The Book That Makes You Referable (Even When You’re Not in the Room)
Hello there,
You’re Not Writing a Book. You’re Equipping a Sales Force.
Here’s a quiet truth most experts miss:
People want to refer you…
But they don’t know how.
They fumble your offer.
They blur your brilliance.
They say things like:
“She’s kind of like Brené Brown… but British… and with goats.”
(We don’t do goats. Well, not any more. Just to be clear.)
This is why we write referable books.
Not just books that inform.
Books that give people the words, metaphors, and models to sell you when you’re not in the room.
THE REFERABLE BOOK HAS THREE JOBS:
- Clarify the problem so clearly that it burns into memory
- Name your method in a way that’s memorable, ownable, and repeatable
- Make the referrer look smart for sharing it
Referable books don’t say: “Look how much I know.”
They say: “Here’s something you’ve been struggling with for years – finally explained properly.”
That’s what sparks:
“You have to read this.”
Followed by:
“You have to talk to her.”
MINI FRAMEWORK: The Sticky Spine Test
Here’s how you know your book is referable.
If you removed the cover and title from your book…
| Based on the Idea | Can the reader quote your core insight in one sentence? |
| Your model | Does your method have a name, shape, or metaphor? Could they sketch it on a napkin or your hand? |
| The offer | Is it obvious what they should do next? |
Referable books are written like presentations with no speaker present.
ASSET TO BUILD: Referral Snippets
Start pulling these from your existing book (or draft, or talk, or notes app):
- 1-line version of your core insight
- Visual or metaphor that explains your model (that’s easy to draw)
- A line people want to repeat at dinner, in meetings, or on WhatsApp
Then test them.
If a smart friend fumbles when repeating your idea?
Rewrite it.
This isn’t about brilliance. It’s about quotability.
🐴 DISASTER FARM NEWSFLASH
This week, I was referred to a local vet as:
“The woman who writes books for clever people with too many thoughts… and too many animals.”
Honestly? I’ll take it.
Better a sticky nickname than a forgettable title.
🏆 AUTHOR HIGHLIGHT
Our author, Anne Walsh, is dominating Amazon with her series of books. This is what happens when you clearly clarify the problem people are feeling. Hate Excel? Get Anne’s books.
COME TALK TO US ON LINKEDIN
We’re sharing strategies (and the occasional publishing rant) here:
- If your ‘assets’ can’t work without you, they’re not assets – they’re chores → https://shorturl.at/DqNjd
- Real authority isn’t handed out—it’s written, published, and owned → https://shorturl.at/oBe2k
Come say hello. Or just lurk. We love a good lurker.
TL;DR
- Your book should give people the tools to refer you
- Clarify the problem. Name the method. Be memorable.
- If it’s not quotable, it’s not referable
- Stop writing books for readers. Start writing books for referrers
– Debs
Helping experts become unforgettable (without shouting, gimmicks, or goats)
PS: Try this: Ask three people to explain what you do in one sentence.
If they hesitate, it’s time to make your book do the talking.
Reply to this email and I’ll tell you which part of your current book (or idea) isn’t pulling its weight. Gently. Mostly.
