Where there's hope, there's a way…plus tips for attracting your dream book deal
What do you say when the world is burning? 🔥
Say too much and it’s just another finger pointed, adding more vitriol to the fire. Say nothing and risk looking like you’re pretending to stick your head in the sand—something I’ve already judged others on, and I’m sure been found guilty of.
Instead, I’ve been looking inward, scrubbing the walls of my mind, heart and soul, wondering how can I live in a world with so much hate? What have I done to contribute to it? What haven’t I done to eradicate it? Who do I need to be to help make it better? I’m still looking for answers…
And yet…I know that I also live in a world of love, compassion, kindness, beauty and generosity. My writers, authors, clients and partners are all passionate about making the world a better place…
People like Sean, who is showing people how to break through their internal programming to create the life of their dreams…
And Troy, who is giving us the keys to courage to create a life of impact, adventure and abundance…
There’s Shannon, who is inspiring women to go after their dreams, and show them how to maintain their health, wellness and relationships along the way…
And George, who wants to help people thrive in their businesses so they can achieve financial freedom…
And Cameron, who wants to show people how they can heal their bodies—naturally and in the gentlest ways possible…
And my dearest Caryn, who is sharing a glimpse of the great beyond, of the hereafter, and the greatest love story I’ve ever heard.
I could go on, but they’re honestly bringing tears to my eyes, because what they’re creating is so beautiful and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
In every way possible—through their books, businesses, courses and coaching—they want to inspire and empower, educate and motivate—and I guess I do too.
We can’t give up. We can’t slow down. We can’t shut up. Not even when the world is burning, because it needs us now more than ever.
So if you’re feeling short of hope right now, lean on me and mine. I’ve got enough faith for the both of us.
As Tom Hanks’ character in Castaway says, “I know what I have to do. I have to keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring.”
Cat xo
To Self Publish or Not To Self Publish
I was chatting books—of course—with my client the other day. He asked me why I chose a traditional publisher for my book, over self-publishing. The truth is, I was *this* close to self-publishing my book, when I got my book deal. I just wanted it out in the world, and I knew I could do a pretty good job of promoting and selling it. I also knew what was in my gap—screenwriting and film industry contacts. I originally wrote the story as a screenplay and always saw it playing out on the screen. In the end, the publisher I signed to has deep connections to the film and TV industry. Working with an independent publisher also gives me more control and creative freedom with my book, something that’s important to me.
For most of my clients, however, it just doesn’t make sense to wait 2+ years for their book to come out. It’s their all-access pass to new clients, growing their brand and their business, getting on podcasts and landing on bigger platforms and stages.
For some, though, like Sean, who aren’t in a hurry to grow their business or brand. Who already have the kind of platform, network and audience publishers are looking for. And who have a unique book and perspective, exhibit great writing chops and have a fantastic editor and coach (like me) priming them for the win, traditional publishing can certainly be a promising option.
Here’s what you’re going to need to attract that book deal if you have your hearts set on traditional publishing:
-A platform and built-in audience. Remember, traditional publishers are going to be working to place you on bookshelves next to household names like Michelle Obama and Brene Brown. You don’t have to be that big, but you do need to prove that you can sell books. Lots of them.
-A rock-solid book outline and/or polished first draft. First-time fictions authors really need to have a polished manuscript ready, but for non-fiction, you will likely be asked to develop a book proposal for publishers, which includes a detailed book outline and chapter summaries, so be forewarned: An idea, or sketch of an outline, is not enough.
-A sample of your writing and it needs to be high quality. Whether you’re working to acquire an agent or publisher book deal, you will need plan for a polished first 5-20 pages or first couple of chapters of your manuscript. Lean on your feedback partners, beta readers and editors to help you get that sample into tip-top shape.
-A book promotion strategy. Yes even traditional publishers lean on authors to promote their books, especially for non-fiction. Be ready with ideas for how to get your book out there and noticed.
-A clear idea of who your audience is. Both agents and publishers are in the business of selling books, and that means knowing what the market is asking for. You need to show that you know who your ideal reader is and what they want, as well as where your book lands in the market and on book shelves. This can be teased in your agent query letter, and for non-fiction, you’ll get to expand on this in your market and competitive analysis.
If it seems like a lot of work, it is. But it’s also going to set you up for the most success. If you’d like ongoing support with writing, finishing and publishing your book, DM me or sign up for my publishing academy, which includes monthly meet-ups and group coaching, here: https://app.searchie.io/hub/L9VdGPKRBK