Beyond the Page: Five Questions to Answer (Part 2)

Show Notes: Beyond the Page Podcast – “What’s Happening: Defining Your Book’s Core Problem & Solution”

Episode Overview

Jennifer Crosswhite (book coach and editor) and Stephanie Feger (book marketing strategist) explore the second of five essential questions every content creator must answer: “What’s happening?” This episode focuses on identifying the core problem your book solves and positioning it as a solution for your target audience.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Opening & Weather Chat (0:02-2:19)

Hosts discuss seasonal transitions and the challenges of unpredictable fall weather
Introduction to the ladybug mug and morning beverages

The Five Essential Content Questions Framework (3:48-4:26)

Whose story is it? (Target audience – covered last episode)
What’s happening? (Today’s focus)
What’s at stake?
What’s the why?
What’s the theme?

Core Concept: Problem-Solution Framework (4:26-7:00)

Fiction: What problem is your main character solving?
Non-fiction: What problem does your client/customer need solved?
Critical insight: People buy solutions, not problems
Title/subtitle strategy must emphasize the solution, not highlight the problem

The Specificity Principle (9:00-10:17)

Writing for everybody equals writing for nobody
Specific stories create stronger emotional resonance
Narrow focus paradoxically attracts wider audiences
Real problems with real solutions connect better than broad generalizations

The Genius Model Framework (10:24-13:06)

Three interlocking circles visualization for business/book framework
Allows authors to go both deep and wide with content
Helps identify overlapping benefits and target results
Provides structure to prevent content wandering

Books as Business Tools (13:58-20:00)

The “$10 business card” concept
Books work as 24/7 marketing tools
Strategic partnerships with complementary service providers
Creating resource packages for shared target audiences
Books as door-openers vs. direct revenue generators

The Abundance Mindset in Content Creation (20:00-22:21)

Give value freely without holding back “secret sauce”
Scarcity vs. abundance mindset in business
Free valuable content demonstrates expertise and builds trust
Quality free content makes paid offerings more attractive

Book Recommendation (22:28-24:17)

“Predictable Success” by Les McKeown
Helps diagnose business lifecycle stages
Key quote: “Every dollar you spend should take you a step closer to finding a viable market for your product and service”

Key Takeaways for Authors & Entrepreneurs

Problem-Solution Positioning

Always lead with the solution in your title and marketing
Understand your audience’s pain points deeply
Position your book as the bridge between problem and solution

Strategic Book Marketing

Books are calling cards for bigger opportunities
Consider books as marketing investments, not revenue sources
Build partnerships with complementary service providers
Use books to add value to existing client relationships

Content Focus Strategy

One focused message beats multiple scattered topics
Use frameworks (like the Genius Model) to organize complex ideas
Balance depth and breadth in your content strategy

Business Integration

Books should align with your overall business strategy
Consider custom editions for strategic partners
Books extend your reach beyond personal capacity
Written content works while you sleep

Action Items for Listeners

Identify the single core problem your book solves
Reframe your book title/subtitle to emphasize solutions
Map out your content using the three-circle Genius Model
List 5 complementary service providers who share your target audience
Consider how your book can serve as a “$10 business card”

Resources Mentioned

The Genius Model framework
Author Impact Summit
Empowered Author Framework
“Predictable Success” by Les McKeown

Connect with the Hosts

Jennifer Crosswhite – Book Coach & Editor
Stephanie Feger – Book Marketing Strategist
Podcast: Beyond the Page (Weekly episodes)

Next Episode Preview

The series continues with question three: “What’s at stake?” – exploring how to create urgency and importance in your content.

Remember: “Your words have power, your book has power, and so does your message. Take that message to the page and beyond.”