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Do You Have a Book Inside Waiting to be Unleashed?
Popular Non-fiction Author Shares What It’s Really Like to Write a Book
Being an author is amazing. Every day I sell books without even trying. Through my website, through Amazon and through booksellers. Royalties are one of the best forms of residual income. I get to live my life on my terms and that works for a very independent person like myself who loves people but really loves my solitude as well. But I’ll tell you what makes it even better. Being a book author is one of the best marketing tools out there – most people don’t realize it but when you’re an author you are automatically given the status of an authority or expert on your topic. It’s called “leveraging your knowledge.” When I became an author the requests I got for media interviews skyrocketed, my speaking engagements quadrupled and I was able to raise the rates on my mentoring services. Twice. I Found a Niche and a Need and Filled it and Now You Can, Too But it wasn’t always so. For most of my life I wanted to be a published author. I wrote a novel way back in 1992 and 1993 but I decided it was more of a way to heal after a divorce. The smarter path (at least for me) was to write a non-fiction “self-help” or “how-to” book. After all, I’d been reading these kinds of books for decades. Besides, in the book world they say: “Fiction authors are more interesting at cocktail parties. But, non-fiction authors drive better cars.” It’s true. Twice as many non-fiction books are sold as fiction books. I have a coffee shop buddy who’s written a handful of fiction novels and he struggles to sell one hundred books – even with a background in marketing and advertising. As an independently published, non-fiction, “how-to” author I sold 2,000 copies of my book the first month it was released. But I digress… |
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Getting the Big Idea – While Working with a Bestselling Author It took me a long time to reach the place where I finally thought I had a book idea that the world needed and that would help my larger business vision, too. I wanted to make a difference in the world – and I knew my words could help me do that. I’m turned off by people I consider “surface dwellers” and I can’t stand being told what to do. I was working as an executive assistant to a bestselling author who has a $5,000 seminar program that’s conducted mostly through teleclasses. One of the parts of this program teaches people how to become an information entrepreneur (or info-preneur) and tie in info-products with seminars/workshops, speaking and marketing yourself and your knowledge. I learned from the best and started doing workshops on my own time before I had the book. It worked. It worked well. I convinced him they needed a teleclass about how to get a book proposal together and organize a book. He replied, “Okay Denise, put it together and do it.” I was shocked – I hadn’t even written my own book yet. He said, “Think you can start teaching a teleclass next month?” My jaw dropped. I learned fast. As the assistant to a hotshot author I could get on the phone with very influential people who worked in publishing houses like Harper Collins, John Wiley & Sons, Simon & Schuster and Crown Books. I called them, threw his name around and grilled them about what they wanted in a book proposal for a “self-help or “how-to” manuscript. I bought every book I could find on the topic – and charged them to my multi-millionaire boss. Then I called literary agents and bent their ear with my un-ending questions. By the way, you must have a book proposal before a literary agent or publisher will even look at your manuscript. Even if you self-publish, writing your book will go much faster and easier with a book proposal. The Journey of 54,287 Typed Words Begins with the First One The journey began. I started writing. And writing. I began teaching the four week teleclass. I kept reading so I could stay ahead of my students. After the four weeks I kept learning. Because it was so well-received I was invited to teach my “How to Write an Awesome Book Proposal” teleclass again. I kept teaching it for four years. I sent out my book proposal and landed a literary agent in a week (Who I later fired. Long story!) I had what I thought was a great outline and kept writing. Then I’d stop. Then I’d start again. I felt so incredibly alive and yet I kept having doubts. I knew it wasn’t “fluffy” but I didn’t want my book to be “difficult” either. It had had to strike the right note of introspection and just plain, good, step-by-step information that would really be helpful to readers. I decided to change the entire focus of the book. Next I chucked three chapters that didn’t fit the new “focus.” Three well-written chapters. Sigh… Then I wanted to pitch the whole idea. I’d take a deep breath and start writing again. The emotional growth that comes from writing a book (especially if it’s something you’re passionate about) is every bit a part of the journey as the actual writing itself. I enjoy writing. However, putting my heart on my sleeve – even though it was a business book – was challenging. I thought my book might be the one thing I become known for. It better be good. It better be right. I can't tell you how many times before my book was published that I said, "Aw, who