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6 minutes
This is a really awkward blog post to write. Mostly because I now have to backtrack on a lot of the things I said recently. I’ll cut a long story short: I’m no longer writing Viral Marketing for Dummies. This was not a decision by Wiley, nor the person who approached me with the book offer. It was entirely mine, and an entirely difficult one at that.
And maybe not even the write right one to make. I’ve had to tell this story countless times to family and friends over the last few weeks, usually leading to disappointed faces and people not really understanding my decision, so hopefully I can express myself better when I carefully craft the words.
If anything, this post is a lesson in saying no. It’s about realising when something or someone may not be worth your time anymore, and it’s better to cut your losses sooner or later, rather than just appealing to your ego.
F*cking Bullet Points
I joked with my friend Gabe last night that this should have been the title of the post, because in a weird way bullet points are a big part of the reason that I’m no longer writing the book.
The day after I published the blog post on how I landed the book deal (after months of build-up to actually making it happen) was the day I also pretty much decided I wasn’t going to be writing it. It was a very new emotional experience, and although the decision was fairly quick, I promise that it wasn’t easy.
It was the day I received feedback on my first few chapters, and to be honest, I feel kind of stupid based on the suggestions that were made to me to improve the content. It wasn’t my writing ability that was the problem, but rather the format of my writing which would have to be drastically changed.
Almost every page of my draft had a section where the notes were “Add a ‘Warning Icon’ here” or “This would be better as bullet-points“. Not just randomly here and there, but practically on every page I had written. I was a little disheartened, and frankly quite surprised at how much had to be changed.
I flicked back through the Dummies books I had received after signing my contract and honestly felt silly to not have realised it before. Literally every other page of these three books I have are filled with warning icons, ‘remember this’ icons and bullet points. If you have one at home, take a look for yourself.
I don’t know if it’s something I totally overlooked in the excitement of having a book deal and my name on bookshelves, or something I thought I would by able to bypass in my own for Dummies publication. Needless to say, it’s a style that’s a world apart from how I’ve been writing online for the last seven years.
Half way through my re-writing I came to a pretty simple conclusion: The publisher will be happy with these changes, but I wont be happy to be the person with my name on them.
Reaching Out for Advice
I have made a few rash decisions in my life, and since there was really so much to lose by not writing this book, I definitely didn’t rush the decision. I decided to do quite a bit of reading on the topic, and reached out to some friends for their advice (with permission to post here).
I discovered Amy Lynn Andrews, from Blogging with Amy, who has a 7-part series about why she too turned down a book deal. In part 4 she said something that I (or at least my ego) could really relate to:
“There are aspiring authors everywhere for whom a book offer would be a dream come true. I felt very humbled and very honored.
At the same time, I battled pride, foolishly (and wrongly) believing this somehow bumped me up to a new level. The truth is, a part of me longed to join the ranks of other bloggers who were making the leap to “published author” status.
A huge part of me said I would be a crazy to let the opportunity go. Would I ever have the opportunity again? Let me be clear. I LOVE that publishers are seeking out bloggers (very smart move) and that bloggers are going for it!
Yes, this was an exceptional opportunity. But was this the right opportunity for me? Right now?”
I reached out to Pat Flynn, one of my closest blogging friends, who had some great advice:
“I don’t know how much this book means to you, I’m sure it’s a dream come true for you to get a book published, just like it is for me, especially one that matches your exact branding efforts on ViperChill, but I can also tell it’s not really going the way you had planned. I’m not sure where you’re at, but I’d do one of two things:
1) Tough it out and just deal with it – knowing it’s going to not be the best it can be because of them wanting to have control over you, but all of that in exchange for YOUR NAME as the author of a dummies book, which will do massive things for you and your brand. That’s much more prestigious than self-publishing or even publishing a non-dummies traditionally published book.
or 2) Know that you don’t absolutely NEED this book deal. You don’t, you’re crushing it already and are going to crush it even more no matter what you do, and who knows a BETTER book deal may be around the corner you just don’t know it. I feel like your gut is telling you to forget about it and you have to ask yourself, how wrong or right has your gut been before. How well has it helped you get to where you’re at today.”
