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)
Remember, in making headlines, you need to grab the attention of your target market and clearly tell them the product benefits while reading your sales letter. Michael Wright is a software developer and internet entrepreneur owning a network of domains and websites.
How To Plan Your Sales Letter Theme (2)
Instead, you will want to setup a page centered around legos and a page centered around toy blocks. On each page, you will want to communicate the specific benefits to joining the list for each of those groups of visitors.
Affiliate Marketing - Create Passive Income With Affiliate Products And Services (3)
Connie Ragen Green teaches you how to write articles and eBooks to build an online business, as well as how to use the technology needed. Visit www.EbookWritingandMarketingSecrets.com to find out more.
The Sales Letter Call To Action, Why It's Necessary (4)
It seems that Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object will stay in motion or at rest unless an outside force acts on it, also applies to human beings.
Keep Your Sales Letters Simple (5)
People get tired of hearing the same things over and over again. Also, it is imperative that your sales copy contains facts and not exaggerated claims. Nothing can make people more distrustful than claims or promises that you cannot really deliver.
Sales Letter Subhead And Prehead (6)
When it comes to sales letter subhead and prehead, experts believe that a more personal tone is more effective than a very formal approach. The readers of today want to feel that there is a closer, more personal bond between them and the marketer or writer of the sales letter.
Copywriting Tip: How To Infuriate Your Readers, Easily And Effortlessly (7)
But we can still honor them. "Sure, you can write your own copy," you can say, "But are you ready to invest countless hours and thousands of dollars to learn from the pros?
The Rules Of SEO And Content (8)
Robert Starr is a professional writer/editor with several published books and a degree in journalism. He's brought 20 years of experience in the craft to his own on line writing/editing service.
Why Small And Medium Sized Businesses Should (9)
Do you only end up with a waggon load of data or can this scanning give your company the cutting edge?The answer is yes, it can. It is not something only big firms with large public relation staffs do benefit from, but every organisation or company.
A PR Surprise For Managers (10)
Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations. bobkelly@TNI.net. Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com
What To Ask Before You Hire Security Services For Your Buisness (11)
The second reason is to provide a safe place for your employees and customers. This can give you added business just from word of mouth that you really do care about how safe your property is, that’s a good thing to have in today’s society!So next time you think about hiring security for your business, take some time and forget about going the cheapest way, check on the best service for the money you plan to spend.
Trading For A Living Part 1 (12)
Is it really possible to trade for a living?The DreamYou know how it is, you’re sitting in a traffic jam at some unearthly hour of a particularly wet and miserable morning, on the way to the same office you have sat in for too long to remember, and you’re thinking - there must be a better way – life shouldn’t have to be like this.
Taking The Guesswork Out Of Finding A Good Auto Technician By ARA Content (13)
Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service.
Why “Good Enough” Isnt (14)
That is why I maintain that "good enough" just isn't good enough. People need to take pride in their work, and companies need to strive for excellence. Companies do have limited resources, to be sure.
Closing The Deal By Kevin Schappell (15)
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. Check for paint blemishes, how much gas is in the car (some dealers will actually empty the tank leaving you just enough gas to get to the closest station) and that it is the exact model you test drove.Now sign the papers and drive home in your new car.
How To Turn Business Losses Into Cash Flow (16)
The compliance accountant’s role is more likely to involve complying with tax laws, rather than optimising tax situations. The compliance accountant’s mind is so attuned to complying with tax laws that they often do not see the opportunities for optimising a client’s tax position.Once the business owner has been convinced that it is in their interests to register for GST or VAT, the next question is for what filing period to opt?
What Is Optimum Performance (17)
The other more important part is because it was what you wanted to do. It didn't really matter how 'good' you were. The 'how good' was secondary to just having fun.
Negotiating Rates With Your Credit Card Company (18)
In essence, you’ll have extremely high negotiating power. The company needs your business in order to be successful and with clients they lose big time. Therefore, you should always display this “take them or leave them attitude” while conducting your negotiations.
How To Walk The Floor And Talk To Customers (19)
You should meet your guests (customers), welcome them and ensure they leave with a positive feeling about your business. You should set aside at least one hour a day to walk the store and talk to customers.
Become A Customer EnthusiasmGuru (20)
Following are a few quick steps you can take to focus on your customer in everything you do:1. Evaluate your customer base. Who are your best customers and why?
