The Honeymoon Is Over Once You Gain A Publisher For Your Business Book
Topics: business, book, writing, publishing, inspirational, personal development, time management
What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.
–Benjamin Disraeli
Within weeks of submitting our proposal to business book publishers, we had a contract for our business book, an advance check, and brimming confidence that the worst was past. After all, we had a great idea, a finished manuscript, and a great publisher!
We soon learned that publishers are often very tactful while wooing authors. Their reservations are shared after you cash the advance check.
Our book needed work: It needed a different title, a different structure, and better writing. Other than that, we were all done.
And, by the way, we had insisted that the book come out on a fast schedule, which meant that we had little time to respond; that part was our fault.
We were happy to comply. While Carol Coles and I were off doing other things, Robert Metz began proposing titles and sending over revised chapters. Robert’s ideas for a title went over well; he came up with the idea that was accepted. My own contribution was far more modest: adding the word “exponential” to the subtitle.
But our draft chapters kept coming back with clear encouragement to rewrite the whole thing. We were also falling behind the publication schedule.
Robert, Carol, and I had a meeting with our development editor, and I began to see what she wanted. I started writing the drafts while Robert and Carol improved them. But the process was slow. We fell further behind.
Finally, it became clear that we had two weeks to pull the project out. Robert came to live in a hotel near our offices while the two of us settled in to write night and day.
A difficulty of distance had slowed our earlier progress. Robert had a Mac and we had PCs. The different types of machines didn’t exchange files very well over the Internet in those days.
In our offices, we kept PCs humming. At first, Robert would rewrite what I wrote, then I would rewrite what he wrote, while Carol improved both of our work. But time grew short, and the last 30,000 words were written by me in a period of about a day and a half with no time for anyone to edit or rewrite them.
Exhausted, we turned the manuscript in and crossed our fingers. Our publisher kindly agreed to accept the manuscript if we didn’t mind a heavy editing. We welcomed a heavy editing!
The book went into production. Carol and I headed off for a much needed vacation. As a last minute thought, we shipped off a copy to Peter Drucker for his comments.
It would take several books to describe all of the mistakes we authors made that are contained in that history. Let me list a few steps you can take that will help you avoid our mistakes:
1. Have someone who is a savvy business editor edit your material before you send it to any publisher.
2. If you don’t know how to write in the style that your publisher seeks, keep rewriting a brief selection until the publisher smiles with joy.
3. Write and rewrite material ahead of whatever schedule you have.
4. Negotiate for the longest possible schedule to prepare the manuscript.
5. Tell your publisher that you would like to have all of the development help and editing that the company would like to provide.
6. Have experts (especially best selling business book authors like Peter Drucker) look over the manuscript before you turn it in to your publisher.
Good luck!
Donald Mitchell is an author of seven books including Adventures of an Optimist and The 2,000 Percent Squared Solution about business model innovation. Read about creating breakthroughs and receive tips by e-mail by registering for free at
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Write Headlines For Sales Letters (1)
No matter how convincing the body of the sales letter is, if the headline is boring and uninteresting, there is a big chance that the target reader would not read or pay attention to the letter.
How To Plan Your Sales Letter Theme (2)
Going one step further, in addition to planning your sales letter theme, if you are creating a sales letter for a newsletter, you may also want to segment your list, so you can send information specifically about legos to those who request it and information about blocks to those who request it.
Affiliate Marketing - Create Passive Income With Affiliate Products And Services (3)
You can add an affiliate link to your signature line, and then look for the forum posts from people who need what you are promoting. I have found this to be very lucrative.
The Sales Letter Call To Action, Why It's Necessary (4)
Remember that if people do not act (or buy) immediately, there is a big possibility that they may never act (or buy) at all. Using words such as "limited offer" or "only valid within the week" will surely make someone want to purchase immediately so as not to miss the opportunity.
Keep Your Sales Letters Simple (5)
You should keep sentences clear and straightforward. There should not be any room for ambiguity. How would you be able to lead your readers into buying your product if your message does not come across clearly to them?
Sales Letter Subhead And Prehead (6)
And that's possible only if you have a striking sales letter subhead and prehead. Michael Wright is a software developer and internet entrepreneur owning a network of domains and websites.