Steve Kamb of the famous Nerd Fitness also had some wise words for me…
“Yeah, this is tough. Honestly? Go with your gut. On top of that, ask yourself why you’re writing the book. You’re obviously not doing it for the money – you have no problem making enough of that. So ask yourself what’s important for you with this book:
Is it because you want to be a published author?
Orβ¦
Is it because you want to present your angle on a topic that desperately needs help from somebody that actually knows what he’s talking about?”
It definitely felt like if I continued with the writing, I would be doing it more for the ability just to say I’m an author.
Since Andrea is a professional copywriter for a number of popular publications, I also reached out to her to see what she had to say. Her advice was spot-on…
“Well, do you remember when we were trying to get the Guardian into the idea of the column, and they turned around and said they felt I needed to use different experts, and not just yourself? We both knew it wouldn’t have worked that way, and I had to put that to them and was prepared to take the column idea elsewhere if they didn’t listen. This is a very similar situation, it sounds like to me.
I think it’s pretty much a case of being confident in what you know and how this will or won’t work, and putting it to them that you are the expert and they are commissioning you exactly for this reason. And I think (contract permitting?) you may have to be prepared to pull it and take it elsewhere.”
After reading all of this, I felt like I was making the right decision. Even through all three of them tried to steer me into the option of doing all I can to make the book work, the other side of their argument (doing it later / waiting for a better deal) was appealing to me much more.
It was after speaking to Jon Cooper from PointBlankSEO that I was really pushed over the edge.
A few weeks prior, Jon had written a blog post about his uncertainty with his college future. He’s a rising celebrity in internet marketing – and a young one at that – and asked for advice on what he should be doing. Later he sent me this email:
“You have no idea how much of an impact your simple, succinct comment (you left on my personal blog) has had on me. A week after I wrote that post I realized I was waking up each day not looking forward to too many things. The only joy I got in a day was hopping online and learning some bit of code, writing a post, or trying some new online marketing thing out.”
I had forgotten exactly what it is I wrote to him, so went to take a look…
Applying my own advice, it’s clear that the passion had quickly been drained from this project, and I could see it being more of a chore than something I’m really excited about doing. And I know I can be really passionate about writing.
Could I write it if I was determined to get my name on bookshelves? Absolutely. Would I be happy with the end result? Probably not. And I definitely wouldn’t be happy to push it on this blog, and try to convince you all it’s going to be an amazing, easy read.
The Next Chapter: The Book is Still Happening
Before I say anything else, I want to add that I’m very grateful to Wiley and specifically Claire for reaching out to me with the book offer. I was very flattered to be thought of and really excited to be writing it at as well. Nothing they as a company or anyone individually has done was the reason I didn’t go ahead with the book.
If I had to put it down to one thing then it would simply be me overlooking the format of for Dummies books, or at least overlooking that my writing style just can’t be squeezed into the for Dummies mold.
Just because I decided it wasn’t for me, I didn’t want to leave them in the lurch. I was asked if I recommended anyone else who would be a good fit for the title. I put forward two suggestions, and as far as I can see they’ve chosen one and it’s still going ahead.
My position has been demoted from author to ‘technical editor’. That simply means once the book is finished, I’ll be going through it before publication to ensure its accuracy (not style, or flow, just accuracy). I thought it is the least I could do after letting down the team with my withdrawal.
As far as my focus goes now, not much has changed. We’re still working away on OptinSkin (and I’m still battling with Clickbank to get that price increase), and I have over a dozen blog posts lined up (really) for next year to start things off with a bang. Oh and not to forget our new plugin which is finished, and just needs to be launched.
Thank you as always for following the journey, and sorry to anyone who is disappointed by this news. I literally printed out all of the supportive comments I received on the initial post after it went live for motivation, as it really meant a lot to me that so many of you were behind the idea.
I hope what I have in store for the very-near future makes up for it…
P.S. A few months ago I backed my first ever Kickstarter project. Since I’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand I was moved by the journey of the Thai National Cheerleading team who went from pretty much poverty and practicing outside on concrete to being joint winners with America in the 2011 World Cheerleading Championships. It was the first time a non-US team won Gold in the competitions’ history.
