Have you noticed that everyone is writing a book? If you listen to or watch radio/TV talk shows, you are being constantly introduced to individuals who have written books. Many of them are ordinary people who have published books on parenting, cats, hiring a foreign nanny, politics, spirituality, public speaking, Yoga, home birthing, relationships, flying, budgeting, health issues, fitness, computing, mentoring or any number of other topics.
Everyone is publishing his or her memoirs, thoughts, poetry, realizations, discoveries, insights, dreams and other creations. And a whole lot of people are becoming authors by way of elaborate business cards.
I’m sure you know people in this category—they want added credibility in their field and they come out with a book to that end.
I write books for authors and freelance writers. My books cover the workings and processes involved in the publishing industry, your publishing options, how to write a book proposal, book promotion and so forth. My business is writing and editing. These books help to give me and my work credibility.
I know someone who operates a nonprofit organization for the welfare of animals. Her book on the same topic is like a business card for her organization. I also know animal behaviorists, elder caregivers, photographers, veterinarians, marketing experts and plenty of psychologists who have written books in their fields.
I’ve met a caregiver in the field of mental disorders, a job counselor, a dog trainer, a horse trainer, a couple of psychics, a chef, a gardener, graphic designers, artists, a woman who works with the deaf, a realtor, a fashion designer, a financial expert, an attorney, a travel agent and other men and women in various specific businesses who produced books in order to enhance their businesses.
Do you know what I call these books? Sophisticated business cards.
If you’re working on a business card book or are thinking about writing one, keep a couple of things in mind:
• Can the market bear another book on this topic?
• What is different about your book—what makes it better—more beneficial?
• Is there a true audience for this book? Do you know where they are and how to approach them?
• Do you have the qualifications to attract readers on this topic?
• Do you have a clear understanding of the publishing industry?
• Have you saved up money for a professional book editor and to pay to have the book published, if necessary?
• Do you have the time, money and ideas for promoting this book?
For MUCH more about publishing and book promotion, visit my websites:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com
Study my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. It is available at a discount here: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html