Turning Happen Chance Into Opportunity
July 26, 2007 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
Early this week I let an author know I’d be happy to review her book. She said she’d arrange a copy for me.
Yesterday a marketing person from her publishing company called to confirm I wanted the book. Then, because I had a real live publisher’s marketing person on the line, I asked what else they published.
We gossiped a bit about their type of books and then I asked if they published anything in 12 step recovery. (Remember my book proposal series?) He told me about a “secret project” he’s working on that may open that market for them. I gave him the title and subtitle: Powerfully Recovered! A Confirmed 12 Stepper Challenges The Movement
He liked the concept enough to invite me to submit a proposal, which goes out today.
You know what? It was easy. Easy to ask what he was up to, easy to ask what specifically they publish and easy to ask if he had any interest in another area. People, for the most part, like to be helpful.
I have no idea if they will buy my book, but I have two new names in my contact list and who knows… if not this book, perhaps another.
The take away from this? Chat people up, particularly when you run into someone who is in any part of the publishing business.
Write well and often,

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Nice Job Anne. Thats makes for a pretty good argument for reviewing books. You never know who will open a door for you until you start opening doors for other people.
Thanks John… when he called I, of course, had no idea who he was… glad I was able to switch from suspicious to open in a heartbeat of two.
That’s wonderful Anne. It goes to show you that we all have a powerful tool at our disposal: ask.
I hope that you get the book deal.
me too… and when you say “ask” I’m reminded my cat never hesitates ;)
Terrific, Anne! Hey, everyone gets a “grumpy” day. Spend it wisely and with vigor, I say!
yeah, being super grumpy sometimes feels good!