Turning Books into Courses? The Shocking Truth About What Works (and What Doesn’t!)

Ever thought about turning your book into an online course? It sounds like a brilliant idea—sharing your knowledge in a new way!

But here's the kicker: not every book is cut out for this transformation. Forcing it could do more harm than good. Let’s dive into why some books thrive as courses while others should stay exactly as they are.

Why Books Seem Like a Natural Fit for Online Courses

Books and courses share a common goal: impart knowledge, inspire change, and solve problems. It’s tempting to think that a book’s content can effortlessly transition into an engaging online course. And the potential rewards are undeniable:

• Broader Reach: Courses can attract a global audience, extending the impact of your work.
• Interactive Learning: Unlike books, courses can incorporate multimedia and real-time feedback.
• Monetization Opportunities: Courses offer a scalable way to earn from your expertise.

However, not every book lends itself to a course format. Let’s examine why.

What Makes a Book Unsuitable for Course Conversion?

While valuable in their own right, some books face challenges in becoming effective courses. Here are common obstacles:

1. Overly General Content

Books that only scratch the surface of broad topics often lack the depth required for a structured and impactful learning experience. Successful courses thrive on specificity and actionable takeaways.

2. Lack of a Clear Learning Path

Unlike books, which readers can consume in any order, courses require a structured progression of concepts. Creating a logical course flow is more brutal if the content isn't naturally sequential.

3. Absence of Interactivity

Books are static, whereas courses need interactive elements like quizzes, assignments, and discussions to engage learners. If a book doesn’t lend itself to interactivity, it might not work as a course.

4. Content Mismatch

Books focusing on abstract theories, personal memoirs, or purely narrative storytelling may struggle to translate into skill-based or actionable learning modules.

Characteristics of Books That Do Make Great Courses

The best books for course conversion share certain traits. Here’s what to look for:

1. Focused and Practical Topics

Books with a narrow focus, such as “Mastering Email Marketing” or “The 10-Step Guide to Leadership Success,” are ideal for courses. Their specificity ensures learners can achieve clear outcomes.

2. Actionable Frameworks

If your book offers methods, processes, or step-by-step instructions, it’s well-suited for an online course. These elements naturally translate into lessons and activities.

3. Problem-Solving Approach

Books that address specific challenges or pain points align with the goal-oriented nature of courses. Learners want solutions and courses built on problem-solving content delivered.

4. Clear Target Audience

A well-defined reader demographic translates seamlessly into a learner demographic. If you know precisely who your book is for, it’s easier to tailor a course to meet their needs.

Transforming a Book into an Online Course: Steps and Considerations

If your book meets the criteria above, here’s how to turn it into an engaging online course:

Step 1: Define Learning Objectives

Identify what learners should achieve by the end of the course. Clear objectives ensure your course stays focused and effective.

Step 2: Adapt Content

Break your book into lessons, restructuring the material into a logical sequence. Add exercises, case studies, or scenarios to make the content interactive.

Step 3: Incorporate Multimedia

Use videos, slides, and interactive tools to engage learners. Multimedia elements enhance the learning experience and appeal to different learning styles.

Step 4: Test the Market

Pilot your course with a small audience. Gather feedback to refine your content, delivery, and structure.

Examples: Books That Became Successful Courses

Some authors have successfully transformed their books into impactful online courses. For example:

• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear became the foundation for habit-building workshops and courses.
• “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg inspired leadership programs tailored to women in business.
• “Getting Things Done” by David Allen evolved into productivity courses for professionals.

And other clients of ours:

• "10,000 Depositions Later: The Premier Litigation Guide for Superior Deposition Practice" by Jim Garrity turned his best-selling book on a technical subject into an online course.
• "Everydayness" Mike Morrison, the former visionary behind the University of Toyota, launched his book Everydayness and then, with our help, launched his first online course on the same subject. 

These successes highlight the importance of actionable, focused content and a well-defined audience.

Conclusion

Not all books make great online courses, but a well-suited book can create an engaging and transformative learning experience with the right approach.

To determine its potential, the key is to evaluate your book’s content, audience, and structure.

Contact us for a free review if you’re unsure whether your book is ready to leap. With the proper guidance, you can turn your book into an impactful course that reaches and inspires learners worldwide. Email [email protected] or [email protected]