Copywriting Tip: How To Infuriate Your Readers, Easily And Effortlessly (7)
And now I invite you to find out more by visiting www.copywritingcat.com. Download my free report, 7 Copywriting Secrets to Jump Start Your Sales. From Cathy Goodwin, The Website Makeover Pro.
The Rules Of SEO And Content (8)
Topics: seo, seo web design, web content management Back in the early days of the Internet, it was good enough to stack your copy with selected keywords in a haphazard way.
Why Small And Medium Sized Businesses Should (9)
There are also professional monitors how can do this job for you. In any case, media monitoring is worth the effort – regardless of your company’s size. About The Author Kathrin Koehler works as PR consultant for the company activemeta.net, specialised in media monitoring and – analysis services.
A PR Surprise For Managers (10)
Fact is, you can only achieve your PR goal by picking the right strategy from the three choices available to you, change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it.
What To Ask Before You Hire Security Services For Your Buisness (11)
You save on insurance costs, you save on workers safety and you can actually add to your customer base with the right security in your business dealings.© 2004 Gary L.
Trading For A Living Part 1 (12)
The advantages are certainly tempting; no more pointless meetings with the manager, hours to suit, holidays whenever you feel like it, and with your home-office - no more traffic jams.
Taking The Guesswork Out Of Finding A Good Auto Technician By ARA Content (13)
More than 1,500 businesses participate in this growing program.Choosing the Right TechnicianAs with other professionals, such as physicians, automotive technicians often specialize. So it's wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, for example, brakes, engine repair or air conditioning.For More InformationFor a free brochure with information about the ASE program, send a self-addressed, stamped long envelope to: ASE Consumer Brochure, Dept.
Why “Good Enough” Isnt (14)
Nevertheless, his statement left a rather sour taste in my mouth, and here's why. First, his choice of words suggests that the customer's needs are relatively unimportant, and that profit-making is the only thing that matters.
Closing The Deal By Kevin Schappell (15)
Rust proofing is rarely needed as most manufacturers already offer a rust warranty. Also window etching, extended warranties and accent packages are highly overpriced and sometimes useless.Now would also be a good time to inspect the vehicle one last time.
How To Turn Business Losses Into Cash Flow (16)
It would be prudent for the partnership agreement to record the reasons for the ratio used.So, how does it work? Most businesses start off making losses, and small businesses and home-based businesses are not exempt from this.
What Is Optimum Performance (17)
The 'how good' was secondary to just having fun. It was the times you chose to do what you wanted that was the most fun and exhilarating. It wasn't when someone else said you needed to do or should do something.Optimum performance can only truly be achieved when 'all of you' is in the game.
Negotiating Rates With Your Credit Card Company (18)
Instead, you should wait until it is more positive before you call them to negotiate rates.Third, if you have a good history then remember this when you call. In essence, you’ll have extremely high negotiating power.
How To Walk The Floor And Talk To Customers (19)
Make sure you talk to them as you walk the floor. This will relax them and make them feel your part of their team. Management Memo A message from McDonald’s One day while on his way back to the office from an important lunch in the best restaurant in town, Ray Kroc, owner of the McDonald’s chain in the United States, asked his driver to pass through a few McDonald’s car parks.
Become A Customer EnthusiasmGuru (20)
Don’t make your customers jump through hoops to get what they need from you and your company. Make it easy for customers to repeatedly buy from you – whether by adding a special on-line scheduling page for repeat customers on your website, or by providing them with a special access number to order your products.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Thinking Of A Freelance Writing Career? (1)
The easiest way to break into any of these markets is via a writing job site. Once you have your first client, you just build on this while slowly building your portfolio as well.
7 Self Publishing Mistakes That Block The Success Of A Self Publshed Author (2)
Topics: How to publish your book, self publishing mistakes, self published author And now I would like to offer you free access to my FREE Self Publishing eKit on book writing, publishing and marketing tips.
Surge Up In Search Engine Rankings Using The Author Resource Box Wisely (3)
Don't neglect that all important author resource box at the bottom of your article. Join Bob Sommers and other Article Marketing professionals at www.RecognizedExpert.com and view hundreds of videos on Internet Marketing for Professionals.
