Writing a book is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. When I started my business I created a manual. I pulled it a few years ago because it was out of date.
I spoke at the NSA 2011 convention in Anaheim. Great group! Talked to lots of people after the program. When I finally left and returned to my room I had an email from a representative from John Wiley and Sons, New York publishing house. (I don’t know about you but publishers rarely email me!)
Joan (not her real name) told me she was in my audience and loved my program. Further, she wanted to talk to me about writing a book for Wiley! Wow! I was stunned and thrilled at the same time. In fact, I felt my head getting bigger as the day went on!!
After the convention, I came home and gave Joan a call. She loved my material, my systems, my sales questions, loved it all! However, she felt writing the book strictly for speakers was way too niche. She said my material could easily apply to many other professionals, consultants, and small businesses. She wanted me to write a book about them – to broaden the base.
I sent her some of my writing, she confirmed she liked it and sent me a proposal to fill out. All of this took a few months. So, there I sat with my proposal.
I’m not exactly sure what it was that made me keep putting off filling out this proposal! Colleagues said I needed to get right on it, I was nuts to drag my feet. Still, time marched on. I would practically do anything to keep me from thinking about the proposal. A few months ago it hit me. The reason I have been putting it off is that it really is a poor fit for my business model!
I realized that if I “broadened my base” no one would buy it! Speakers want books about the speaking industry from me, not about small business. Small business doesn’t know me, and I would sell few to them. I have no credibility there.
These publishers expect you to be the #1 salesman for your book. They put a lot of the responsibly in our laps for selling. They may have some marketing suggestions, but mostly, you’re on your own. This was another reason I didn’t want to publish a book with broad appeal.
So, I contacted my business rep, Joan and told her of my feelings. I told her I would be forever flattered that she approached me on the project, but after a lot of thought, I was going to self-publish instead of going with her publishing house. Her response? A short email saying “I regret your decision”. That’s it!
So, I am still going to write a book. However, I’m going to self-publish to the book and write it for my target market, speakers!
It was a tough decision, but it was the right decision! Would I love to have a book published by a New York publishing house? Yes! Am I willing to compromise to do so? No. My clients will be better served by my writing a niche book just for them. So that’s what I’m going to do! I’ll let you know when it’s out!
Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money and avoid costly mistakes! She can be reached in the following ways:
Lois@BookMoreBusiness.com
Twitter: @loiscreamer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loiscreamer
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/loiscreamer
For more information on Lois’ business check out http://www.bookmorebusiness.com as well as http://www.bookmorebusiness.tv!
