Yes, times are tough financially. We’re all experiencing job layoffs, work slowdowns, loss of customers/clients, losses in our investments and so forth. There’s no pretty picture painted in our wallets or on our bank statements. But is this any reason to set your dream aside—to skimp on your amazing book project?
I am concerned about some of my clients who seem to be bypassing important steps in order to save some money. While some are deciding not to pay to have their books edited, others are scrapping their projects altogether. It’s sad.
It has occurred to me, lately, that maybe there is something we, as citizens, can do to help ourselves, each other and the economy. Rather than holding off getting that book edited, going to the printer with it or even having your bathroom upgraded, getting that paint job on your house, having the fence built around your property or having your sofa reupholstered, do it now! Hire someone to do a small job and encourage him to hire someone to do something for him. Talk to your neighbors and family members about hiring that gardener or that dog groomer. I’m not talking so much about going down to Starbucks and paying for a cup of coffee or buying a new dining room table from a name brand store.
I’m suggesting that we help one another out at the grassroots level by hiring entrepreneurs who are running one-wo/man businesses, mom and pop stores, home-based businesses, etc. Help out that tree trimmer who has done good work for you before, the contractor who replaced your roof, the laborer who dug your leach line, the petsitter who helped you out last summer and don’t forget the editor you love.
And think of how much better you will feel after having received a service or product while also helping a fellow wo/man. You’ll really enjoy your home more when your bathroom walls are covered with fresh paint or when you drive up and see flowers instead of weeds. Think how happy you’ll be when you find a publisher for your book because it is actually ready for publication.
Maybe you’re already hiring independent workers to handle various projects for you. If you are, I’d like to know how it’s going. If not, try it and see how good you’ll feel.
If you’ve been putting off signing up for one of my courses because the economy has you frightened, let’s talk about a possible discount. Maybe there’s an aspect of the course you don’t need and I can omit it and drop my fee. Talk to me: PLFry620@yahoo.com But what I don’t want you to do is put off getting the education you need or want in order to write a successful book proposal, sell more books, start a serious freelance writing business or self-publish your book. Check out my array of courses at: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm