I’m writing a book with Joan, Keep Working Girlfriend: Women, Work & Chronic Illness (yup the title of the blog). From the first written words, I’ve been engaged in this internal debate about whether to peddle it to a publisher or to “self publish”. I won’t bore you with the details — let me just say that there are good business reasons for each. But, as in all my decisions, my health is a factor, so I figure it’s worth sharing how this is influencing my thinking…
I’m told that when a book is accepted by a publisher, you’re expected to conform to their schedule, not just the printing but the marketing demands as well. Marketing demands? Sounds like a problem any author would love.
But living in “chronic illness world” means that what seems straightforward plays differently here. Don’t get me wrong. I’d be thrilled to get any publicity for the book and especially, to be interviewed about this book. But… travel is tiring, especially flying. If I have to fly, I want to set my schedule, rather than have some publicist, who hasn’t a clue about my energy limits, do it for me. I’m not a “primma donna”. Just a working woman with chronic illnesses who thinks she’s got a handle on her limits.
But, I’m still undecided. I should check out my thinking with others who’ve had this experience to see if I’m closing myself to possibilities. I’ve got to look at this from all the angles.
Maybe this should be the post script for the book: Writing a book about working when you live with chronic illness, author considers all the factors and makes decision balancing long term strategic needs and health needs, only to find that once again, it ain’t easy but Keep Working, Girlfriend.
Rosalind
Diana Brice says
Seems to me that this a golden opportunity to educate the book publishing industry and publicists in particular about the needs of those of us working with a chronic medical condition. I’m sure they can work around your needs and it will clear the path for others who have similar needs but are reluctant to “make a fuss”.
Taunee Besson says
Dear Rosalind,
Having written two books for the Wall Street Journal published by Wiley, I can tell you that authors like us rarely are scheduled for publicity tours. Publishers reserve tours for the authors whose books they think will have mass appeal.
usually if an author
Rosalind says
admire the fact that you are creating a world that supports your physical, mental and spiritual health. Why isn’t it possible to introduce your needs into contract agreements with a publisher?
On the other hand, self publishing can open many doors to income production. You can create this as an e-book, and use it as a lure to attract a large email list. Then you can establish affiliate status in any number of related areas. While I’m just becoming familiar with this as a business option, I have gathered that many millionaires are created with this strategy. This too supports your health.
The most important thing here is to stay on track with your goals, which will direct positive energy your way. Believe me, I know the energy drain that comes with the worry about being harnessed into mainstream schedules and expectations. This drain adds its own poison to the mix, and we should be vigilant about minimizing it.
You go, girlfriends! Keep inspiring us to keep moving and creating our worlds the way we envision them.
Batia Gottman
Rosalind says
Thanks for the support and the information. We’ll keep working, us girlfriends, and get this book published. Rosalind