Things I learned from writing a book

It has been more than twenty years since I published a guide for novice actors looking for legitimate talent agency representation, but the lessons I learned as an author and publisher have stayed with me. Although this article refers to a book, I continue to apply these lessons to other passion projects and to my daily work; with some tweaks, you, too may find them useful. Maybe even when trying to get a new small business venture off the ground.

ACCEPT INVITATIONS TO SHARE YOUR WORK. If you are invited to speak to a class of performing arts students about your book and you are worried about not having all the answers, bring a subject matter expert with you, but don’t look for excuses to not attend.

RECOGNIZE OPPORTUNITY. If you are invited to a bookstore to celebrate its anniversary (and to potentially host a table where your book is prominently displayed), don’t let anything stop you from attending. Not fear, not chronic back pain. This type of invitation is heartfelt, genuine, and one-time opportunity. Find a way to make it happen.

OVERCOME OBJECTIONS. If an unfriendly librarian at a local, public library scoffs are your interest in books about self-publishing when you ask where you might find them among the Dewey Decimal system, ignore his biting commentary. It’s likely that you are doing what he’s too afraid to try.

KNOW YOUR COMPETITION. If you are going to hide behind a pseudonym when looking for funding from a talent agency to which you have zero affiliation, understand that the concept you propose may be adopted by an industry association who will publish a similar version of your book. Telephone inquiries will go unanswered.

BE PATIENT, BUT PERSISTENT. When a book publisher tells you for two years that they are considering the book, don’t let the manuscript languish with them. If they are truly interested, they will make you an offer straight-away. Pressuring them to make a decision will not work in your favour and they’ll likely pass on the project.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR WORK SCHEDULE. Reconsider your practice of editing a manuscript in the early morning hours before daybreak while your husband and newborn sleep close by. Sure, you’ll make progress on the next draft, but everyone will be tired and cranky. And no one but you will feel a sense of urgency to get your book to market.

CONTINUALLY IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCT. Sometimes success is about timing, but when sales remain consistent because the advice and information contained in the book is solid, but never stop polishing and updating the content between on-demand reprint runs.

RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYTHING CHANGES. Sure, books have a shelf life, but the information they carry is still valuable. Before the World Wide Web ruined publishers and independent bookstores, your book provided solid guidance at a reasonable price. Sure, similar information is now available online for free, but people looking to enter the business are still being scammed for money. Why not make your book available online, too, or post tips on social media?

BUILD ON SMALL SUCCESSES. Even if you’re a one-hit wonder, be cool with it. Build on the momentum of having a published book—and yes, self-published counts when you sell a certain number of books—or don’t, but make a conscious decision to be cool with your success.

BE STRATEGIC IN YOUR PRODUCT GIVEAWAYS. If you offer people free books they will take them whether they’re interested in the material, or not, but not everyone will reciprocate with something of equal value, so don’t give away your books (or services) for free if you expect something in return.

BE SMART, BE BUSINESS-MINDED. Hire professionals that you can work with easily. You’ll need an editor, maybe a graphic designer, and possibly a website designer. Watch costs. Ask for detailed invoices. Fire them, if necessary. Switch commercial printing houses, if quality, or service is unsatisfactory. If you have a good thing going with a specialty bookstore, keep the book in-stock and invoice regularly and according to your agreement, but give them some leeway when payment becomes irregular. Their support is worth more than sticking to strict n/60 terms.

UNDERSTAND THE LIMITATIONS OF YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICES. Sometimes your product is better suited to a niche market. Sometimes expansion is required. Understand the limitations of your book as well as the breadth of its appeal.

BE KIND TO YOUR SUPPORTERS. When people show you that they’re in your corner, and that they want nothing in return, appreciate how truly special that is.