I helped to fund their DVD which documents their journey. Not only did it make me and everyone I’ve shown it to cry (no matter how manly they are) but it also won the OS Film Festival and was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal. They sent me this video as a thank you…
I’ll let you all know when the DVD is available to buy if you’re interested π
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I respect you more for this post than you will ever know. Battling the ego is one hell of a task, don’t feel too bad for making this tough decision. Maybe a better book deal will come along, maybe one wont, but it doesn’t matter either way. We have a finite amount of time on this earth, you’re right to spend it doing things that bring you joy.
-Bless
Graham
@thewizardofkgn
Hey Graham,
Just a heads up that your post was caught in spam for some reason. Happened to me a year or two ago and you might have to email Akismet to sort it out.
Thank you for the support and feedback!
I’m sure you’ll get another good deal in the future; you’re still so young and growing in both the width and depth of your knowledge.
Thanks Gray,
Appreciate your advice along the way also!
Yes, He is right.
I have read your blog posts and you simply write in awesome way. π
You can be one of the top bloggers in next few years. Just keep your self in blogging and maintain quality and keep on writing posts. π
Write for users not for search engines π
Thank you
Saif
This might have been a hard post for you to write thinking that it’s embarrassing or that we’ll all feel let down. But, in a way, it is a very easy post to read because to us it means you’ll stay focused on all the things that made us enjoy and respect you to begin with.
The community here rocks. We all just want the best for each other.
See you on Monday. π
Ramsay
Cya Monday!
Thanks bud π
Sorry to hear Glen, but seems you did it for the right reasons, and you still gonna have your name in the book which is cool. Ps. Isn’t John Cooper actually an old guy who’s persona is that of a young kid? There was controversy about this some time ago, and I thought John admitted to it? Hope you well otherwise mate. James
Hey James,
Nah, it was just a joke. A lot of people took it seriously though, so maybe the ‘joke’ was too good π
Hope life is good back in SA π
This was a tough yet very honest and brave decision on your end, Glenn, thanks for sharing it to us.
Thanks Caleb,
Sorry for the late reply. Not sure why your comment was in spam…
Agreed with caleb galaraga…. thanks
Wow, tough call Glen – and a great lesson on going with your gut in the face of fear & expectations. May even better things be on their way to you.
I’ll take that π
Thanks for commenting, Salma!
Wow, sounds like you’ve gone through the wringer with this one. It’s a tough decision to walk away from something that obviously appealed initially but I’m sure will prove to be the right one. No doubt the book will come to fruition in a style that best reflects you.
Hey Adrian,
Yeah, I definitely had a lot to think about. Even resorted to the old pen and paper to weigh up both sides of my options. I think it’s been the right decision so far π
Thanks for the support!
Glenn – You are a wise guy (in the good sense of the phrase) and I’m excited for whatever book you do publish someday. Keep pumping out that great content and bigger/better book deals will come your way. You are a great writer and huge inspiration. Keep up the awesome work.
Thank you Brandon!
*Glen … oops! Pressed “submit” too quick there!
I’m used to it π
If it doesn’t make you happy why do it?
Steve Jobs did it every morning: looked in the mirror and asked himself if what he was doing was making him happy. If it didn’t he stopped doing it.
Simple, but powerful.
I think I remember reading that in the Walter Isaacson book. Definitely inspiring.
Thanks for the comment, Kris!
Yes, loved that book. Very inspiring.
You did the right thing. The Dummies brand is great but couldn’t contain you.
And ffs, only you could make turning a book deal down something both inspiring and impressive!
I’ve recently started blogging about *cough* finding the meaning of life (http://www.ifyoudo1thingtoday.com) and I think this has brought another post on… something about how saying No to the wrong things is actually saying Yes to the right things π
Glen, you rock and will continue to rock.
I look forward to watching your journey.
Lian
Hey Lian,
Haha, I try π
Thanks for the support, and best of luck with your site!
Thank you! I’ll send you a link to the post once I’ve written it – although you’ll probably be busy writing a new book or something to read it π
Lian
Thought I ought to post the link in case I drive someone mad wondering what happened to me π
http://ifyoudo1thingtoday.com/2012/11/30/the-power-of-no-bullet-points-stevie-j/
Glen, I have learned recently that in order to live your passion rather than living the rat race like most people do, you have to be willing to hold strong against the expectations of others. Congratulations on your decision
That’s a very nice way of putting it
Thanks for the comment!
