SPECIAL (MULTI-AUTHOR) PROJECTS
Done correctly, multi-author projects can be powerful for all involved, including readers. The proof is in the best seller lists and in the lives of those positively affected. Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Secret, or the A Cup of Comfort series (published by Simon and Schuster) as far as nonfiction examples, in addition to the many other sorts of anthologies out there. I’ve really enjoyed my share of them, especially those with short stories and probably foremost, Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy: 20 Dynamic Essays by the Field’s Top Professionals. There’s an essay in there by Robert Heinlein I still quote from time to time. My book, 365 Rock Star Quotes is an anthology, and what I’m most proud of is it followed my step-dad around through his (successful) battle with cancer and sits on his coffee table today.
There are things to watch for when considering getting involved in a multi-author project. I contacted Tom Ziglar about a foreword to one and was stopped at the gate by his father Zig Ziglar’s longtime assistant who said Zig never got involved in “multi-author projects.” I should have asked why but didn’t press it then. It used to be as simple as “if you pay to be published that’s vanity publishing,” but it’s not so simple anymore. There are tons of experienced publishers (individuals) today who have abandoned traditional publishing for “hybrid” business models that charge up-front fees while still sharing in the royalties. The fact that they’re not all scams became clear to me the more I was exposed to and dealt with these publishers. There are scams and there are great people out there who charge up-front fees. Caveat emptor!
As with anything, weigh the costs and the benefits when considering getting involved. Ask questions. What benefits are guaranteed? What are possible if not guaranteed? Much of it may depend on what you do with the book you’re a part of once it’s published (and it should be published “wide” across all major platforms unless there’s a specific niche-publishing strategy in place). But multi-author projects can be a great way to inexpensively gain publishing credentials (become a published author), reach new readers, grow your list, get your message out broadly, have a book you can leverage for all kinds of new opportunities, and expand your influence in your cause or career. Be aware that one person will have to take leadership of the project and you cannot count on all contributors to actively promote the title. Knowing this, it’s a matter of how you will use the book and what the publishing plan for it is that should determine the value of the project for you.
NEW/CURRENT SPECIAL PROJECT, “Inspiring Women”
I’M VERY EXCITED to announce the new special project, Inspiring Women! (The “inspiring” is both verb and adjective!) I’m accepting 21 authors who will each have a chapter.
- Who were your early inspirations?
- Who has inspired you throughout your life?
- Who inspires you today?
- What do you do today that you love, and what challenges and lessons have you gone through getting there?
- Who would you like to inspire today?
If you get involved (apply by meeting with me and are accepted into the project) I’ll guide the entire process, from questions and interviews through all professional stages of the book process (editing, design, production, publishing). Applications for Inspiring Women will be considered and content compiled over the first six months of 2019, unless we reach 21 authors sooner than that. Share your message! Our goal is not only a professionally-produced book but it will be an Amazon category-bestseller (that’s easy) and my hope is to break the Wall Street Journal bestseller list as well (USA Today often follows).
Spaces are limited to 21, and we have 12 already as of 12/21/18, leaving just nine spaces left to fill. We are ahead of schedule and underway creating content and designing the book. If you are interested, reach me quickly because not only are places going fast, but this will likely be the first of an annual publication, and there’s a significant discount on the writing and design fee for the first volume (to be released in 2019).