I got to talk to Mrs. Cheryl Carter yesterday who has been my mentor throughout this stage of the process with the book. Through our convo I’ve got a lot to report, some of which will be told on Monday, but…..since you are part of the blog dear reader, I’ll let you in on a few key “secrets” a little bit early and some that will never be announced through the other channels.
#1 This book is about to get skinnier and meatier at the same time
One of the challenges of this book has been sharing the information in a way that is compelling, impactful, and will also consider the reader’s attention span. This book was always intended to be something that could be referenced quickly in every day life in order to help with both the work transition for those entering a new work space and the life transition that is key for those who are about to leave university. Therefore the book is getting split into two books “Life After Graduation: A Work Survival Guide” and “Life After Graduation: A Life Survival Guide.” Each will be around 70 pages in a 6×9 format which should greatly improve readability! As an extra bonus of this split- the Life Survival Guide will now include chapters on loneliness, unemployment, humility, and rest!
#2 A launch event just might be coming!
After talking with Mrs. Carter and a few others it seems that a launch event may be coming. I say maybe because there are many logistical and promotional challenges associated with it, but I think it could be really good! It would allow me to tell the story of this book in a setting that would allow for questions, comments, and also invite people unfamiliar with this journey to join in on the adventure!
#3 Advice In case you decide to write a book
Promotion is a huge part of the process and it should start before the book is started. At the start, your name is more important than the title. After all your friends know you and will be excited that you are writing a book even if they don’t care what it is about. Focusing on a core of people who will support you in the book should be your primary goal and can allow you to refine your material and get some awesome input. Reach out to these people individually. Yes it is time consuming (it took me a week and a half of grinding), but at the end of the day personal asks are the best way to recruit help! Mass invites are okay for the second level of support but you need people who are rabidly excited for the book in order to help it reach it’s best form, and to get it out there!
So many things are going well! I have a work interview tomorrow morning so by God’s grace I will stop being broke soon! The new job will give me the flexibility to continue the process of this book while also putting a bit of food back into my pantry and give me a bit more ability to move about.
Stay tuned!!!!
Adventures and Reflections 