Hey Glen,
I can imagine the last few months have been a bit awkward and a tough decision for you. But it seems like you handled it like a champ!
Ryan
Thanks Ryan π
Like Ramsay said, it may feel like a hard post to write, but loved reading it, because it just goes to show that things can change quickly, and there’s no need to complete something that doesn’t feel right.
You have to do what resonates with you and leave the rest, because really, life is too short for anything else.
Keep rocking sir!
Hey Henri,
Appreciate having you over here!
“You have to do what resonates with you and leave the rest, because really, life is too short for anything else.”
I’m learning – slowly but surely – that this is true π
Hey Glen,
First of all; You’re very fortunate to have some online friends in the social space, who actually provides you with genuine and constructive feedback on huge decisions like this.
Secondly, can I easily understand you choiceβ¦
In 2010 I wanted to create a closed Google Adwords Forum, called “Adwords University” (Yup – I received a copyright Infringement from Google on the domain-name within weeks: http://d.pr/i/KvWj :)).
Anyway, I was so excited about the idea of creating a space of my own, for tutoring Adwords-students from A-Z and building a brand around it.
I started writing chapters and recording videos about Account-structuring, bid management, ROI-optimization, split testing etc.
And suddenly it hit me.. I realised that I had to write on a dummy-level starting with topics like:
“This is how you setup a Gmail account”
“What is Adwords, CTR, impressions.”
I was in the dip – and I quit.
Looking back, I think the reason I quit was because I was saw this huge opportunity. And I knew I had the knowledge to do it. No one else did it in my native language (danish). And it could be my bread and butter.
But I couldn’t write .
I couldn’t provide the fucking bullets for creating a gmail account.
Excellent comment Frederik.
I’m glad that others can relate π
Love the decision you made here Glenn – not so much for the outcome (although I personally hate the dummies formats. Won’t have them in the house!) But for the consideration you’ve given and the graceful exit you made. Takes guts. Well done. Great inspiration to others facing tough decisions.
Cathy
Thanks Cathy,
Always good to see you over here!
Stick to the things you love – you age better π
Sorry to hear this caused so much anxiety, but great to see that you’ve written about it, I think this will go a long way in teaching people about decision making.
Haven’t spoken to you in forever π
Thanks Candice! Hope all is well back in CT
I do understand your issue, the for dummies books do seem rather broken up to me.
But that format works… their franchise is huge. and the one thing with a franchise that works is that you don’t change the formula.
No doubt their formula works; and I don’t think they should change it π
…I just don’t fit into the formula I think
I’ve always wondered how helpful those books really are. I agree that they probably just couldn’t contain someone like you who has so much experience and personality and vibrance to bring to the topic. Your content to me feels like taking an adventure and learning on a higher level. Bullet points don’t often mesh with thorough exploration.
I write a tutorials blog and I can tell you that writing the basics is hard and frustrating. You already know the steps so well that it’s almost painful to break them down tangibly. And sometimes your lowest level of explanation still isn’t simple enough or it doesn’t start in the right place. No way doing it all I’m bullets and notifications makes that process easier.
You got a book deal, so you’re officially the kind of blogger that lands book deals. Hang tough. Maybe consider self publishing? I’d buy your stuff π
I have thought about the self route, but I think there are better things I could be working on right now.
I totally get what you’re saying about writing on things which you know too well or have covered a million times before. I definitely feel more at home writing ‘higher level’ content.
Appreciate you stopping by π
You really gave us a lesson here on doing what we are passionate about and not giving this up for attention or money. Thank you π
Glad you got something out of it.
Thanks Alin!
The first thought that went through my mind was “it’s a good news he is not a “dummy” author”. I always felt like “for dummies” books were really just for dummies and not very serious or profesional. Beside that, I take your experience as a lesson for myself to always follow my guys because it somehow knows what is best for me in any situation. “You can’t connect the dots looking forward,you can only see how they connected, liking back”.
Hey Albo,
In some ways it doesn’t have great connotations, but in others it does (it’s a very well known brand, even for people not into marketing). I had stated my doubts about it in the initial post.
Thanks for your comment!
Hi Glen,
A very humble post and one we can all understand, life is short and to do something that you no longer enjoy is hard, if you do not need to do it then walk away and take back that control.
