I'm just going to make a bold outright declaration here today to the universe, and say that 2009 is the year I get a book deal. This is one of my goals for this year and is related to my 2009 NY's resolution theme to be paid what I'm worth financially and emotionally.
Being a published author has been a life long dream of mine, and I have several franken-versions of many a novel and non-fiction memoir. One day, I'd like to walk into Barnes & Noble or Borders, and see a book with my name on the shelves. Mom and Dad would be so proud too, and it's something that they could actually grasp because this "blog stuff" I do on "the online" as they call it, is still foreign to them.
This book cover here on top is just some silliness I played around with playing with the Skinny Bitch book theme. My book would be more of a personal journey versus a How-to or advice book.
What I have hot on my finger tips right now is...
...turning Back in Skinny Jeans into a book as I have 3 years of content, and would include some more detailed back story on some topics I've shared on my blog but did not go into deep detail. I figured this is a good way to provide new content for my readers who have been reading me since the beginning. The book wouldn't be just a regurgitation of the blog.
I also dream of turning Noshtopia into a cookbook about eating healthier in a hectic life, and The Everyday Blogger into a book about how to get started making a living as a lifestyle blogger. And yes, I have pictured getting some kind of multiple book deal because hey, why not try and hit it over the fence. Dream big why not.
Thus far, I've talked to some agents more casually than serious, and do have many friends who are published authors. I've done lots of research on book proposals, and how to get book deals. I have book proposals that are kinda sorta written, but not complete. To be honest, one reason I haven't been able to finish the Back in Skinny Jeans proposal is because I didn't quite have the best ending yet, but now I do, or at least I think I do. I'm learning you can't force a story to be done.
Now, I have absolutely no idea how I am going to achieve this goal. I have inklings and ideas, and I know the only way this book deal can ever materialize is if I get off my arse and get seriously focused like it's a mission. Finishing the book proposal is the first major milestone.
This weekend, I compiled the "Other books that would be similar to my book" section of the book proposal. What was cool about compiling that part of the marketing analysis is that I personally know a handful of the other authors on that list because they are fellow healthy living bloggers. It feels very energizing to be amongst such talented people who are also very supportive people. That's one thing I love about the healthy blogging community, everyone is so kind and supportive of one another.
So, there you have it. I'm putting a stake in the ground, and the nice thing about putting it in a blog is that it gives me some level of accountability much like blogging about a weight loss effort can.
I'm getting a book deal somehow in 2009, and if not, well, it will be because I just gave up or the timing is off, but no matter, I will make headway. I'll blog about this book deal journey because I know I have many readers at Back in Skinny Jeans who are also aspiring published authors.
I'm open to any advice any of you have, and would be very grateful!
