Announcement: Writing a new book on social media marketing
I've been chomping at the bit to make this announcement. I've decided to write a second book and, would you believe it, two publishers are interested.
Talking points:
- I'm not ready to get too specific about the topic, except to say that it's on social media marketing and that it's targeted to small business and marketing professionals.
- Two publishers have expressed interest in accepting proposals; the two shall remain nameless for now, but are names you'd recognize.
- If neither accepts the proposal (which, btw, I've targeted to finish on my birthday, Oct. 13) I will either look for another publisher or self-publish; either way, the book gets written.
I don't know about other authors, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear them say that once you've written the first, you've got to write another, if only to make up for the mistakes made the first time around. Such is the case with me. I've got to do it. Fortunately, there's a book in me waiting to get out.
I learned a great deal about what publishers expect when writing, along with co-author Richard Nacht, the book Realty Blogging. Mostly, I learned that we could have done a much better job of marketing it (at least I could), but we were trying to build start-up company Blogging Systems at the same time. And, while I cherish my friendship with Richard and do not in any way regret co-authoring the first book, this one is going to be mine and mine alone.
More backstory...
Truth is, when I decided to write a second book, I looked for the title and topic that would most likely get into print. I picked a topic and found a publisher interested in receiving a proposal. However, that wasn't the book that was in my heart, nor the one I was "supposed" to write... and I knew it. In fact, I tried to get three other people to write it, knowing they would do a better job than I. None of the three bit on my offer, until...
A longtime friend of mine and published author in her own right agreed to take on the book, but only after I told her I was absolutely not going to do it. As it turns out, the acquisition editor interested in the proposal for that one is also the project editor for the book she's written. Plus, she is a subject matter expert on the topic anyway. It only made sense, and I'm very happy she has decided to take it on. Everything is working out just like it should.
Even more backstory...
I have challenged another dear friend of mine who has been wanting to write a book to a proposal writing contest. The first one to finish has to buy the other dinner, or something like that. So, you know who you are....my deadline is 10/13.
I also want to express a word of thanks to Larry Genkin, publisher of Blogger & Podcaster Magazine, for introducing me to the 2nd publisher. Honestly, and I do truly mean this, Larry is one of the most phenomenal people I think I've ever met. He has a vivacious, engaging personality and is immediately likeable. Plus, he knows the publishing industry and this new medium we've both commited our careers to explore as well. Thank you Larry. I'm proud to call you my friend.
Finally, I don't mean to be so secretive about not naming names or publishers, but it's still too soon to do so. Once the proposal has been accepted, I'll share the full story. For now, the gauntlet I've thrown down is to write this book and be done with the first draft by March 31, 2009.