I am sure the book would have done wonders for you in name but at the same time you can do wonders for yourself. You have done so much for so many people that you have a serious hardcore following of people who regard you as a mentor and making such a decision like this is a strong reminder of why we listen to you.
You are genuine to yourself and that is what we see and that is a very powerful lesson for us all. No one wants to be that ‘porn whore on the road to Hollywood’ and you certainly don’t need to be either, (or the book equivalent I mean obviously π ) you have shown that writing the book wasn’t right for you and that you were strong enough to walk away and that my friend is a great lesson for us all.
I thank you for telling us and not keeping it to yourself and letting it drift away into memory for someone one day to suddenly ask what happened to the book. Your decision to tell us goes to show us what a strong personality you are. That is seriously refreshing. π
Hi Glen, a very brave decision and one that sounds like it was the right decision, if you are not happy then it makes it hard. Being given advice is one thing but to expect you to change your whole writing style is not good. It won’t match up with you and you will not be happy with the results.
You have a writing style and teaching style that works, we read, understand and follow you without needing copious amounts of bullet points.
At least you now have so much content written down that can be edited into your own future book or product, it is there ready for another day. So that’s good.
And it is good to see that you are not selling out for money or attention but instead choosing to be true to yourself. That is a better message to give people than any book on viral marketing.
Regards
SI
Hey Glen, I don’t know why, but after reading this post I respect you even more. For someone like me, who makes compromises far too often, it is mind blowing to see when other people are certain in their love and enthusiasm for something. Knowing to say no, and indeed forget about things like recognition while abandoning certainty is just inspiring.
And I can see how your comment made such an impact. At the end of the day it is really a gut decision after all.
I have no doubt that your next project, whatever that is, will be a huge success. You always lift the bar higher and higher.
P.S. Kudos for helping the cheerleading team. It would be interesting to see them doing a Flash Mob for some marketing project. Just saying π
Cheers
Slavko
Thanks!
I really wasn’t sure what the reaction to this post would be. There are fewer comments than usual so I’m wondering if the people who are let down or disappointed are just not saying anything.
Either way, I appreciate your feedback and positivity.
I’ll see what I can get them to do π
Wow, that must have been a tough call. But I think you made the right decision. I think it’s crucial that we listen to our guts and when our gut says it doesn’t feel right, then sometimes you have to follow that. I would bet you have a new opportunity come along in the next 6-12 months that will be much better for you personally and your development. I have a hunch.
Hey Glen, As Slavko said I respect you even more after the decision you made. As you said many times “Pasion First”. If you didn’t felt passionate about it them you took the right decision. In the other hand after I’ve read pretty much all the post in Viperchill, the “for dummies” format doesn’t feet you very well. As reader of Viperchill, and a fan of your work I feel kind of hopefull that, the Viral Marketing book will be written in the future under your entirely control and the format and style you decide to write it. I will definitely buy it.
Great lesson.
Saludos amigo!
Thank you Luison,
I think I got more excited with the idea rather than what I actually had to do, but things always work out eventually.
Appreciate you leaving your thoughts, as always!
Hi Glen, I doubt anyone feels let down. It is just one of those things that you put down to experience and you’ll be more prepared next time a similar opportunity arises.
Looking forward to hearing about the new plugin. π
Hey Glen,
In my own humble opinion, you have made the right move as a professional with right mind. If I were you, I will do the same thing but it isn’t that easy to make such decision. Writing a book for the sale of having your name among the elite published authors isn’t the next thing for a well-respected writer like you, who we look up to – better opportunities are on the way for you better than the previous offer.
Thanks for sharing this with us so that we can know about your great moves. π
Olawale
I can only imagine how tough it was for you to make the decision not to write the book, Glen!
THIS is wisdom on your part. Seriously, not anyone will part ways with a book deal like that.
One thing is certain, you know what you’re doing and are genuine to yourself. This is very powerful and will make only make your other readers trust you more π
I’m sure you’ll be getting a better book deal that allows you more flexibility soon!
Hey Oni,
Feels like I haven’t chatted to you in forever. Thanks as always for your support π
I read you mentioned certain disapproval among your friends and family and it resonated with some of my own experiences. I have adopted the following rule after having been through similar situations: do not disclose your plans to anyone at such early stages.
