When most new authors come to me, they just want the book done. I get that. I want it done too.
They’re busy professionals who have been thinking about writing a book for some time and have finally pressed “Go” to get things started. Most times, they don’t want to know the ins and outs of book publishing because they’re experts in their own specific industries.
But then, we get into the process and they start to get curious. They ask questions.
I drop some publishing knowledge bombs on them and their eyes are opened. They want the best book possible, so they start to pay closer attention to the details.
I want my clients to be smart authors when it’s all said and done.
After all, it’s their book and they’re the “decider,” meaning they get final say on everything, from the words to the cover to the font and point size inside the book. They’re the boss.
Doing all of this engages them in the book production process in a way they probably never thought they’d be.
They learn things about how books are made; things they might have wondered about, but never took the time to know. It’s not hard stuff, but it’s super interesting and it makes them an insider.
One of my mantras to clients is, “When we’re done, you’ll never look at another book the same way as you have in the past.” That’s a guarantee.
Essentially, I’m creating book snobs.
When my clients are done with my process, and their amazing book is complete, they might pick up another author’s book and notice a few things.
They’ll notice margins and footnotes and paragraph indents that don’t seem quite right.
They often wonder why that author chose that font for their inside text.
They recognize when copy editing and proofreading were skipped or not done professionally.
They can see when another author took the easy (or cheap) option with their paper selection, their cover art, or their inside graphics.
No judgment, it’s just obvious when you know better.
They’ve become book snobs . . . and I love it!
Working with the Write Your Life team will do that to you.
That book snobbery is well deserved. After all, you’ve just written and published an amazing book the Write Your Life way.
Ready to be a book snob? Let’s talk.
Learn more about independent book publishing.
Anita R. Henderson is CEO of The Write Image, LLC and creator of Write Your Life. Known as The Author’s Midwife, her work with high performers has resulted in multiple bestselling and award-winning books and has helped authors grow their media and online visibility, speaker platforms, industry credibility, and overall confidence in their ability to write a compelling, high-quality book and leverage it in their business or career.