Expert: Mark David Gerson - 10/23/2007

Question
Do you think it is out of the question for me to write a self help book - similar to Deepak Chopra or Wayne Dyer - if I'm not well known, and only have a average kind of job and have people buy it? I have read countless self help books and found them very helpful to the point that without a college diploma and feeling very lost, I learned to use principles in these books - which actually belong to no one author - to completely turn myself around. What would be the best way to advertise? What is e-publishing? Throughout middle school, high school and a couple years of college every teacher told me I'm a gifted writer.

Answer
Dear Al,

Lots of questions. I'll do my best to answer them all.

1) The whole premise of my upcoming book, "The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write," is that if you feel the call to write something, then it's important that you answer it. It's important FOR YOU to write the book and then deal with the publishing consequences afterward. So, in short, go for it.

2) If you're looking to self-publish, check out the latest "Self-Publishing Manual"  by Dan Poynter and a similar book by Tom & Marilyn Ross.

3) If you're looking for an agent/publisher, look up "How to Write a Book Proposal" by Michael Larsen

4) Regardless, you'll have to do much of the marketing yourself. John Kremer's "1001 Ways to Market Your Book" is the bible on the subject.

5) If you need help with the writing process or need some inspiration to get you going or keep you going, my book could be helpful. It will be available in Jan/Feb, with advance orders being accepted next month.

6) For e-publishing, you'll still need to wait until you have a finished/polished manuscript. Basically, what's involved is creating a PDF version of the finished AND designed book and selling it online -- either yourself or through an outside service

7) Finally, if you're a gifted writer with something to say, then by all means say it. Focus on the writing now. Do it for you. And all you need to take it to the next step will materialize at the right time.

Good luck!
Mark David
http://markdavidgerson.com