Filipa Canelas is the founder of the ·Able Academy and co-founder of flace. She’s the author of “Around is Forward: The Productivity Cycle Behind Extraordinary Results”, which counts with reviews from entrepreneurs like Derek Sivers, Tal Ben-Shahar, and Kristen Hadeed.
With her online courses, Filipa has taught more than 40,000 students, including leaders from NYSE, Airbus & Hitachi, helping them improve their performance while enjoying the process.
Filipa also coaches entrepreneurs and business owners on productivity and time-management and has been featured in media outlets like Thrive Global by Arianna Huffington and Authority Magazine.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up writing a book?
At 16/17 years old, I found the personal development world. I had no idea an industry like this one existed — one in which you actively work towards becoming a better version of yourself. I was hooked.
Soon I created my website and started blogging about all the books and content I was reading. That’s how it all started…
From the blog posts to online courses reaching +40,000 students. From the courses to coaching people on productivity. And from all of this stack of experiences and knowledge to create my book, Around is Forward: The Productivity Cycle Behind Extraordinary Results.
“I could never write a book, I’m only 21.” That’s what I said to my boyfriend. But he was persistent and asked me again, “Why don’t you write a book?”. And I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea.
He didn’t give up, though! This time, instead of just asking me why not, he pointed out that if I manage to write so many posts and scripts, I could do it in book form.
The idea didn’t leave me… And I had to write Around is Forward.
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
- Productivity is a choice you make… consistently.
- The goal of productivity is not burnout.
- Don’t just rely on to-do lists. They mislead your priorities.
- Productivity is not just a matter of getting things done.
These are some important points to highlight!
What are the top three tools you are currently using to write, publish, and promote your books?
- Writing: Scrivener
- Publish: Amazon kdp
- Promote Personal Website, Linkedin, Email list & Connections.
What were the top three mistakes you made publishing your book. What did you learn from them?
- The #1 mistake while publishing my book was expecting that everything would go perfectly. Well… not exactly true. Unexpected issues will always pop up, and it is better to count on them so you can adapt and solve them.
- The #2 mistake was insisting on editing the text while writing it. It is essential (mentally) that you separate the writing and the editing phase. Otherwise, you will constantly judge your work, and it does not feel good! It sounds easier than it is…
- The #3 mistake was a lack of patience. Some things just take more time than expected, and you will not be 100% in all days!
When will you consider your book a success?
In order to protect your self-worth and self-esteem, I think the best metric to consider a book as a success is finishing it!
You have just written a book! Celebrate it! And forget sales for a moment.
Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb or excerpt?
“While writing this book, I had two choices: plan each writing step, or expect the book to be written by itself. Although I was more inclined towards the second, I soon figured it was not really an option. I was forced to block a minimum of 1 hour per day to work on this book and plan its completion months ahead.”
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
We can often be our harshest critics. And through the process of writing a book, it is difficult to avoid this temptation. However, I urge you to respect yourself, the process and congratulate yourself for what you’re doing!
What most helped me was engaging in a gratitude practice daily, writing on my journal, and sharing my thoughts and inner-criticism with those I love.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before publishing your book?
Things will work out! Don’t worry too much about it!
Please share one thing new self-publish authors can do to gain more reviews on Amazon.
One of the best things you can do to get more reviews is to build an email list with people who want to read your book before anyone else and feel optimistic about leaving an honest review when the book is out on Amazon.
The goal is to build a small list with enthusiastic people about your book and will do everything to help you out.
Can you share some of the marketing techniques that have worked for you when promoting your book?
Here are some good marketing ideas to get you started!
Pre-Launch:
- Get a group of people eager to read my book before coming out and leaving an honest review
- Get endorsements from relevant people your niche
- Approach media outlets, podcasts and blogs to be a guest.
Launch-Phase:
- Share your book in social media
- Run a 0.99$ book promotion
- Run a Goodreads giveaway
- Add a link to your book in all the emails you send
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
Consistency. Nothing beats it!
What helps you stay driven and motivated to finish writing your book?
The thought of having a book written and published really motivated me to write every day! It is an amazing feeling and a great motivator for the tough days.
Can you recommend one book, one podcast, and one online course for entrepreneurs and authors?
- Write & Sell Your Damn Book by Paul Jarvis: This is a short book with practical and inspiring advice to write a book. You can read it in one sit and you will feel more inclined to write the book! Or start any other project!
- The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferriss. You can never go wrong with Tim’s podcast. There is always wisdom, insights, and motivation in each episode.
- One online course: The Book Launch Blueprint by ScribeMedia. This is a free course with detailed instructions on how to create a successful book launch! It got me thinking of different and creative alternatives to promote my book!
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new authors?
Imagine all the opportunities of having a book published. New speaking gigs. Amazing reviews. More coaching sessions. Passive income. Helping people. More readers. Increasing orders. Business opportunities.
So much comes from a published book that you should not hesitate to start it now. If you have it in your head, it means you are ready to get it done.
Sit, and write a book.
What is your favorite quote?
“Nobody is rooting for you to fail.
— James Clear
You may succeed. You may fail. But, for the most part, nobody cares one way or the other.
This is good. The world is big and you are small, which means you can chase your dreams with little worry for what people think.”
How can readers get in touch with you?
The best way to get to talk with me indirectly is through my website and published content at filipacanelas.com The best way to interact directly with me is through my email or coaching sessions.
Feel free to follow and talk with me on LinkedIn or Twitter!
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