A Defining Moment by Lois W. Stern
By Jerry D. Simmons | March 25th, 2009 | 2 Comments » (Click to add yours!)
Has a simple conversation ever led to a defining moment? Let me tell you about mine, because it might just take you on a new writing journey.
I was an attendee at a (writers) conference a little over a year ago. My book, Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery had recently been published. Five years in the making, I was ready for a little R & R – or so I envisioned. When each attendee was given the opportunity for a one-on-one mentoring session with one of the major presenters. I requested Jerry D. Simmons – but nearly regretted my choice when he uttered his first piece of advice: “Lois, it’s time to start on your second book.” He took one look at my crestfallen face and uttered the very words that defined that new moment: “You know, you don’t have to write it all alone.” That was it. That simple statement planted a seed ready to germinate. By the time I returned home from that conference, that seed had already begun to take root.
I began to think back to my last book presentation, when a member of the audience asked if I could talk about some of the non-surgical paths to beauty. Great topic, but that wasn’t what my book was about. Where to begin?
Here is what I decided: Listen to Jerry and write it, but don’t go it alone. Let me outline the steps I took toward the completion of my second book: a compilation of chapters written by selected individuals – each a nationally recognized expert in a given field. Hopefully learning about the steps I took toward the compilation of this second book will inspire and guide other authors to try this format.
Step 1
Developing a list of topics
I listed twelve topics. Each topic became a separate chapter in my new book
Part 1: Lasers, fillers and dermal devices (3 chapters)
Part 2: Your skin, teeth and hair (3 chapters)
Part 3: Estheticians and spas (2 chapters)
Part 4: The body beautiful (2 chapters)
Part 5: Make-up Illusions (1 chapter)
Part 6: Wrapping it up (1 chapter)
Step 2
Locating and recruiting experts
I had some good contacts from interviews I had conducted for three magazine articles I had previously written. Then I networked to fill in the gaps. When I called key organizations for recommendation, I did the following:
● Introduced myself and my credentials as an author/journalist
● Stated my mission (Writing a new book about. . , felt it wouldn’t be complete without a chapter on . .
● Stated my criteria for the expert I was seeking to write about . . .:
Someone who was knowledgeable, highly respected in their field, and had a bit of personality. (I wanted chapters that would exude a sense of fun while imparting solid knowledge.)
Examples of organizations I contacted: ASCDAS (American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery), the ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). In most cases I was referred to either a former president of their association or a member of one of their key committees.
Step 3
Recruitment process
Phone call contact to:
a) Introduce myself and provide a few credentials
b) Explain mission of second book and the fact that I was seeking contributors to this work
c) State source of recommendation and how/why I particularly wanted this person to create a chapter (a little sincere flattery doesn’t hurt!)
d) State what’s in it for them: i.e. recognition and promotion. I would interview each contributor and write up a two page introduction, including photograph, to appear at the beginning of each expert’s chapter.
e) KISS principle: Ease process by providing options: (One expert was happy to talk with me, but didn’t want to do the actual writing. We worked out an arrangement of a series of early morning phone interviews: He spoke while I listened, took notes and recorded our conversations. Using play back of the recording along with my notes, I wrote up a first draft of each session and e-mailed it back to use as a working model for our next session.
Note: the recruitment process was easier than one might imagine. Most readily agreed. Two ultimately backed out due to schedule overload.
Step 4
Tending to legalities:
Developed a basic legal contract to: a) define the assigned topic, establish the fact that it is a contributory work b) protect me (and them) from possible future litigation: i.e rights of republication of any previously published material, permission from patients to include their before/after photographs and case histories, etc.
Step 5
Deadline Madness:
This was the most difficult part of the process. Why? Each of these professionals was already on overload due to an extremely full schedule of professional responsibilities. I found it a delicate balance of friendly reminders, gentle prodding and firm requests.
Step 6
Editing
I assured each expert that although I would edit the chapters to improve clarity, Organization and suggestions, I would not change anything without their express approval. I edited using a bold red font so that edits literally popped out off the page. (Edits included added words for clarification, altered phrasing – usually by consolidating but in some cases by requesting expansion or clarification of a thought.
I used a strike through font for words I deleted.
Editing was a back and forth process until I felt near perfection from each chapter. (Is anything ever absolutely perfect?) I sent each expert their final chapter for one last look and received (and saved) their sign off of acceptance.
Step 7:
To Market, to market:
Well, I’m not quite there yet, but getting close. I have my proof copy in hand and Tick Tock, Stop the Clock ~ Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour will be published later this month. If you are interested in learning details about this panel of experts, you can take a peak at: www.ticktockstoptheclock.com
I hope this article serves as a source of inspiration for your own creativity, just as Jerry’s words did for me.
Good luck with your next book!
Lois W. Stern
Author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery
www.SexLiesAndCosmeticSurgery.com
