I am a speaker at heart, always wanted to speak in front of groups of people. I never really thought I would become an author. Somehow, when I try to write, the words don’t flow like when I speak! Then, a publisher found me on LinkedIn. Honored and overwhelmed I agreed to write one chapter in a compilation book with a group of amazing people like Mark Victor Hansen.
Now I am published: “The Power of Leadership: Producing Results” was released April 2009! I actually managed to write an entire chapter! Since the release, amazing things are happening. I am now:
- Getting more speaking engagements;
- Generating a small passive income;
- Featured as an expert author with more amazing people, like Dr. Ivan Misner of BNI;
- Writing future chapters for more books in a series;
- Have a video on the published web page http://www.power-of-leadership-books.com
So what’s the point I am trying to make? Well, here is what I learned that I wish someone had taught me years ago:
- Be relevant online- the publisher found me on LinkedIn which has been around for years.
- Be a relationship builder not a sales-pitcher. Even if you have a book concept or chapter publishers are people too! My taking the time to get to know them has made a huge difference in the support they have shown me.
- Be willing to market yourself and you will find additional support. Carrying my video camera everywhere has paid off! You might think, why record my signing books? Well, that video helped me gain status for more opportunity with the publisher!
- Know that one chapter at a time is the key! Writing the first made me realize I can write more!
You to have the potential to be a published author, take the first step; you will be amazed!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Thanks Ann for some very concise and positive hints. Enjoyed your talk at the Sacramento eWomen Meeting and have followed you on twitter for more helpful advice ! Good job. Kate @ tea4kate
Kate Barker’s last blog post..Not Your Momma’s Iced Tea–Celebrate National Iced Tea Month in June !
Thanks everyone for feeling the inspiration in this piece! I am no rocket scientist, but I do have experiences! I promise more coming soon! Ann
Loving what I am learning from you. You are an inspiration!
JR Nuerge
http://www.designsbyjrn.com
Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous
More invaluable content, Ann. I never thought I could write or had anything to say until you encouraged me to start my blog and taught me about social networking. I know what you say to be true. Keep on giving, keep on sharing. Great things will come to pass. Just wait!
Susan Berland
http://susanberland.yolasite.com
Susan Berland’s last blog post..Why We Need to Document This Time in Gay Rights History
Sounds like you are having a great time. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Thanks for all the great tips.
Sandy
Sandy Dempsey’s last blog post..Taking Action Leads to Clarity
I am so happy to have happened across this post today! It is exactly what I need to hear and you’ve given me just the encouragement I needed to keep doing what I do. You made my day.
You are spot on Ann. I have helped a few coaches create books that they self published and it was like someone bestowed royalty on them!
But if you think about the word “author” comes from the word “authority” – people automatically classify you as an authority if you are an author.
BTW – I am here with a comment to your Tweet on 6/22/09 “never click through to a blog unless you intend to comment” or something like that.
I love it when people care enough to join the conversation when they’ve visited my blog.
Melody Campbell, Building Your Coaching Business’s last blog post..So What?! Survey at Terry Dean dot org
Awesome points Melody! And I agree about joining in! You will learn I am very strategic in participating – just smart business strategy!
Ann, I know, I know, you have been drilling this into us for years. Want you to know that I have started my book. Thank you for your wise words. JR Nuerge
whoo hoo woman! Hope you are well! Ann
Warrior-Preneur
The Warrior is Within You
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e: ann@zenaenterprises.com
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Perfect timing for me since my book is already written – adding and updating the then figuring out how to market it and sell it and speak – yes speak about my experience as a mom.
Ann, This was a great look inside on how you started writing and how it has helped you in your career. I don’t know who is more inspired my 12 yr. daughter, Kyarra or myself. Let me point out she may be a few steps ahead of me in finishing a book due to the fact, that she has meant her goal of having a book done by the age of 12. Her eBook “Cupcake Magic” is currently selling on Amazon and she has been empower to do even more by your story.
Let the greatness in you shine,
Vincent Keele
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