006: Calling Cards Nobody Throws Away with Emily Chase Smith

The SaaS (Software as a Service) Business Podcast

Emily Chase Smith was a practicing attorney before leaving the law for a literary calling. Now, she helps entrepreneurs get their stories on paper by either ghostwriting their books or coaching them through the writing process. She explains why SaaS entrepreneurs should consider writing a book and why a book is your best calling card. She describes the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. She talks about how she helps her clients get their books finished.

Key Segments

• [02:15] Emily Chase is a book lover and a recovering attorney.
• [02:25] Emily practiced bankruptcy law; her recognition of common mistake made by clients caused her to write The Financially Savvy Entrepreneur: Navigate the Money Maze of Running a Business.
• [02:50] As a podcaster, Emily produced Money Morsels, The Entrepreneurs Money Podcast, and Mommy Brain.
• [02:55] Emily has pivoted and is now doing book coaching and ghostwriting.
• [03:05] Why would SaaS entrepreneurs want the write a book?
• [03:20] A book will establish you as an expert in your field.
• [03:55] A book gives you a great base from which to operate.
• [04:40] If you give somebody a book, they're not going to throw it away.
• [04:50] Why prioritize writing a book over other tasks?
• [05:55] What types of clients does Emily attract?
• [08:15] How does Emily's personal experience uniquely qualify her to help her clients?
• [10:35] Why did Emily decide to pivot in her business?
• [12:10] How do Emily's book coaching and ghostwriting services work?
• [14:30] How does she bring a book to life?
• [15:20] How is Emily selective about the projects she will work on?
• [16:15] How does she feel about deadlines and schedules?
• [17:20] What is the DiSC(R) profile?
• [17:50] What is the end result of her work, and what are the traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing options?
• [20:20] How should a self-published book be designed to stand up next to a traditionally published work?
• [20:55] Emily uses Persona Publishing to produce high quality self-published works.
• [21:45] Does Emily help authors get book deals and understand contracts?
• [23:25] What does a first draft typically look like?
• [24:30] How does Emily help her customers focus?
• [25:00] You don't need to be a writer to have a story to tell.
• [26:00] Emily talks about her different package options and a special offer for listeners.

Resources Mentioned

• Chase Smith Press - Emily Chase Smith's service for book coaching and ghostwriting.
• DiSC(R) - (dominance/influence/steadiness/conscientiousness) a personal assessment tool.
• Mommy Brain - podcast by Emily Chase Smith and Kristie Cain: "brain candy for moms daring to be themselves."
• Money Morsels - podcast by Emily Chase Smith for small business owners about money.
• Persona Publishing - high quality self-published book producer.
• The Entrepreneurs Money Podcast - podcast by Emily Chase Smith for entrepreneurs to help them get back in the game after a setback.
• The Financially Savvy Entrepreneur: Navigate the Money Maze of Running a Business - book by Emily Chase Smith providing "clear systems and processes for avoiding the financial pitfalls that derail so many businesses."