gives a rip?!?" Then I'd go back and read parts of it again and say, "Darn it, this is good. The world needs to know this." I'd suck it up and get writing again. It's a crazy making process. Especially without support and someone knowledgeable to tell you you're NOT going crazy. You're creating something out of thin air when you write a book. Especially when you have something original to say. I have no hesitation in sharing my opinions yet in a book you suddenly realize it has much larger ramifications. You tend to think you’re a teensy bit “off” because it hasn't been done before - at least not the way you want to do it. And you're giving yourself "permission" to be an expert or authority in the biggest way. That takes “cahunas.” After all, who in the heck did I think I was to tell anyone anything anyway? I wished I’d had help or support. Was I on track? Was I wasting my time? From Idea to Finished Manuscript – Now What? Finally, I had a finished manuscript. It was 54,287 words long. I persisted. I’d made a promise to myself if I got that far I’d reward myself with a day at a fancy-schmancy spa. I gave myself that reward but as I surrendered to the deep, long strokes of the masseuse I lay there thinking, “Okay, now what?” I stumbled through the publishing process. I made mistakes and did some things right. Along the way people in my boss’ seminar program kept looking to me for advice. I was no longer his assistant by now. I was doing teleclass training and marketing mentoring very full time. I researched their questions so I could give them helpful answers. I was honest if I didn’t know something but I wanted to help. So I did my best and if I didn’t know I’d say, “Let’s figure this out together.” It was a crash course of learning and I’m grateful for the experience. Certain types of books “work” while others just land with a thud and deafening silence. I gradually developed systems to make the proposal writing process easier and make the book writing flow more effortlessly. The Moment I Became a Published Author My passion is about supporting people in going for their dream. Because it was my dream since I was a girl of eight to be a published author – I wanted to support others in their dreams, too. I watched several of my students go on to enjoy becoming authors before I did. One young man even got a publishing contract with a major publisher (Hyperion – owned by Disney) and a $225,000 advance. Wow! To finally polish up my manuscript I went to a Bed & Breakfast in the mountains (twice) for four days each time in the winter of 2005 with the snow and a stone fireplace. I wrote and polished my book like the wind. I went through it tirelessly over and over again. My wonderful husband Ernie brought me tea, M&Ms and bad carry-out Chinese as I wrote. I filled in the gaps so it flowed and made sense. I got rid of anything even remotely fluffy. I'm not a fluffy writer, but that book is as lean and muscular in it’s writing as a Ferrari. Finally one hot, July day in 2005 I got a call from my local postal center. “Denise, we got a couple boxes here for you and they’re really heavy. I think they’re books,” the clerk said. “Thank you, I’ll be right over to pick ‘em up!” I sprang from my desk at home, grabbed my keys, my purse and flew out the door. I ran into the shop and waited agonizingly while three customers ahead of me were taken care of. Finally the clerk hefted two boxes onto the countertop and had me sign for them. Excitedly, I stabbed the box at the seam with a pen and tore open the clear packing tape. Inside the box was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen: my first shipment of books. My books. I literally jumped up and down and screamed with joy. It was the most amazing feeling in the whole world. I was finally a published author. I took my husband and our best friends out to a celebratory dinner that night. We toasted with champagne, enjoyed decadent desserts loaded with calories and carbs and it was one of the happiest evenings of my life. How Becoming an Author Changed My Life I won’t lie and tell you that I now live in a mansion and have servants waiting on me from sun-up to sundown. I haven’t been on “Oprah” yet but I have gotten a lot of exposure through radio, print and online. I have an assistant and I effortlessly subcontract out work I don’t want to do. Oh, I also have a housekeeper now. I’ll never scrub another toilet or clean the oven again. Nice. Requests for speaking engagements have quadrupled. And, I make more money when people buy my book in the back of the room. I get much more media exposure and as I said at the beginning of this letter I have a thriving marketing mentoring practice and I raised my rates. Twice. What’s even more important to me is I have a level of freedom most people can’t imagine. I go to cafes and write, sip tea or read. I go to the gym and workout anytime of day I like. I shop at the mall when everyone else is working and have lunch with a girlfriend who has to scurry “back to the office.” I have time to volunteer in my community with a local charity that helps disabled children. I did what I loved and the money followed. It can for you, too. Here’s How I Can Help With the Book Inside You Most of my services are in marketing mentoring. But I also support aspiring authors of “how-to” and “self-help” books get their book together. I’ve been