How I Signed My First 2 Book Deals
This quick blog post originally appeared on my LinkedIn page.
In my last post, I touched on the hurdles I ran into with my two books, and the shortcomings that resulted in them not moving as I had hoped. Today, I'll provide a bit behind what went into securing a book deal. If you're thinking it's the pitch-approve-publish method, you might be surprised.
It all kicked off around December 2018, as I wrapping up a busy freelance year with several deadlines left to fulfill. Amidst the one-man hubbub that was my business at that time, I received an intriguing email from a publisher, gauging my interest in writing a book about finding a career in the world of weed. Given my background in news, media and copywriting, it felt like a slam dunk. It wasn't horror, but I'm still getting to publish a book. I did some fact checking to vet the publisher, and they seemed on the up and up.
However, a twist emerged when the editors requested a sample chapter. This posed a challenge as it demanded substantial time and energy, resources I was already stretched thin on. They also wanted the chapter to be submitted at no cost. While I'm usually open to taking work on, even unpaid if the cause is right, churning out a rushed chapter risked compromising its quality. If I'm going to look bad in the eyes of this publisher, then I'm going to do it passing on the opportunity rather than sending in subpar work.
Instead of passing on the project, I thought over the alternatives that could showcase my work and insights on the job market. Rather than writing a rushed chapter chapter, I showcased my portfolio of news and copywriting, providing an overview of what I could bring to the project.
I sent the email response and then immediately assumed another writer might would land the gig. To my surprise, the publisher was impressed by my portfolio and offered me the spot--or maybe no one else wanted the gig. I don't know. I didn't ask many questions but I talked about that mistake last time.
By mid-January I was writing, interviewing and also adopting a puppy. I wrote the book in 60 days, which is another story I could dive into sometime if anyone's interested.
Lessons Learned
Avoid overwhelming yourself, as it could potentially compromise the caliber of your work. Never be afraid to take on a tall task if it's worthwhile, but be realistic about your time and capabilities.
Presenting an alternative solution when unable to fulfill initial requests can produce positive outcomes. If the role is something you want, offering an alternative may help showcase your creativity. Worst case scenario, the opportunity passes and another comes soon enough. Easier said than done, I know, but it's usually true.
Free work should align with your values and long-term aspirations. Be selective while having an open mind.