SO YOU WANT TO PUBLISH A BOOK...
By Nicky Hackett
Many people are drawn to writing and publishing their own ideas. But before you invest everything it takes, it is helpful to be very clear about WHY this is important to you. Writing and publishing a book IS a rewarding, life changing experience, but it’s seldom financially profitable, and book sales often don’t cover the cost of production. So why make the investment?
A book can establish you as a thought leader in your field.
A well written book demonstrates you have expert knowledge and wisdom built over time that is worth the attention of others. It helps you obtain speaking engagements and makes you desirable for workshops and seminars. And it works equally well as a follow up. Your book keeps you speaking long after the engagement is over. It makes it easy for other speakers to reference your ideas, which broadens your audience.
Your book can inspire others and help them overcome or avoid obstacles.
Most of us were helped along the way, and we have a desire to give back and share what we have learned. A book is an excellent way to gather and record aspects of your journey for the benefit of others.
Your book can enlighten others.
Helping others to truly understand an unfamiliar person or group requires the sharing of experiences and learnings. Writing a book is a powerful way to offer your perspective or the perspective of your group, which educates others and can help increase understanding and empathy in the world.
Writing your book can have a huge personal impact.
Though we often write with others in mind, we should not overlook the powerful impact writing a book can have on you as the author. Not only will it bring you insight into yourself and your beliefs, but the writing process also requires perseverance, humility and courage, all of which can shape you for the better if you are open to it. This benefit should not be overlooked.
How can a ghostwriter or editor help?
Not everyone who wants to write a book has the time, skills and self-discipline to do so. Writing services like Asio Creative partner with you to help you develop your ideas and bring them to life.
What does the partnership between an author and ghostwriter or editor look like?
Authors want different levels of involvement and support from their writing service, so it is very important that expectations are discussed thoroughly and captured accurately in the contract. Perhaps the author only wants to provide the idea and some materials, and they want a ghostwriter to complete the research, develop the outline, write the book and manage the publishing process. This is the most expensive service. On the other end of the spectrum, perhaps they have already drafted the book and want a chapter by chapter review. This is much more affordable.
What makes the author/writer/editor partnership work well?
Clarity
When you know exactly what you want, communicate it clearly. The more vague your vision, the more the writer/editor must substitute their own voice or do what they think you want. When they are off course, give clear corrections immediately.
Responsiveness
Sticking to a writing schedule is hard when you are balancing a book with a regular job and your personal life. Be upfront with your writer/editor about the best way to work with you and how quickly you are likely to respond. Lack of author responsiveness is the most common reason for a project to stall.
Patience
Writing a book is a creative, collaborative process between individuals who may, at times, need to go back and forth to really understand and bring out the best in each other. Staying patient, kind and professional throughout this process helps the process stay joyful and rewarding.
Engagement
The more engaged and focused you are with your writer/editor, the better they can understand and develop what you are trying to accomplish. This establishes a smooth workflow, where both of you are excited and focused and moving towards completion steadily.
Confidentiality
Authors make themselves vulnerable when they share their original ideas and materials. Writing services should acknowledge and honor this. Asio Creative appreciates the trust of our authors, and we hold their confidentiality close.