Article Marketing Essentials- How To Optimize An Article For Maximum Effectiveness (4)
The author bio is the most important place to use keywords. Many article submission sites allow for anchor text in the 'about the author' bio - and taking this opportunity critical.
Setting Up Your Own Website (5)
If you don't have skills in altering and designing websites then don't fret, just hire a web designer or choose a web host that have pre-designed website templates. Tip 2 Make sure that the content of your website are presentable, enjoyable and informative.
What's Important When You Look For Quality Reservation Books (6)
So if you are in the market for reservation books for your restaurant, bar, or hotel. The people at reservation books can assist you. You can see all their books at www.reservationbooks.com
Get Your 2009 Reservation Book Now! (7)
These types of books are very convenient and highly popular. You can find any sort of reservation book you may need whether it is in a general format or completely customized for you needs.
Where To Find Personalized Reservation Books? (8)
Topics: restaurant reservation books, restaurant reservation book, restaurant books, restaurant book Personalized reservation books are a fantastic way to include your businesses design on all aspects of service. Reservations are mainly used in the food industry and for accommodations.
Internet Marketing: Copywriting For A Client-Attracting "About" Page (9)
And now I invite you to find out more by visiting www.makewebsiteprofits.com. Download my free report, 7 secrets of websites that really attract clients. From Cathy Goodwin, The Website Makeover Pro.
Binders For Your Reservation Books (10)
The book is also subjected to continuous handling by different members of the staff and it is easy to understand why these books quickly become worn in appearance. A worn and dog-eared reservation book does not give a good impression of the business; it looks most unprofessional and may lead customers to doubt the wisdom of using their services.
7 Profitable Things You Get To Do When You Write Your Book (11)
Does travel excite you? For some, it excites them to go to new cities or to a country they've never been before. Well, pack your bags! Writing your book opens the door of opportunity to go places you've never been before.
Trash Your Newspaper! Real News Will Be Online (12)
It is these other methods that you should worry about. Because of the wave of Internet news, newspapers and magazines that are not currently offered online, have begun using the same tactics as the 24-hour news stations.
How To Write A Book That Pulls Readers In Like A Magnet (13)
Yes, you should get feedback from family, friends or your local writing group but you should get a professional viewpoint of your work. Most of us need help weeding out the passive voice, bad grammar and all the things that slow your readers down to a standstill.
Whatever Your Business, Printing Deserves Some Attention (14)
When times are good and orders are coming in it can seem that everything is being done as well as it can be and there is no need to change anything.
SEO Copywriting: How To Choose Article Marketing Topics To Achieve Maximum Exposure (15)
Article titles often become the title tag or URL of the web page. This means that search engines are going to use them to determine the topic of the content and how to rank the page.
7 Special Holiday Gifts For Writers (16)
Some companies like AT&T or Verizon offer the card free with a 2 year contract at $40-$60 per month. 5. Dinner out Hard working writers enjoy a dinner out at a restaurant they couldn't usually afford.
SEO Copywriting Essentials - Calculating Keyword Density (17)
Christine O'Kelly is co-owner of SEO Content Solutions (seocontentsolutions.com) a leading SEO copywriting firm. The company provides SEO press releases, articles, blog content and web content to resellers and end users alike (seocontentsolutions.com)
Article Marketing - Five Top Tips For Successful Article Marketing (18)
Preferably, you should be aiming for submitting new articles daily. This means your online business has a greater chance of success as it will increase your page ranking, generating search engine traffic, therefore driving more business your way.
Marketing In A Recession: Why You Won't Survive If You Stop! (19)
Yes, totally nuts, I know. But that doesn't stop them doing it. I understand why they do it, because it's an emotional decision based on fear: the fear their marketing isn't actually working.
Copywriting Tip: Do Your Client A Favor And Ask For The Order (20)
And you have to get the customer to take action right away. (2) You make it easy for buyers to make a decision and get what they want. They don't have to scrounge all over your website to find a form.
Permalink to The Honeymoon Is Over Once You Gain A Publisher For Your Business Book