Improving your manuscript
lydia orth2025-08-14T10:22:04+02:00Common manuscript mistakes. Discover practical tips, examples, and common mistakes to improve your book manuscript, with guidance from experienced editor and writing coach Esther Jacobs.
More efficiency in your inbox? Save 5 hours per week with ChatGPT Voice Prompts
Esther Jacobs2025-11-12T11:12:45+01:00How much time and energy do you spend answering emails? In this column for Dutch career platform Intermediair.nl, AI expert Esther Jacobs shares how email can be done faster, easier, and even more enjoyably. She personally saves 5 hours per week with this simple adjustment. As soon as I read an email, I immediately know how I want to respond. But typing it out and making the reply presentable often feels time-consuming. Not only because typing is slower than thinking, but also because I sometimes want to take a step back to maintain professionalism. However, this means I have to read the same email again later, rephrase my response, and then type it out. Fortunately, there’s now a better way!
How I wrote a book in one week with ChatGPT
Esther Jacobs2025-11-12T11:14:25+01:00Writing a book in one week might sound like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes more achievable than you'd think. I recently wrote a business book for a client in just seven days, using my Reverse Writing methodology and ChatGPT. Along the way, I learned some valuable lessons that anyone can benefit from—even if you're not writing a book.
My 13 most memorable speaking gigs
Esther Jacobs2025-03-20T15:31:41+01:00I have been a motivational speaker for more than 25 years. Each of the 1000 keynotes and 2 TEDx speeches was special. Either because of the location (Qatar, South Africa, Lithuania, New York, in a zoo, in the money museum during my collection of €16 of foreign coins for charity) or because of the special connection I had with the audience (entrepreneurs, travellers, professional women, veiled or not). I treasure the messages people sent me afterwards; how my story changed their lives and motivated them to quit their jobs, become entrepreneurs or make another important life decision after hearing my talk. Some events stood out. In this blog, I share some of my most memorable events, bloopers, and some tips for speakers at the end.
Inner peace
Esther Jacobs2025-03-20T15:31:55+01:00For a few months now I have had the feeling of enormous peace within me. I almost can not believe it. The unrest that has always been there is gone. I was always in 'survival mode', always alert, busy, and productive. Now it feels more like just BEING and enjoying.
Where to find remote work, or find a virtual assistant (VA)
Esther Jacobs2025-03-20T15:32:17+01:00Whether you are looking for a remote job, or for somebody who can do remote work for you or your company, here is the list of companies / website / platforms you have all been waiting for!
Workation, trends and tips for working on vacation | Esther Jacobs
Esther Jacobs2022-12-01T11:33:30+01:00Working on vacation, or vacationing while working. 'Workation' is actually a combination of the words work and vacation. It is sometimes called remote working. Remote work means not working in the office; so it can also be done at home. The meaning of a workation is that you are both away from the office and away from home.
Are you using your ‘shop window’ the right way?
Esther Jacobs2022-08-18T18:10:24+02:00Net als veel andere creatievelingen deed en doe ik heel veel verschillende dingen. Ik vind dat leuk, ik ben er goed in en ik help er anderen mee. Maar steeds vaker kreeg ik de vraag: “Wat DOE je nu eigenlijk?” Er stond zoveel op mijn website, dat bezoekers door de bomen het bos niet meer zagen.
Organizing a workshop or retreat
Esther Jacobs2023-06-08T14:26:44+02:00Organizing a workshop or retreat is a great way to share your knowledge and experience. Think about something that you are good at, something that you get a lot of questions about from others. Then organize a workshop – preferably in an inspiring place. It is easier than you think.
Tips for speakers
Esther Jacobs2024-06-15T15:39:36+02:00When Facebook showed me the picture below as a memory of 5 years ago, I decided to share some tips and 'do's & don'ts' for aspiring speakers. All of these come from my experience in more than 1000 keynotes and 2 TEDx speeches in the past 18 years as a professional speaker.