Do You Have a Book Inside Waiting to be Unleashed?
Popular Non-fiction Author Shares What its like to Write a Book and be a Published Author
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 live life on my terms and that works for an independent person like myself who loves people but loves solitude, too.
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 – when you’re an author you’re automatically given the status of an authority or expert on your topic. It’s called “leveraging your knowledge.” When I became an author requests for media interviews skyrocketed, my speaking engagements quadrupled and I raised the rates on my other services as well. I Found a Need and Filled it. You Can, Too!
But it wasn’t always so. Most of my life I wanted to be a published author. I wrote a novel back in 1993 but decided it was more of a way to heal after a divorce the year before. 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 non-fiction books since high school. 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 used to have a coffee shop buddy who’s written a handful of fiction novels and he struggles to sell a hundred books a year – even with a marketing and advertising background. 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…
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 the world needed that would help my larger business vision in a congruent way. I wanted to make a difference – and I knew my words could help me.
I was working as Executive Assistant to a bestselling author who has a $5,000 seminar program conducted mostly through teleclasses. One part of the program teaches people to become information entrepreneurs, Info-Marketers, and tie in sales of 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 writing my book. It worked.
I convinced him they needed to offer 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, “Can you start teaching it next month?” My jaw dropped.
As the Assistant to a hotshot author I could get on the phone with influential people who worked in publishing houses like Harper Collins, John Wiley & Sons, Simon & Schuster, McGraw Hill 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. 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 working on my proposal so I could stay ahead of my students. After the four week class I kept learning. The class was so well-received I was invited to teach my “How to Write an Awesome Book Proposal” teleclass again. I kept teaching it every month for four years.
I sent out my book proposal and landed a literary agent in a week. I had what I thought was a great outline for my book so I kept writing. Then I’d stop. Then I’d start again. I felt so incredibly alive. 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 good, step-by-step information that would be helpful to readers. I changed 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 throw away the whole idea. I’d take a deep breath and start writing again.
The emotional growth that comes from writing a book (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. My book just 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 I said, "Aw, who gives a dang?!?" Then I'd go back and read parts of it again and say, "This is good. The world needs to know this." I'd suck it up and get writing again. It's a crazy process. Especially without support and someone knowledgeable to tell you that you're NOT going crazy.
When you write a book you're creating something out of thin air. Especially when you have something original to say. I have no hesitation sharing my opinions when I talk with people or write an email. Yet in a book you suddenly realize it has larger ramifications. You tend to think you might be 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 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 protégés in my boss’ seminar program kept looking to me for advice. I was no longer his Assistant by now. I was conducting teleclass training and providing mentoring very full time. I researched their questions so I could provide helpful answers. I did my best and if I didn’t know the answer 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. To help myself and the people I mentored I gradually developed systems to make writing the proposal easier and to make the book writing flow more effortlessly.
The moment I became a Published Author
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 become 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 with the snow blowing and a stone fireplace crackling away. I wrote like the wind going through each word over and over again as I put the final polish on my book. My wonderful husband Ernie brought me tea, M&Ms and 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. The writing in my book is lean and muscular like a Ferrari.
Finally one hot, July day 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, 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 waited on. The clerk hefted two boxes onto the countertop and had me sign for them. Excited, I stabbed the box at the seam with a pen and tore open the clear packing tape.
Inside was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen: my first shipment of books. My books! I 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 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 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 now 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 page I have a thriving mentoring practice – because of my book.
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, I 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 mentoring work helps clients with marketing for their small and home-based businesses. I also support aspiring authors of “how-to” and “self-help” books get their book together. I’m a wicked good editor. I’ve been there. I’ve helped hundreds through this process and I can help you, too.
If you have a “how-to” or “self-help” book in your head or your heart – maybe it’s time for the world to hear your voice. Maybe it’s time to spread your wings and enjoy the benefits of being an author like I do. It’s amazing how it helps your professionalism, credibility and helps you market 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 idea of taking on such a big project.
I walk my book mentoring clients through the process of getting their book together 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. 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 in such a way so it supports you, your brand and your business while providing 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 help 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 grow in confidence and feel more empowered You also get unlimited email support in-between from me.
I answer your questions. Questions like:
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. It depends on your situation, what you want your book to do for you and what your vision is. So, when I mentor you, I’ll answer 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…
“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. Yours in prosperity and friendship,”
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 "tool kit" 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!”
Lynda Blaska, Author
The Whole Dog”
Paws in Harmony
Ready to Discover More About Book Mentoring?
If you’re intrigued and passionate about getting your book out – but you’re feeling stumped, stuck or overwhelmed – maybe book mentoring is right for you.
The best way to find out is schedule a time for us to talk about you and your book. There’s no obligation to just talk and get acquainted. I’ll answer all your questions and share my fees with you at that time. We’ll discuss how much you’ve done so far and the best ways mentoring can be helpful to you.
Click Here now and you’ll be magically transported to a fun, quick form that goes to my Inbox so I can learn a little more about the book you have in mind. I won’t send you an auto-responder. I won’t send you more information. I won’t put you on a list. I promise The purpose of the questions is to determine if I can help you. You’ll get a personal email back from me to schedule a phone meeting.
Don’t wait. Click Here now!
Yours in Success and Joy,
Denise Michaels
Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing” a Business Bestseller
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 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.
PSS: To get your own personally autographed copy of my myth-shattering business bestseller, “Testosterone-Free Marketing: The Yin and Yang of Marketing for Women click here now.
PPS: If you’re an Info-Marketer click here. To discover a little more About Mentoring click here. Want to find out about my kicked-up, intensive Ultimate Marketing Makeover? Click here now.
