Why You Shouldn't Write A Book First

3 top TED talk author strategies

By Devin D. Marks | Published Feb 14, 2025

Recently a connection mentioned he was working on a book, a course, and a he wanted a TED Talk.

My answer: Hold on! Before you dive in headfirst, consider 3 guidelines:

1) START WITH TED.

The order is best reversed. A book is a 14th-century tool for idea-spreading. But it is woefully outdated in our era of screen learning.

Instead, I recommend using the TEDx Talk to test the market demand for your message. Then pursue creating a course and/or writing and publishing a book. A deeper “book vs talk” dive is here.

2) TRUST THE IDEA MILL.

Don’t take on too much at once. In my experience, after working with 100s of thought leaders, juggling priorities only means accomplishing less. Focus your attention — and your message

Again, I favor the TEDster approach. It uses a time-proven process called The BIG IDEA Mill™. It will serve to first hone and then refine the central idea that will later appear in your course and book. Learn more here.

3) FIND A SHERPA.

Creating a talk, course, and book (even if staggered over time) involves 3 discrete learning curves. Don’t wade through them alone. After all, your time has a (high) value, right?

The TED approach wins again. Consider working with a sherpa (i.e., a seasoned, accomplished coach) to streamline your process. Leverage your sherpa’s “Genius Zone” for your purposes. Some tips here.

As you navigate the ever-changing landscape of idea spreading, choose the path of least resistance and maximum impact.

Start with the TEDx Talk, refine your message with the TEDster Idea Mill, and seek guidance from a trusted sherpa.

That combination will leave you poised to make your ideas resonate with the world!

DEVIN D. MARKS is known as The TED Talk Whisperer. His firm, CONNECT to COMPEL, has served 100s of TED, TEDx, and short-talk speakers — including Harvard’s Dr. Robert Waldinger for his all-time Top 10 TEDx Talk. The result: 100s of millions of views for clients. He helps niche experts, authors, and leaders spread world-changing ideas. 

You can reach Devin at 617.804.6020, or DM him here. His newsletters are here.

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