Beware the Book Deal
TL;DR Self-publishing allows you to retain control of your IP. It is an investment but done right the potential ROI is high
You’re a consultant who has developed a solution framework, the application of which reliably produces stellar results for your clients. Word gets around. Someone says, “You should write a book.”
You think this is a good idea (and it is) but you have no idea how to get a book deal.
Let me help you. If your business is built on the back of your framework (aka your intellectual property) a book deal actually creates a lot of—issues.
When you sell your book to a publisher—because that is what a “book deal” is—as part of that you will be signing over the rights to the IP in it to them. In exchange, you may receive a lump sum payment in advance and once you’ve sold enough books to pay that back (hence, advance) you may also receive a royalty for each book sold.
However, since they now own your book they can (among other things) dictate what you, the author, can and cannot do with it. All of this is laid out in the book contract.
Uh, if your business is based on your IP then I think we can agree this is a problem.
The reality is, all you need is a high quality manuscript that is worthy of serious consideration by a top publisher, some publishing assistance, and a solid marketing plan.
But HB, if I went through a publisher, wouldn’t they pay for all that? Yes, but let’s think about this. Let’s say you invest $120,000 - $150,000 total over 12-15 months in getting the book manuscript done, published, and promoted. That’s a lot, I know, but bear with me.
Consider that a well-done evergreen business book can become your tireless virtual business development representative. Deployed properly, your book can introduce you to ideal clients, confirm your expertise, establish trust, and inspire them to action—before you even know they’re looking.
Let’s say the book surfaces just two prospects that you convert for engagements of $50,000-$75,000 each.
You get the idea.
My client Joe Crisara said it best:
“The service Helena provided resulted in a book that is now the centerpiece of our business. The thousands of people who have now read or listened to the book have been pre-trained on how Service MVP and its total immersion pure motive service system can change their business and their lives. People come ready to purchase instead of trying to find out more about us—because they already know.”
—Joe Crisara, America’s Service Sales Coach, Service MVP, and author of What Should We Do? How to Win Clients, Double Profit, and Grow Your Home Service Sales
If your finished manuscript is on par with that acceptable to a traditional publisher, and your book’s cover and interior design are first-rate, people will not be able to tell it is self-published—unless they study the copyright page. The key is to make sure the quality is there and you are committed to aggressively marketing the book with the goal of getting it into the hands of as many decision makers and influencers as possible.
So, if the “book deal” myth is what was stopping you from moving forward with your book, and you want to know more about how it all works, I’m happy to chat. You can book a free 30-minute consultation with me here.
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