We’ll see how this goes. The book in question is a special project and very close to my heart. I’ll keep you posted.

I started WP after I wrote the book. What gave me credibility w/my agent was my co-author who is a world-class writer and has a few bestsellers under his belt.

Sam…how do you benefit from reviewing books? Is it worth your time?

In my experience, the only concern the publisher has is if you can sell books. Ironically, if you have a huge audience and can move lots of books, you don’t need a big publisher. I believe that the big publishing houses are going to go the way of the major recording labels…in the ash heap of history.

(Don’t show this to my agent please….)

Did this site help you gain credibility with your agent to find a big time publisher?

There are actually a lot of online Virtual Tour sites that help market books. TLC Media contacted me for example to highlight a book on my site which I’ve obliged since I love books. Prob now is i have deluge of publicists wanting me to review books, and I’ve got 5 lined up already (who has time to read so much??).

I have to imagine that reviewing books ironically will give you a leg up with the publisher. Why? B/c you talk to the publicist, and publisher directly, as well as the authors for copies and insights. One day, you can just say, “Hey, why not publish my book? Here’s an idea”.

One day……..

I don’t have a post on this but you just gave me an idea…thanks!

My first book was self-published so that was easy. I’m currently shopping another book but this time I have a big time agent working on it. SO far, the self-publish route has had more success! (No buyers yet).

The market is very different now than it was 5 years ago. Publishers don’t do much for you other than give you some credibility. If you want money (much easier to spend by the way) self-publish.

You are going to have to do all the marketing anyway so you might as well reap the rewards.

FWIW

That is an amazing way to teach. I wonder if it inspired most of the students. I can see myself being frustrated by that as a student but as a person who is extremely post-high school, it seems fascinating.

Sorry…gotta ask….did you end up getting the tat?

I love that way you put “living a life with some regrets vs regretting having no life…” Wow…really well said. I may have to use that…(Don’t worry…I’ll give you full credit!)

It just goes to show folks that if we just go out there and try, we’ll get there somehow. Things don’t have to be perfect from the get go. The journey is the most fun part.

Writing a book is definitely a life goal of mine as well. How many times did you get rejected, and what were your best insights into this process? Do you have an older post describing the book publishing adventure? I’d love to see it.

Best,

Sam

My math teacher in high school taught concepts by way of what he called the LBD system – Learn By Doing. He would assign homework for concepts he would teach the following day. His basis was to teach us independence and critical thinking. It has stuck with me all this time and it’s how I try to live my life today. To just try new challenges and learn along the way.