Yellow Energy + Big Clarity: Deb Eckerling on Focus, Goals, and Selling Your Book Proposal

We tried to record this episode three times… and honestly, I'm glad we did. Because this one turned into the kind of conversation you normally only hear before the official recording starts. I'm sitting down with my friend Deb Eckerling, known as The Book Proposal Expert (and also the creator of the DEB Method for goals). We start with a quick, energetic color reading (hello, yellow and identity shifts), and somehow that opens the door into a deep, practical conversation about: claiming your expertise focusing your message why you don't need to write the whole book first how a book proposal actually works (and why it matters) If you've been holding a book idea in your heart, this episode will help you stop circling it and start shaping it. In this episode, we talk about: A quick color reading for Deb and what "yellow energy" can signal (identity, confidence, visibility, self-trust) Why your next level usually requires a tighter identity, not more hustle Deb's story: how the DEB Method was born (and why it works) The truth about the publishing path: agent → publisher → editorial board What a book proposal really does (it makes the case for your book) The 3 proposal pieces Deb says matter most: Overview (why this book needs to exist) Audience (who will buy it) Comp titles (what it's similar to + why it's different) Why your query letter deserves the same energy as the book itself A simple homework prompt if you "know you have a book in you" but can't name it yet Behind the scenes moments you'll love: We basically said: "No more pre-chat. Hit record." We connect dots between color, identity, and visibility in a way that feels both spiritual and super practical. Takeaways you can actually use this week. If you're listening and thinking, "I want to write a book… but I don't know where to start," do this: Start one living document called: "My Book Notes" 2–3 times a week, brain-dump: stories you keep telling client patterns you notice beliefs you teach on repeat phrases that feel like "your thing" Then do a quick title/market scan: find strong books in your category from the last ~5 years ask: How is mine similar? How is mine different? What's my one-line twist? And if you're feeling "stuck in your head," borrow this from our color moment: Sit with yellow (visualize it, place yellow flowers near your workspace, or just notice where it shows up) Ask yourself: Who am I now? Who am I becoming? How do I want to be known? Guest spotlight: Deb Eckerling Deb Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal coach who helps thought leaders turn powerful ideas into book proposals that sell. She's the creator of the DEB Method (Determine your mission, Explore your options, Brainstorm your path) and the founder of The Book Proposal Expert, where she teaches a clear, grounded roadmap for getting your message into the world without making it miserable. Where to find Deb Website: The Book Proposal Expert Substack: Book Proposals (Substack) Connect: Deb Eckerling on LinkedIn book proposal, how to write a book proposal, traditional publishing, query letter, thought leader book, author platform, comp titles, goal setting method, DEB Method, Deb Eckerling, book proposal coach, visibility, confidence, solar plexus, color reading, yellow energy, identity shift