27 replies to this topic

[doogie88]

I have a site in a small niche which contains quite a number of professionals or experts.
I'm trying to compile a book with tips from these experts, and need some ways to get them to be willing to contribute to the book. I'm not talking about a couple sentences, but 1-2 pages.
Now about 5-6 years ago there was an internet marketing book like this, and I believe he let the experts sell the book for 100% profits.

The problem with my niche is that these experts don't really sell anything, so it wouldn't really benefit them if I gave them 100% resale rights.

So I need some ideas on how I can get these guys to want to contribute to the book.
Any thoughts?

[BBCoach]

The only thing I've found with this type of stuff is $$$$. Pay them something up front. Otherwise, if you wait on their altrustic conscience, then you lose. Grease the palm of these known experts.

[Hyperformance]

Hey doogie -

Well, if I was an expert on something... There would be (must be) something from my own 2 page writings that could benefit me or my business or my reputation or even my wallet... hmmm.

So let's think for a moment - What could you offer me that would be worth my time (writing) and get me excited about being involved with your project? This is the mindset we would like them to write with, and get involved.

Off the top of my head, I would look at fear - maybe (not negative, not like a threat, but fear of being left out)

I am compiling a book of professional tips for (industry/niche) have changed or been improved in the past 10 years based on the growth and occurrences that... (winging it) have helped to propel this market and your expertise to it's current levels. As I am sure you'll agree, this is a pretty exciting time in our industry/niche.

(Enter purpose of book here) We are currently in discussions with (list 5 top experts in their field) and we are very interested in including both you and your thoughts. (Put a compliment in here about something you read that they wrote... or something similar) Although we may not be in a position to pay you directly, we do offer some excellent benefits to getting involved with our ebook project. We realize you are extremely busy, but we hope you can take a moment and view this web page or better yet, you can contact me directly and I will answer any questions, concerns and even additional ideas you may have. Sounds interesting, huh? Below please find our mission and goals surrounding this project, including the area(s) we would like you to contribute to. We will make this as beneficial and painless as possible for you with no long-term committment at all.

Promotions / distribution-circulation / Table of Contents / honorable mentions / topics / experts involved / compensation (if any, or benefit to expert) i.e., recognition, links, involvement in sales, etc.

Approached properly, I think after your email to all the experts you can find - you may be surprised at the response.

Let's hope so anyway,

- Scott

[Jill]

Many people will be happy to contribute to a book simply for attribution and to be able to say they're in such and such book. Is it going to be a "real" book, or just an ebook? A real book would be preferable to most, imo.

[doogie88]

Many people will be happy to contribute to a book simply for attribution and to be able to say they're in such and such book. Is it going to be a "real" book, or just an ebook? A real book would be preferable to most, imo.

Thanks for the help.
I'm not too sure the type of book, physical book might be the best bet.
I think the fact that your name is in a book is good for most, but some of these experts have celebrity type status, so I don't think a small book like this would matter as much.

[doogie88]

Thanks for the help.
I'm not too sure the type of book, physical book might be the best bet.
I think the fact that your name is in a book is good for most, but some of these experts have celebrity type status, so I don't think a small book like this would matter as much.

One more question.
How should I go about asking them?
I mean, I don't want someone to think, 'hmm seems like he might be having a hard time getting the experts to do this, I know ALL of them, maybe I'll steal this idea.'
I can do a NDA, but most will probably brush off the whole thing instead of having to sign something.

[Hyperformance]

One more question.
How should I go about asking them?
I mean, I don't want someone to think, 'hmm seems like he might be having a hard time getting the experts to do this, I know ALL of them, maybe I'll steal this idea.'
I can do a NDA, but most will probably brush off the whole thing instead of having to sign something.

Now I feel hurt and worthless - I'll have to do something about my sensitivity (LOL).

No NDA unless it is Huge... like a hard copy book with tie ins to major Universities or something like that, you are right, it will stop many of them from getting involved... however, professionals are familiar with NDA's on important ideas or data, so it won't bother them as much.

- Scott

(I really felt my example was a good intro to asking - it was not a story about me, I was pretending to be you in that prior post example)

[doogie88]

Now I feel hurt and worthless - I'll have to do something about my sensitivity (LOL).

No NDA unless it is Huge... like a hard copy book with tie ins to major Universities or something like that, you are right, it will stop many of them from getting involved... however, professionals are familiar with NDA's on important ideas or data, so it won't bother them as much.

- Scott

(I really felt my example was a good intro to asking - it was not a story about me, I was pretending to be you in that prior post example)

I'm using your advice, just worried about someone running with the idea. :/

[Hyperformance]

Maybe if we add something like NOT giving away as many details as in the example, and ask them simply to reply if they are interested in more details or would consider being involved with this?

"This project and idea are fairly unique and we would require a simple NDA regarding the idea or details as I am sure you can understand and appreciate this attempt to protect our idea." (?)

- Scott

Edited by Hyperformance, 26 March 2008 - 01:09 AM.

[Jill]

I'm using your advice, just worried about someone running with the idea. :/

If you're going to be worried about that, then you shouldn't do it at all.

Anyone can have ideas, it's the people who actually implement them that are different. Most people don't have time to steal others ideas. Just do it.

[doogie88]

If you're going to be worried about that, then you shouldn't do it at all.

Anyone can have ideas, it's the people who actually implement them that are different. Most people don't have time to steal others ideas. Just do it.

Okay, thank you

[doogie88]

Okay, thank you

Well, sent out about 45 emails today, about 4 hours ago.
3 bounced back.
3 have replied and are interested.
Looks promising so far.

[purplebear]

Well, sent out about 45 emails today, about 4 hours ago.
3 bounced back.
3 have replied and are interested.
Looks promising so far.

Sounds interesting, good luck with your project:) Having three of them respond and being interested sounds pretty good.

[doogie88]

Sounds interesting, good luck with your project:) Having three of them respond and being interested sounds pretty good.

5 now. Little disappointed there weren't more today though.

[Hyperformance]

Hey doogie - that sounds good... successful? 5 Industry leaders or authorities is pretty good.

Give it a week, then I would send a final reminder type email and also state that this will be the last contact on the topic... and thank them for their considerarion.

- S