We did it! Last Tuesday, I met with my executive editor and editorial assistant to sign a global rights contract with Wiley for Change with Confidence. From their website: “Wiley has evolved into one of the world’s more respected publishing and information services companies. We strongly believe in the enduring value of collaborative relationships, built in a solid foundation of trust and integrity.” Perfect fit.
My book with be under the Jossey-Bass imprint.
“Jossey-Bass publishes books, periodicals, and other media to inform and inspire those interested in developing themselves, their organizations and their communities.” Another perfect fit!
The Eagle Has Landed!
Who owns that voice in my head?
I received my first publisher rejection notice this week from the nicest man in the world. My book topic is too specific for the portfolio, however, the proposal was promising and I received some great new contacts to explore. Of all the rejections I may receive, this one will be the best.My “look on the bright side” perspective is opposite to how I interpreted not getting a call back from a friend of a friend who works at a publishing house. As the weeks slipped by, I slid from “she is busy” to “she isn’t interested” to “she hates me.” I was aghast when I noticed last night that my email had bounced back and not been delivered. Why did the voice in my head go to the dark side? Why did it move me to the darkest part of the dark side? Why didn’t I check my delivery failure folder? Who owns that negative voice in my head?
I own that voice in my head and am accountable for my perspectives, emotions, and actions. Negativity drains your energy and slows you down. It nudges you off course and blocks your creativity. I am putting the following mechanisms in place so this doesn’t happen again.
- Check my delivery failure folder to make sure my email was received
- Use more than one method of contact (email, phone, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Communicate when and how I will make contact again (“I will follow up/call you next week…”)
- Record each communication and follow up date on my calendar
- Increase the number of contacts to gain momentum and lessen the impact of each one
- Assume positive intent
The Power of Visualization
My first exposure to self help business books was in 1995 when I borrowed an audio cassette (it was 1995 after all) series called Self-Esteem and Peak Performance by Jack Canfield, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame. He discussed many concepts that are now standard self help fare.
I had forgotten about Jack until I received an email last week from Steve Harrison, a marketer who is partnering with him on a “how to get published and sell tonnes of books” program. I watched a few promotional videos and Jack is the same likable and knowledgeable guy. He shared a few tips that I remember from his earlier program. The one that stands out is visualization. This is a technique of forming a positive mental image of a goal being achieved. An Olympic swimmer might visualize touching the pool wall before his competitors or a home renovator visualize her fully furnished new kitchen. The theory states that when you can see your desired outcome you will both consciously and unconsciously take actions that will move you toward that goal.
Since visualization has helped me in the past I thought I would try it with my book. I chose to visualize the cover because it’s the most powerful image of the final product. After studying recent business book covers I decided on the following design principles:
It felt strange creating a cover for a book that has not yet been published. It also felt good. Like all things creative, it was fun too. I hope the New York Times doesn’t mind my unauthorized use of their brand on my unauthorized cover.
What have been the benefits of visualizing my book’s cover? It has become a mental hub for all elements of my book, including content, format, tone, and benefits, which helps me discuss them as a cohesive whole. It also has made my book more real and complete, which is a very motivating. And it’s been exciting, which suggest that there is more excitement to come!
Phil