27 replies to this topic

[Calvin]

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.

I agree with Jill on this. We're currently talking to various internet marketing experts for a book that's due to be published by London based publisher Kogan Page towards the end of this year. So far people have been pretty enthusiastic to get involved / contribute material in return for appropriate attribution / acknowledgement in the book. Having a publishing deal for your book in place when you approach them will help.

As for how you should approach them, drop them a line by e-mail or give them a call. The thing about well known experts, or thought leaders, is that the very fact that they are "thought leaders" means they're not backwards in coming forwards with their ideas and opinions. You don't get to be a thought leader by being shy and retiring (expert maybe, but well known? Not so much). Most are easy to contact via various communications channels, and many will be happy for the opportunity to raise their profile some more.

Remember you're not begging for contributions, you're entering into a mutually beneficial arrangement. You scratch my back,I'll scratch yours, sort of thing. You get material for your book... the experts get broader exposure for their expertise... and, if you pick the right experts the readers get a more compelling end product. Everybody wins.

Good luck with the book, and hope this helps.

Cheers,

Calvin!

[doogie88]

There are a few TOP names that didn't respond and really NEED atleast 1-2 of them, I wonder if I should send a follow up and offer money?

[Scottie]

Do they need the money, do you think?

Most experts need to feel there's some credibility to your work to get enthused about participating. If they really are experts, they'll cost more than you plan to offer, I imagine.

[Jill]

You may need to first have a publisher interested. Once you have that, then the experts will be. But if it's just an idea in you mind without an actual publisher, the experts won't take you seriously. That's why I was asking at the beginning of this thread if it was an ebook or a physical hard copy book. (Those need publishers, generally.)

[doogie88]

You may need to first have a publisher interested. Once you have that, then the experts will be. But if it's just an idea in you mind without an actual publisher, the experts won't take you seriously. That's why I was asking at the beginning of this thread if it was an ebook or a physical hard copy book. (Those need publishers, generally.)

I do nt' nkow if I'm going to do ebook or physical book.
Ebook is so convenient, easier to do sales, and no shipping, but physical book has more value.
At the same time, I'm in Canada, and will be a pain to ship items to the US.

[Jill]

I do nt' nkow if I'm going to do ebook or physical book.

If you don't have a good handle on what you're doing, I would imagine it will be that much more difficult to entice true experts to participate.

[doogie88]

If you don't have a good handle on what you're doing, I would imagine it will be that much more difficult to entice true experts to participate.

I don't have a handle on things because I don't nkow if I should do an ebook or physical book? :S

[Scottie]

If you don't know, who does?

[doogie88]

If you don't know, who does?

Good question!
Got six now, not very good
15-20 was my goal.

[doogie88]

Can someone give me opinions on if I should go ebook or physical book?

I like ebook because it's easier for sales, easier affiliate program, refunds, instant read. But there is more chance of it being spread around for free as well.

But a physical book looks more professional, looks like more value. But you have to actually ship a book, accept returns, etc. Another negative, is I'm in Canada, and shipping would be about double the price if I were in the US.

I had someone ask today how it would be published.

[Zishan Ahmed]

Hey doogie.

Great foot forward.... always see positive side of the story....... if you have worked hard for it, then u will definately going to get it buddy.........

[doogie88]

Have about 8 so far, including one that is probably the most famous of all.
Really need 1-2 more of the top guys though.

[Hyperformance]

Congratulations!

A panel of 8 experts on a topic is pretty HOT in itself.

- Scott