Turn a new leaf in life and write a book
By BARB STEGEMANN, Author of The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen
WHENEVER I give a talk, I make a point of asking how many people in the audience wish they could write a book. Nearly every hand goes up. It puzzles me that more people don’t put their thoughts on paper. I believe if you have knowledge on some topic, it is your responsibility to get over any fears you might have and write.
You can empower others with your specialized knowledge, story or wisdom. That’s crucial because knowledge is the only thing that can win out over opinion, which can take organizations and communities astray.
I will never forget when broadcaster and author Michael Harris gave me a copy of his book, The Judas Kiss. Inscribed inside were the words “Write the book!”
Harris told me that everyone has a book inside them. He was indeed correct.
Over a decade later, I finally wrote the book, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen. Now I tour our province giving talks empowering people to connect with their buying power. I get email from people who want to write their own book, and like Harris, I say go for it! Here’s my advice on how to get started:
First step - Visualize. Peter Legge, Toastmasters’ top motivational speaker in North America and CEO of Canada Wide publishing, has written eight books. When I told him I wanted to write a book on empowerment through philosophy, he said, “Barb, print off a copy of the cover of your book and wrap it around an empty journal and place it on your desk and visualize.”
Second step - Commit to what I call the “Mordecai.” Mordecai Richler used to write each morning from six to 10 o’clock and it did not matter whether he got a word, a page or a chapter. That daily commitment at the same time each day will guarantee your book will emerge.
Third Step - Consider your target market, genre and the purpose of your book. For Steve Murphy, broadcaster and author, his first book, Live at 5: the Story Behind Its Success (2002), sold thousands of copies. Murphy donated all proceeds, $35,000, to Christmas Daddies and the IWK. His second book, Before the Camera (2006), a personal story, sold about 12,000 copies. Both were Canadian bestsellers!
Fourth Step - Decide if you are going to shop your book around to the various publishers or if you are going to self-publish. I self-published because my mentor told me he did not want to see my book in a “bargain bin.” So I control my distribution and the price. And when I speak at a fundraiser for a non-profit I am able to donate 40 per cent of the revenue to the cause because I am in control of my book and the price.
You may prefer the security and direction of a recognized publisher. Murphy went through Nimbus Publishing. And local author Lesley Choyce, who has written 40 books, built his own publishing company, Pottersfield Press.
With something like one out of every several thousand manuscripts actually finding its way into print, he warns that storytellers need to be prepared to work exceedingly hard. He adds, however, a truly great idea or story will find its way to its audience.
Fifth Step - Be prepared to market. No matter whether you choose a publisher or go the self-publishing market, you must be prepared to market. TV advertising worked very well for Murphy and his books. Social media such as Facebook are becoming very popular as well as online sales and local bookstores that will take local authors.
In life, there is no gain if there is no risk taken. Marcus Aurelius, one of the world’s greatest leaders, would remind us that we’re all dead in 100 years and no one is going to remember us. But if you write your book, perhaps your wisdom and legacy will live on and delight and empower others. Write the book.
Barb Stegemann is an author and her company empowers non-profit, business and government to build stronger communities.
Tags: 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, barb stegmann, fear, new writers, write, write a book
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