Getting a Book Publishing Deal Meant Using the Power of Visualization
Getting a book publishing deal was a dream I carried most of my life. This is true for many non-writers I know as well. They say they “want to,” “plan to” or will “someday” write a book. It’s a bucket-list wish, and for too many hopeful people, it will never become a reality because their mindset doesn’t match their desire.
Many experienced and newbie writers also tell themselves they’re working on getting a book publishing deal, but they doubt their ability to do so. Make no mistake, you must hustle. But the first and most vital step is aligning your thoughts to create your own positive momentum. If your idea of success begins with getting a book publishing deal and you’re motivated to make it happen, you may find the following tips helpful. They helped me navigate the complex terrain and avoid mistakes along the way.
Getting a Book Publishing Deal Using Visualization
I am a firm believer in visualization. I once did a speech about the concept, and through my research I learned that Jim Carey (the slapstick goofball comedian) believed the same. As a starving actor with a dream, he drove his crappy car out one night, parked on a hill and looked up at the stars. With passion surging through his veins and little to nothing in his bank account, he wrote himself a check for a million dollars and dated it for the following year. You probably already know he achieved this dream and was able to cash that check.
I’ve learned to set SMART goals — specific, measurable, attainable, time-based. Consider how old Jimbo followed this formula and created a very specific and attainable goal with a deadline. He also visualized himself having already reached his goal, and followed it up by thinking of it often and even holding the check in his hands as a tangible reminder.
Positive Thinking is Not Fairy Dust
You are a product of your thoughts, so “think positive” is not just a fluffy statement. It’s an effective way to produce your desired results. That’s not to say that mindset is the only factor in getting a book publishing deal. It’s also crucial to realistically consider your abilities. Think about an awful karaoke singer whose screeching voice could claw out your ears. Visualization is not likely to make them the next music icon. That’s why the SMART method includes the word “attainable.” If your writing skills could use some improvement, start with that and then move forward.
To fuel my success, I set aside time to write and did it most days of the week while also working as a full-time journalist. I was patient with the process, and meticulous too. Stepping away from my manuscript for several weeks helped me revise it with fresh eyes and a reader’s perspective. I also hired experts to edit my work to a polished state (a vital step). A good writer can’t become great if they think they are already. Being willing to evaluate an editor’s advice and accept critiques with an open mind is essential to our growth.
I believe there’s a recipe that turns positive thinking into positive results. It’s as simple and accessible as this: If we tell ourselves we are capable, we act accordingly. Those actions become the catalyst to achieving desired outcomes. Getting a book publishing deal is a process, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible.
Finding the Right Book Publisher
Prior to securing a contract on my second book, I followed a sought-after publisher (not physically, because that’s called stalking). Using reputable sources, I scoured lists of recommended publishing companies.
I decided that hybrid publishing with She Writes Press was a good fit for me. I was initially skeptical, I admit. But I learned how the book publishing world has evolved. Realizing I was clinging to false information, I dug deeper to educate myself. Yes, some hybrid publishers are scammy and some are merely vanity publishers in disguise. They don’t vet their authors, or they pretend to, and publish whatever comes their way. There’s no quality control. By dazzling authors with the promise of earning the distinguished title of “author,” they lure them into costly, dead-end deals. These predators care little about book cover design, editing or the final product. Because hybrid book publishing requires authors to share a portion of the expenses (upfront costs), people automatically assume these companies are also book publishing scams. They fail to weigh the pros and focus on the cons.
Fear Can Be Our Downfall
As we visualize ourselves getting a book publishing deal, we should build up our confidence and protect ourselves from fear. I read statistics about the difficulties of landing a publishing contract, and I feared it would never happen for me. But visualization helped me mentally overcome those obstacles, and avoid being bitten by snakes offering predatory deals.
After I visualized my book on store shelves, I submitted my manuscript to She Writes Press. I then wrote a Facebook post (didn’t share it at the time but simply wrote it). It was my “million dollar check.” I announced that I would be publishing my second book with that highly selective, sought-after publisher. “I’m thrilled,” I noted. When I received an acceptance, I was able to publish that Facebook post and celebrate with my author friends.
Setting New Goals & The Power of Momentum
My second book, Nobody’s Daughter: A Memoir of Healing the Mother Wound is now out in the world. After holding the printed copy in my hands, I did an awkward happy dance. But what came next? What do writers do after getting a publishing deal? My answer was to create more goals, continue practicing visualization and working hard to bring it all to fruition.
I asked myself these important questions: How can I hone in on my audience, find my ideal readers, and get them excited about the book? How can I build a community, develop relationships and support other authors who may in turn support me too? Marketing your book can be the hardest part. Unlike writing chapters that eventually end, book marketing is an ongoing process. It is the path we must take when we accept a book publishing deal. A never-ending project even for authors who chose big-name traditional publishers. But making connections with amazing authors and readers can make all of our book marketing efforts worthwhile.
Remembering the SMART Way to Work
Right now is the time to start setting new SMART goals and visualizing the outcome of my dreams. Maybe I’ll also write another FB post about how my book hit a bestseller list!
To keep me moving forward and to leverage my marketing efforts, I will kick myself in the pants if that’s what it takes to gain momentum. I will do my best to help others and root for their success. These seeds can yield the harvest of our dreams. They can make the road smoother as we journey towards getting a book publishing deal.