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Thinking Of A Freelance Writing Career? (1)
When you first start out in the writing industry you will first need to learn to brand yourself and build an online presence. Once people start to take notice of you and your business, it will be much easier to earn a living online.
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)
Your resource box is a portal into your website, increasing your search engine results and growing your business. How does the resource box connect the reader and your website?
Article Marketing Essentials- How To Optimize An Article For Maximum Effectiveness (4)
By choosing to target the right keywords, using your main keyword in the titles and subheads of an article and of course linking to your website with anchor text keywords, you will effectively be using article marketing to build a backlink campaign for your website.
Setting Up Your Own Website (5)
Directories will gain you backlinks. Backlinks are great because they can directly prompt viewers and readers to your website. Furthermore, you or your ghostwriter can write articles for different article directories.
What's Important When You Look For Quality Reservation Books (6)
Many professionals do not know where to start looking and even if you do not purchase a reservation book from online sites you should at least visit their site to view the many types of reservation books available.
Get Your 2009 Reservation Book Now! (7)
You can't do that with a spiral-bound or a saddle-stitched 2009 reservation book. 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)
The basic reservation book will include date, time and name or party. If you need more information you can include contact information, special requests and more. You can use reservation software to track room usage and create reports that can be used for marketing and sales.
Internet Marketing: Copywriting For A Client-Attracting "About" Page (9)
You don't have to tell readers you are amazing. Let your actions and activities speak for you. They'll figure it out. And now I invite you to find out more by visiting www.makewebsiteprofits.com.
Binders For Your Reservation Books (10)
Appearances are very important in any business, but especially so in service industries. Keeping your reservation book in a protective binder will improve your customers' impression of your business and add to your professional image.
7 Profitable Things You Get To Do When You Write Your Book (11)
Don't wait any longer; take your profit line into your own hands. Join the list of authors who finally wrote their book and profited from doing so? Would you like to receive a growing monthly income from a book you wrote?
Trash Your Newspaper! Real News Will Be Online (12)
But these drawbacks are minor, and the online media truly is the wave of the future. So, when you retire someday, and you're sitting in your beach home in Wailea or Makena, wanting to find out about the happenings of the world, make sure you have a laptop and wireless Internet, because soon there may be no newspapers for you to curl up with on your front porch.
How To Write A Book That Pulls Readers In Like A Magnet (13)
Here's to seeing your book in print soon. Are you ready to get started writing your book? Go get my free 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book!
Whatever Your Business, Printing Deserves Some Attention (14)
This is done through careful choice and placement of colour, type and images. Colour is perhaps the most important consideration. The brain whether you are aware of it or not recognises colour first, above everything else.
SEO Copywriting: How To Choose Article Marketing Topics To Achieve Maximum Exposure (15)
Oftentimes, they choose to write articles about themselves rather than articles that are genuinely useful to the target audience. In an age where search engines rule, the rules of marketing have changed.
7 Special Holiday Gifts For Writers (16)
Consider getting the platform (Mac or PC) they are already using. Or find out if they desire to switch platforms before getting the new laptop. 3. Laptop case Aspiring authors who own laptops enjoy a nice case.
SEO Copywriting Essentials - Calculating Keyword Density (17)
If our keyword is "California DJ" we could simply remove the term "DJ" from the keyword box, but then Live Keyword Analysis will calculate the ratio of all of the instances of the term "California." In this case, I do a 'find and replace' in Word and replace all of the terms "DJ" with some 3-letter word such as "DJX." Then I copy and paste the body of the article into Live Keyword Analysis and enter "California DJX" into the keyword box.
Article Marketing - Five Top Tips For Successful Article Marketing (18)
To succeed in the article marketing game it's important to submit a high volume of articles - the more you write the more inbound links you will gain to your website.
Marketing In A Recession: Why You Won't Survive If You Stop! (19)
And thirdly... NOT Marketing In A Recession Cannot Possibly Help You! If having no business is your problem, then not marketing and trying to get some coming in cannot in any way make things better.
Copywriting Tip: Do Your Client A Favor And Ask For The Order (20)
I wish they had created a sense of urgency. Instead, I missed an evening and an event I would have enjoyed immensely. Don't treat your buyers like that!
Permalink to The Honeymoon Is Over Once You Gain A Publisher For Your Business Book