there. I’ve helped hundreds through this process and I can help you, too. (And by the way, just because my marketing mentoring is aimed towards women – book mentoring is for either men or women.) If you have a “how-to” or “self-help” book in your head or your heart – maybe it’s time the world hears your voice. Maybe it’s time for you to spread your wings and enjoy the benefits of being an author. It’s amazing what it will do to help your professionalism, credibility and help you market your expertise with greater ease. Maybe you haven’t started writing yet but you’ve been saying, “The ideas are all right in my head.” (Sorry, but you can’t put your head on the shelf at Barnes & Noble, Borders or Chapters.) Or, maybe you’re halfway done and feeling stuck or overwhelmed with the enormity of it all. I walk my book mentoring clients through the process as far as they want to take it. I make it fun. I help you effortlessly get beyond some of the lumps and bumps I struggled with needlessly. I’m a mentoring muse, a brainstorming partner, a strategist, and an endless fountain of resources. I can also help you edit your ideas. I’ll mentor you to get your book together so it supports you, your brand and your business while providing great, helpful information to the people it’s meant to serve. Do You Have Questions? I Have Answers. Mentoring with me means we get on the phone together weekly. I devote my time to helping you get past or get over whatever is in your way to having a book and becoming a published author. Like Michaelango the sculptor who chipped away at everything that wasn’t David – I support you in the writing of your book. I hold you accountable. If you experience a little “crisis in confidence” like so many aspiring authors do – I intuitively guide you and help you know deep in your heart that you’re the best person in the world to write your book. You also get unlimited email support in-between. I answer your questions. Questions like:
There truly isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. It really depends on your situation, what you want your book to do for you and what your vision is for your book. So, when I mentor with you, I’ll answer each of those questions for your circumstances. Once you have your book together if you want more support I can help you determine if publishing or self-publishing are the best routes for you. I can even help you develop your marketing strategy and a plan to get the word out. Here’s what Others Say About Book Mentoring with Denise Michaels…
“Thank you...Thank you...Thank you! Your mentorship through the writing and
sales process of ‘Are You DUMB Enough To Be RICH?’ was and continues to be
invaluable to me. Our phone time together working out all the details of
structure, content, design and marketing allowed this book to happen. I
have no doubt; I would not be a Best Selling Author today if it were not for
your coaching. Thanks again. I’m forever indebted.” Bill Barnett, Author, “Are you DUMB Enough To Be RICH?
The
knowledge Denise brings to our weekly calls together is stellar. But,
there's another ingredient in her vast "toolkit" I appreciate – her ability
to tap into the intuitive. She helps me recognize when my "stuff" pops up
and interferes! Between working with Denise, and the law of attraction I’m
experiencing amazing life changes. The journey is wild at times but it’s
exhilarating to feel so on purpose! I’ve already referred Denise to a good
friend. It’s no surprise my friend’s sending me ‘thank you's!’ So, Denise –
THANK YOU!” Paws in Harmony "Denise is the reason that my book -- 'Attracting Perfect Customers...The Power of Strategic Synchronicity' -- has remained a best-seller since 2001. Her on-the-money coaching, cheerleading, and mentoring skills are impeccable. She is fearless, confident, intelligent, and walks her talk -- and knows how to ensure her clients achieve the success that they envision for themselves!"
Stacey Hall, Author “Attracting Perfect Customers – The Power of Strategic Synchronicity”
Want to Discover More About Book Mentoring? If you’re intrigued and you’re passionate about getting your book out – but you’re just feeling stumped, stuck or overwhelmed – maybe book mentoring would be right for you. The best thing for us to do next is schedule a time to talk about you and your book – either on the phone or on Skype. There’s no obligation to just talk and get acquainted. I’ll answer all your questions including my fees. We’ll discuss how much you’ve done so far and how you feel mentoring could be helpful to you. Click Here now and you’ll be magically transported to a fun, quick questionnaire so I can learn a little more. The purpose of the questions is so I can determine if I can help you and to schedule a phone meeting. Don’t wait. I can’t help you if you won’t talk with me. Click Here now! Yours in Success and Joy,
Denise Michaels Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing PS: One of the coolest parts about being an author is the testimonials. Some even make me cry. One woman emailed me recently and said, “Your book made me believe that I really can become the woman I’ve always dreamed of.” Those are the moments when you know you’ve REALLY made a difference. Click Here and start making a difference in the lives of your future readers and in your life, too. |
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