In fact you might even be sure that something is 100% certain to happen and you tell everyone about it only to explain why you changed your mind later. My preferred style of telling people would be “hey remember I’ve been working on something for a month? Well it’s a book, here’s your copy” π
Hey Glen!
I admire you for following what you feel in your gut, and what you feel in your heart is the route to go. Only you know what is best for you, and I encourage you to follow your instincts.
Your contributions to the Thai cheerleading squad speaks volume about your character, which is why I am a follower of yours.
Keep your head up, keep your eye on the prize, and continue to follow your heart!
I wish you much continued success my friend!
All the best!
Your friend,
-Alex
This is a well written post and it seems like it must have been a hell of decision to make. Great job on sticking to your guns and I am sure when you do put out a book I will check it out.
Cheers Adam π
Years ago I walked away from a “great” job . I had a nice title, a staff, and a generous salary. I was also miserable!
When I walked away, my parents were upset with me (they loved bragging about my achievements), and my next job was about three rungs lower on the corporate ladder. People who had once sucked up to me didn’t give me the time of day.
It’s the best decision I ever made! Yeah, I had to go through some ego stuff, but it was worth it. No matter how attractive the opportunity, it has to be right for us as individuals. Congratulations on staying true to yourself! It will pay off in the long run.
Hi Glen,
I was excited to read your last post when you announced about the Book deal and now more excited when you leaved that deal and looking forward because this is a more powerful decision you took when you will compare with the previous one where you were here to say that you accepted to write the “for Dummies” series.
Hope you will come up with another good news soon.
Thanks for sharing this awkward post with us not thinking about the reader’s mind.
Thanks for your support Robinsh π
Glen, I can completely relate. It takes courage to change course and risk letting others down, but in the end, I’m a big fan of going with your gut. That gut is there for a reason, is what I say.
Thanks so much for the shout-out. I’ve followed you for a long time so it was a bit surreal to see my picture in your post. I had this strange moment of confusion, “Wait, that’s my picture. Wait, where am I? Wait, which blog is this?” (lol) It’s an honor to be mentioned indeed. Thank you.
All the best as you forge ahead!
Hey Amy,
That made me laugh! Sorry, I did get permission from others who I had emailed for advice but I added the photos at the last minute so I hope that was okay.
Thank you for writing that series, it really did help in making my decision. Good to see you here!
I battle every day with the worry that I’m not doing the right thing. One day I’m 100% and the next I’m only 50%. I can empathise with your thoughts here. Keep plodding away though and I’m sure we’ll see you on a bookshelf in the near future.
Thanks Jamie,
Based on our email discussions, I think you’re headed on a good path π
Thanks Glen, I needed this post.
I too recently walked away from an article for a major magazine. The project was supposed to take 6 weeks and I finally cut it off after 3 months. The time they wanted to take was more than the publicity (and money) was worth.
Hey Paul,
I’m glad that you can relate. Sounds like it must have been a huge piece. If you’re happy with the decision, then congratulations on having the guts to going through with it π
Well done on remaining true to yourself, Glen. Keep your work in the digital space and leave that dying medium to someone else who can tolerate hundreds of bullet points π
Haha!
Thanks Chris
Hi Glen,
My first reaction to this post was one of relief.
When you first mentioned that you were writing a dummies guide to viral marketing, my first reaction was complete disappointment. I do not respect the style of those books, and whilst they serve a function, I see them as mass produced and without personality. For an author like you, (and you are an author, published or not) to dumb down would have been horrible. I didn’t want to read it. I’m not saying that I don’t blame you for being flattered and going with it either however, I’m just relieved that you realized the hole you had fallen in and made the hard decision without regret.
Hi Chris,
I definitely think they have their place (heck, I bought a few myself to get up to speed on topics like DJ’ing and CBR) but I think you’re right about the format.
Thanks for your honesty π
…and this is why you are, and will continue to be so successful Glen! Well done for not selling your soul for prestige and fame bud… this took guts, and I’m sure not many people would have been brave enough to come to this decision…
Keep up the hard work, and being yourself!
Thanks Brendon!
I bet this must have been hands-down the most difficult decision of your online career so far, if not I’ll take another bet and say it’s the second most difficult to date.
