
Bestseller Blueprint: Write Books That Sell
Writing prompts, outlines and templates for fiction and non-fiction authors. Write books so good you'll need to swat fans away like flies.
Watch Promo Enroll in Course
This course is not about "selling out" or pumping out crappy books to hit trends.
It's about writing books that transfix, inspire, motivate, and break hearts.
It's about writing books readers can't put down. Books they buy for all their friends saying "you MUST read this."
It's about writing books that MATTER.
For fiction, we'll study universal principles of story-telling, emotional catharsis, creating intrigue and mystery, characters readers loathe and adore, hooking and compelling, epic battle scenes and plot twists, and romantic tension. I'll share my own plotting formula for creating bestsellers for all types of commercial fiction.
For nonfiction, we'll focus on branding and credibility, capturing hearts and minds, hooking with story, principles of persuasion and influence, and making sure readers get not only practical value, but emotional gratification and a satisfying sense of completing a rewarding journey. You'll also get a foolproof way to outline, write your introduction and sales copy, and make sure readers are ready to take action by signing up to your bonus content or optin offer, and/or becoming clients.
My plan is to make this course as short and practical as possible, so you don't have to watch long boring videos to get the benefits. There will be bulletpoints, and cheatsheets, summaries and activity pages. These also won't be complete chapter-by-chapter, write-by-number boilerplates or MadLibs style Fill-in-the-Blank games (on second thought, that last one sounds awesome, so there might be some of those).
My point is, these guidelines are a supportive framework to enhance your creativity, not stifle your art. Genre conventions and story architecture are not cages to restrain your vision, they are wings to help your writing soar. You'll be able to write better quality books, that earn more money, faster than you ever thought possible, which will make you happier, wealthier, and more attractive (I can't promise that last one but it's probably true).
Finish Your Draft!
If you're one of those authors who has a million ideas and a pile of unfinished manuscripts, this will help! Not only will the outlines keep you grounded, my productivity and motivation tips will help you get it done and published - so you can finally start something new.
FLASH BONUSES!
1: Fiction Writing Basics - I've gone even deeper and organized a new course on writing novels with some advanced writing techniques you've never seen before, on creating intrigue and suspense. This course will help you create a page-turning novel that readers can't put down.
2: Nonfiction Mastery - This new course is meant just for nonfiction authors, thought leaders, visionaries or online business owners who want a book that builds an audience and creates trust and rapport.
3: Publish on a Budget - A crash course on self-publishing, avoiding scams, saving thousands of dollars and publishing a bookstore quality book without spending a ton.
4: Book Marketing is Dead - a newly revised edition of my guide to book marketing and author promotion.
Need more help? (Get Feedback!)
Do you have a manuscript that you think is finished, but aren’t sure if it’s ready to publish? Are you worried about whether anybody else will think it’s any good? Are you putting together a book proposal or query to attract an agent or publisher, or preparing to self-publish for the first time? How about just starting a book, but want to make sure it’s marketable before you invest more time in it?
There's no substitute for real, constructive feedback from an expert editor. I rarely edit full books anymore (when I do I charge a minimum of $3500) but the truth is, you may not be ready for a full developmental edit or manuscript critique. What you probably need is some quick feedback on the first few pages.
Make sure you have a strong start and a killer opening before you waste extra time and money. Upgrade for an in-depth structural critique of your first 5000 words. I will help you figure out who your audience is and how to captivate them from the get-go.
I can help take your project's pulse and figure out:
1. is it breathing
2. will anybody else want to read this
3. your target audience and genre/topic
4. amateur mistakes
5. will readers care enough to keep reading
This is an in-depth developmental edit focusing on the commercial value of your manuscript. Whether you plan to hook an traditional publisher or self-publish, figuring out the value of your manuscript is crucial for getting agents or readers to buy.
"Just finished the Bestseller Blueprint course, and now I have a nonfiction book idea and a clearer path toward my fiction goals. I've been writing and learning for a decade and still found every section useful. There are 4 days worth of content, and I 2x the videos, so it's definitely worth the $. So if you've been looking for a writing course that's fit for newbies but works for experts as well, this is it, and it's a 6th of the price of people with similar credentials."
- Raven Blakewood
"I have started a book several times over the past few years but the main problem has been just how do I do this and achieve a professional outcome? I have looked at several options but none have seemed right for me and many were over complicated to grasp. Your course and way of explaining is absolutely brilliant and within a couple of days I have learnt more than I have in years. I have been a frustrated author for a few decades and the main problem was how to get started and you have 100% solved this for me. Anyway, mega thanks again, really appreciated."
- Annie Jumeau, Author
"I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to do a developmental edit on this. It was above and beyond and is greatly appreciated. It was exactly the guidance I needed to hear, and I would have waited three weeks for that, let alone a few days. Your insights will go a long way towards making this the best novel it can be."
Mikael - Mikael Carlson, Thriller Author
"Your suggestions have been wonderful! There was a lot of input you provided that I had not even considered, and will definitely help overall! Looking forward to going through the remainder of your suggestions tomorrow! Thank you again for your time!"
- Jacky, Personal Memoir
- Dr. George A. Munger, PhD
"This is EXACTLY the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Most appreciated. I have been continuing to tweak the story, but your feedback has really given me things I can sink my teeth into!"
- P. J. Viscio, Horror Author
"Huge fan of your 25-chapter plot template. I've read all the classics - Save the Cat, Story, etc. - many times over & the way you map out and describe the narrative flow really evokes logical scenes."
- Jake Anderson, True Crime
- Jeremy Eicke, Novelist
Your Instructor
Derek Murphy has a PhD in Literature and has been featured in CNN for hosting writing retreats in medieval castles. After working with thousands of authors as a writing coach and developmental author, he began developing plotting cheatsheets and advanced writing tips for authors that now have over 2 million views on YouTube.
Course Curriculum
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StartBrainstorming cool ideas (worldbuilding) (11:40)
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StartCharacter Development (16:44)
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StartAn 8 point guide to commercial fiction (63:04)
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Start25 chapter plot outline for fiction (49:59)
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StartCommon Mistakes
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StartWhat if my book doesn't fit the outline?
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StartHow to start your novel (prologue vs. chapter one) (19:38)
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StartWriting scenes (hook and keep attention) (20:11)
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StartThe 3 kinds of conflict you MUST have in your novel if you want readers to care what happens
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Start2 rules for creating nail-biting tension and conflict in your novel
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StartMy revision and self-editing process