Book writing and wellness biz tip: Should you do a compilation book (to get published)?
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So a private client emails me this question last week...
"Karin, I've been invited to be an author in a compilation book. They have one more slot left and they have chosen me..." and she included the following details:
They have one spot left at this time, even though its been publicly "closed" and the publisher has followed up with me to see if would be interested in the last spot.
I would be one of 31 authors, each with his/her own chapter. The focus of the chapter would be my own story, related to the book's theme which is... (edited for privacy.)
If I choose to do this, I would have to pay them $1000 - $3000 depending on the "package" I want.
I would then have 30 days to write my chapter -- 1500 - 2000 words, submit a brief bio (150 words) with a website link and one headshot.
It would be published in the Fall, at the same time as two other compilation volumes.
What do you think? All thoughts, suggestions, cautions are welcome!
At some point in your practice, you will receive an invitation (aka "sales call") like this.
And you'll want to remember the following advice I gave my client so you'll know exactly how to respond.
Here's what I wrote her:
I'm never impressed with these types of books.
I understand how good it feels because it seems like you've been sought out and invited to do this project.
But the greater truth is that these publishers are sales pros and that's what they do.
They troll the internet for coaches, consultants and counselors and "invite" them to join their compilation book at the tune of $1000 - $3000.
And don't forget, part of the deal is that you purchase a certain amount of books in bulk, and you'll be responsible for selling them yourself.
I've seen quite a few people do this, and it didn't really do much for their business.
Here's when it's appropriate to say YES to participating in a compilation book.
1) The other authors in the book are super well known to YOUR tribe. (At least quite a few of them.)
2) The compilation series is super well known and admired by YOUR tribe.
3) It's a specific stepping stone opportunity to another opportunity that you really, really want.
4) Or it's YOUR compilation book, that you invite other authors to participate in, and you're the headlining author, and the book is designed to boost YOUR business.
Otherwise, your article is just one of many and gets lost in a book "various experts."
Even if the headlining author is Wayne Dyer.
(I've been a "invited" a few times to "get published with Wayne Dyer" for only $3000.) :)
I think writing and publishing your own book would have a much bigger impact on your business, credibility, and expertise then this one, and at far less of a financial investment.
That's what I think. :)
Here's what she wrote back:
Perfect! Exactly what I needed to hear!
Thank you!
So consider this when you receive the "invitation" (I mean sales call). And you will.
You'll know exactly how to decipher if it's the right opportunity for you.
Hope this helps!
Karin
Do you really want to write a book? Let me show you how to do it the RIGHT way for self-employed pros like you. Our Write AND Publish Your Book in 90 Days program starts Tuesday, May 8th. Your book, your message, your brand, all in one book.
About the Author and WellProNet.com: Karin Witzig Rozell has been teaching health and wellness professionals how to grow their business since 2003. She started as a nutrition counselor who knew a lot about nutrition, but not a whole lot about business and marketing. After learning some tough lessons she cracked the code and now her passion is transforming practitioners into profitable business owners who have a great quality of life too.
She is the founder of Wellness Professional Network, the go-to place for practitioners to learn the real-life business skills they didn’t teach in wellness school.
Karin is the author of The Fast Start to Clients Program and the forthcoming book: Rockstars of Wellness: Super Simple Ways to Stand Out, Get Hired and Become Irresistibly Relevant to Your Tribe.
Karin lives in Upstate New York, in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, and enjoys working from home with her husband and son.