, who you're writing it for, and how you want it to function in your business."
.webp)
Use the Proven “Must-Read Editing Method”
Simplify the editing process, stay focused, and get the feedback you need.
When authors take editing shortcuts, their readers suffer. Use a proven strategy to get feedback from your readers and make necessary edits that ensure your book resonates (before you get too far along in the editing process). As you map the reader’s journey throughout your book, you’ll guarantee they’re transformed with every page they turn.
6
Explore Your Publishing Path
Not every publishing journey looks the same. Understanding your options is vital for success.
Writing a book and publishing it are two different endeavors, and it’s important to know what’s ahead. In this program, you’ll learn the pros and cons of traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing, and begin to map the path that aligns best with your goals. You’ll leave with greater clarity on your publishing direction and your next best steps.
7
.webp)
CEO of GauxMax LLC and Podcast Host of Lies My Ego Told Me
"I came in thinking I was writing a memoir, but by week nine, I had a clear framework and it was a magical moment. The light bulb went off and it really was like the catalyst for me to get the rest of this writing done."
Meet AJ Harper, your new writing mentor.
Get unique writing, editing, and publishing insights from writing visionary AJ Harper, multi-award-winning author of Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own. She’s spent over 20 years as a ghostwriter, developmental editor, and book publisher, and has helped develop HEROIC’s GRAD | Book Writing Mastery program to teach thought leaders how to write reader-focused books that get read.
AJ doesn't just work with authors, speakers, and leaders, she changes their lives.
You’re going to love AJ. And she can’t wait to meet you.
Who it’s for
Whether you’re writing your first book, or your second, third, or fifteenth book—this is the training program that will help you write a better one.
who have an idea for a book but need structure, guidance, and accountability to bring it to life.
looking to translate their expertise into a compelling book that expands their influence and impact.
who have already started writing but struggle with structure, reader engagement, or momentum and want a proven process to help them move forward.
who want to turn their signature talk into a meaningful book that extends their impact far beyond the stage.
who want to finish their book as quickly as humanly possible, no matter the quality. This is not a “book-in-a-weekend” course that promises a finished book in 3 days. Here at HEROIC, we don’t do surface-level work.
who are uninterested in receiving suggestions from A-list editors and accomplished authors to help them iterate their writing.
who are only writing a book to add “author” to their list of achievements and aren’t focused on serving their readers with a reader-focused book.
working on a novel or narrative-driven book. GRADÂ | Book Writing Mastery is focused on learning how to write nonfiction: specifically books that share ideas, insights, and frameworks to help readers grow.
Founder of Idea Builders Guild, Speaker, Author
"I’m much more confident about writing the book now. I'm less intimidated and see it as less of a grind."
Discover what it takes to craft a book that gets read.
This is your comprehensive, inside-look into what it truly takes to write a book that gets read. It’s designed to give you the resources, knowledge, and support you need to confidently plan, draft, and begin refining your book—and lay the groundwork for editing, pitching, and publishing it.
From refining your Core Message and drafting your outline to writing your first chapter and exploring your publishing options, we’ll guide, encourage, and empower you through the key steps of the book-writing process.
Whether this is your first, second, third, or fifteenth book... This is the training program that will help you write a better one. One that’s reader-focused and life-changing, both for you and your readers.
In GRAD | Book Writing Mastery, you’ll get the structure and support you need to write the book, the one your readers have been waiting for.
Ready to learn more about our GRAD programs? Reach out to our admissions team to learn more.
Deliver a book that’s at a radically different level than anything you’ve ever done.
Your ideas are worth sharing. They’ll change your reader’s world—and your own. Develop, iterate, and refine those ideas with a reader-focused and process-based writing journey. The result? A masterfully-crafted book your readers will devour.
By the end of the program, you’ll have:
A tested Core Message that connects with your unique readers.
A transformational book outline that provides a strong structure for your book.
A strong first chapter that hooks readers and sets the stage for success.
A repeatable book writing process you’ve learned and practiced; one you can use to complete your current manuscript and any future books.
A publishing plan shaped by your goals that gives you the clarity to bring your book to market and into your readers’ hands successfully.
The proven “Must-Read Editing Method” to refine your book manuscript.
Invaluable personalized feedback from the HEROIC Writing Faculty to guide you, add clarity, and bring focus to your writing.
Access to a supportive and encouraging community of writers who share your goals, understand your struggles, and celebrate your successes.
When you write a transformational book, the world notices.
Of course, we can’t tell you exactly how much you’ll make in direct sales of your book. Every book is different, and every book deal is different too. And, it’s impossible to know right now exactly how many people will read your book, and how many lives will change because of it.
But, we can tell you this: when you write a transformational, reader-focused book, opportunities abound. Doors open. Rewards (both personal and professional) start piling up on your front door.
Estimating your lifetime earnings from just one book you write is nearly impossible—because the possibilities are truly endless.
Increase your earnings through book sales. Include cases of books, book signings, and even virtual book clubs in your speaking fee. Your newfound author status? It’s a powerful reason to increase your speaking fee.
Get asked to speak at huge events filled with audience members who’ve read (and loved) your book. Share your authorship journey in interviews, podcasts, and meet-and-greets. Reach more people, and change more lives.
Imagine finding a check for $1k, $3k, or even $10k in your mailbox for the royalties earned on your book. Many authors earn quite nicely from royalties, even years after their book has been published.
Imagine how it would feel to hear someone say: “your book changed my life” or “your book transformed my business.” When you hear comments like those, you’ll be so grateful you took that first step and put in the work to write your book for them.
Let’s find the next best step in your thought leadership journey. Tell us about your goals (we’re all for vision boards and master plans) and fill out the application form in as much detail as possible. Our Admissions team carefully evaluates each applicant so they can make tailored recommendations specific to your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet HEROIC's
Writing Faculty
Get valuable writing, editing, and publishing insights earned only by real-life experience. You’ll learn from celebrated best-selling authors, prolific ghostwriters, and highly-praised developmental editing experts. They’re not just masterful writers, they’re exceptional educators as well.
