I finished writing the first draft of my third book to be published. I count my first two books, which I self-published, in a different category.
No one has read a word of this one yet. I’m prepared that others may think it sucks. The next step is to start editing, enough to include something great in the proposal, most of which I’ve written, but it needs to include a chapter or two.
I signed up for a writing workshop, which helped guide and motivate me. It has worked wonders, and I expected a lot. I’ve attended every session, reflecting on what I learned. I mark this evening as the milestone of finishing the draft since I sent it to the workshop leader for my first session of developmental editing, Tuesday.
This book is on sustainability leadership. The working title, which I expect to change, is What Everybody Gets Wrong About the Environment (and How to Get It Right). Nearly every book on the environment is about facts, figures, and telling you what to do, which I would call aspects of management. Management is essential, but to change global behavior requires both management and leadership.
Martin Luther King said, “I have a dream,” not “I have a four-point plan.” He did have plans, but he knew not to lead with them. Nearly everyone doing anything on sustainability is managing. We need dreams too. Inspiration.
If anyone is interested in helping, let me know. I find more advice and feedback from diverse sources helps. I think you’ll like the book. I described to a friend most of the book on Friday and he liked it, though written word is a different medium than spoken.
I love this!!! I have been saying it for years.. when you speak in academic language you are heard only by other academics who will correct you on your punctuation before ever dealing with the real matter of the story. MOST people need to get the story of today, not just a handful so puncturing that bubble is the challenge… carry on
I appreciate the feedback and support.
It remains to translate my ideas and goals into written word, which means editing. Readability, brevity, engaging, and actionable are my top goals, though they may evolve. I’ll keep you updated.
Sounds intriguing, and I say this as an old hand in the book biz. Good luck!
I’ll keep you updated. The more the book comes together and feedback I receive, the more confident and enthusiastic I feel. Confidence and enthusiasm don’t decrease the time and effort to write and edit, so a lot of work left.