Writing a short nonfiction book isn’t as hard, daunting, or time-consuming as it might seem. Anyone who can write clear emails can also write a book using a topic they already know, from accounting to autism, from bees to the Bahamas, from cartooning to customer loyalty, and so much more! Join the FREE challenge from January 1-March 15, 2026.
A short nonfiction book can help you:
- Distribute knowledge you possess
- Document knowledge or experiences gained so others can enjoy or learn, even after you’re gone
- Make money for a vacation or another goal
- Tell a story
- Expand your business
- Produce a product to sell or distribute
- Establish credibility in a particular sphere
- Have a “freebie” to grow your business or mailing list
- Process an experience
- Explore a new creative outlet
- Argue a position or advocate for a cause
- Connect with or reward your customer base
- Make a small part of a project to get funding for a larger project
- Generate business leads
- Become an author!
What you can expect from the From Idea to Author Challenge:
- Ten weeks of step-by-step instructions and information to help you write your own short nonfiction book
- A weekly email with instructions, information, and much more to guide you through writing your short nonfiction book
- A weekly checklist to make sure you complete the necessary steps to keep your book on track
- Working about 2-15 hours each week on your book (more or less – the amount of time necessary will depend on the scope of your book, the speed with which you write, and many other factors).
- By the end, you should have a 10-150 page (2,500-35,00 word) manuscript for a short nonfiction book (a “mini book”). If you work to the schedule, it could be self-published and for sale by the end of Week 10!
Not sure if a book is right for your goals? Email me or message me on Instagram, and I’ll be happy to be honest with you! (I refuse to sell you something I know you don’t need.)
Wait, there’s more!
There are two tiers in the From Idea to Author Challenge. The Basic Tier will give you enough information to publish your book via weekly emails, including to-do checklists for each week. The Write Fast, Dream Big Tier includes emails + videos, live Q&A sessions, and much more!
From Idea to Author Challenge FAQ
Who will benefit from this challenge?
The challenge is set up for anyone who wishes to create a short nonfiction book. It’s specifically geared toward those who want to use the book to build or support a business, but it will also be suitable those writing about other topics. (See the list of potential ways a mini book can help you.)
Are there any limits on who can participate?
Anyone of any age, from any country, is welcome to play along! You should have a general technological knowledge, but you don’t have to be an expert at technology. I hope I can explain the steps well enough to get you through, even if you’re not “techy,” and if you don’t know how to do something (especially in the formatting stage), do a web search – someone has tried to make headings, insert pictures, and much more before you!
Is the challenge really free?!?
Yes, the base option of the challenge is 100% free. There is also a paid tier that includes videos, more information, live Q&A calls, and more.
Can I upgrade to the paid option after the challenge begins?
You can. Please email me if you would like to upgrade to the paid challenge option after the challenge begins, and I’ll send you the payment link (along with the emails you might have missed).
Do you have a refund policy?
I only accept refunds before the challenge begins on January 1, 2026. Please email me for a refund request.
What is the monetary benefit of taking this challenge ?
I do not provide a results guarantee due to the very participatory and individual nature of the challenge and coursework. You are free to make your own goals for your mini book, whether this is monetary or some other measure.
What are the dates and times of the challenge?
Part 1 runs from January 1 to February 15 (six weeks). Part 2 runs from February 16 to March 15 (four weeks).
How much time will I spend on this challenge per week?
It depends on the length of your book and how quickly you work, but you’ll probably spend 2-15 hours per week (less than 2 hours per day) working on writing, etc.
What times are the Q&A calls?
All Q&A calls are currently scheduled for 2pm EST (Eastern Standard Time) on Tuesdays. They will last 10-30 minutes.
What can I expect at the Q&A calls?
I’ll answer your questions, help you brainstorm, and generally support you on your writing journey.
Will there be replays for the Q&A sessions?
Yes! The replays will be posted via a private YouTube link.
Is there lifetime access to the challenge material?
You will have lifetime access to the emails in your inbox. Supplementary materials (videos, Q&A session replays, etc.) should be available for at least one year (through December 31, 2026), although chances are they’ll still be available after that (even for your lifetime).
What happens if I fall behind?
You can continue to work through the lessons at your own pace. You’re welcome to continue attending the live Q&A calls.
What programs will I need?
You can use free programs for every step. I recommend a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or LibreOffice Writer for writing and formatting (GoogleDocs can be used but is not the best choice due to limited functionality when it comes to formatting the book or booklet). If you’re on a phone, you technically can format your book in Canva, but this may make your life more complicated. For artwork/diagrams/pictures/the cover, use whatever program you’re most comfortable using. Canva is a great, free online option; the Adobe Suite (specifically Illustrator and/or PhotoShop) is a good if you already pay for it. I will also sometimes use GNU GIMP (a free PhotoShop alternative). In my examples, I will be using Canva, LibreOffice Writer, and GIMP.
Can I write this on a phone?
I would recommend a laptop or desktop computer for this challenge, but if you’re creative and don’t mind formatting your book in Canva or a word processor on your phone, feel free to do so.
Do I need a Mac or Windows for this challenge?
Either is fine, as is Linnex, Android, or iPhone. I will be demonstrating with a knowledge of Windows, but most of it will be similar if not identical for Mac users.
Have other questions? Feel free to email me or message me on Instagram!