Glen, you’re young. The fact that you had the courage to say no to something that 99% of others would have said YES to, puts you into the rare 1%…
Not only financially-speaking but I’m sure you, me and a few others (bet #3 – also part of the 1%) all know what that 1% is capable of achieving which history has proven over and over again: Success beyond the limiting understanding of the remaining 99%.
I KNOW for a fact that you will look back at this important life-changing decision (you can say what you want, it has changed your life which you may not even know yet) one day and smile thinking “man I am glad I did that because I wouldn’t be here right now if I hadn’t.”
Let me give you two positives out of it already:
1. You’ve got a dozen of posts lined up/planned/written for the new year already (I mean if that doesn’t excite any ViperChill reader than probably not a lot more will)
2. You have a plugin finished which just needs to launched (think with the little extra time now available the launch might happen sooner? Just asking… π )
Head up Glen, your book gig will come! Who knows, we might be buying “The ViperChill-Theory” book series one day!
Wow, what a tough decision to make!
Glen, I honestly think you made a decision that a lot of us couldn’t make, and a very admirable one at that.
At the end of the day we have to live with the decisions we make, and it seems like you made one that you can live with happily, which is important.
I would imagine that based upon this post and display of character, there will be other opportunities arise as well.
P.S. – Fu*king bullet points π
P.P.S – Thanks for the linksy, it wasn’t expected and is GREATLY appreciated.
I gotta be honest, this sounds more like you failed to get out of your comfort zone than anything else.
I can’t believe you decided to do an instructional text for sake of art. If you were writing a novel or a poem, fighting for your individual voice to be maintained is a completely valid and admirable decision. But if your writing a ‘For Dummies’ text, your not creating anything artistic. You’re creating an educational product, and therefore stylistic considerations should be about what makes the product better, not about maintaining ‘your voice’ and ‘your style’.
This comes across largely that you were butthurt by the criticism, felt uncomfortable trying something outside of your comfort zone. As a result, you haven’t learned what you could of learned from the project, and are weaker for it.
Each to their own. I received a similar comment on Inbound.org.
I presume that you’re not a regular reader here, nor do I think the person at Inbound was either.
I already admitted that I overlooked what I could actually do with the book. Looking more at the content of the books I have, rather than their format, so there’s no point going over what is in the post π
May I point you to another section of the article:
“Could I write it if I was determined to get my name on bookshelves? Absolutely. Would I be happy with the end result? Probably not.”
I don’t think for a second that I couldn’t write it in the Dummies style. That’s not being egotistical. A lot of people write their first books under the for Dummies brand so I certainly wouldn’t be the first. And I wont be the last.
The criticism was not negative in any way, so there is nothing to be butthurt about.
Thanks for the discussion though. Always interesting to see how people take these things over the internet! π
Good that you got right to the point in this post. No point beating around the bush eh.
I’m sure someone will come along with a Spicier offer anyhow. π
you made a really really bold decision but i think you did the right thing. way to stay true to your heart. it doesn’t come easy to do that
That was a brave and wise decision. At the end of the day, if something isn’t making you happy, what’s the point in doing it?
Personally, I think there is something very rewarding in ‘cutting out the middle man’ as marketing something yourself, even if there is less of a financial reward is sometimes more fulfilling than having someone control you.
A person’s ego, like you said, can be very overpowering if left unchecked and can take you to temporary bliss, before realising that week’s later it was an anti-climax as you have been taken in a direction completely against your will. I think publishers of books, marketers of movies, band managers etc fully take advantage of this usually and can negotiate with full confidence that emerging authors will do something for free even just to make a name for themselves.
I say go on the attack and move yourself to the empty spot that the middle man would take up. Market it yourself, create a website to market the product yourself, have complete control.
Turning down this book deal and marketing your next project yourself will not be disappointing to anyone of your friends or family I’m sure. In fact, this is worthy of respect. You have proven that your desires are not as powerful as your common sense and that you have the guts to take control of your own product and have the option to then market this product yourself.
I’ve learnt that outsourcing is far more beneficial to the person you are outsourcing to as well as yourself, rather than have a brand/well-known name take control. If a project is being chased by companies because it is successful I think that doing the math and offering a one off deal with no bartering is the way to go.
Respect points from me buddy. 100%
In fact, rather than feeling that you’ve disappointed people, I think it’s a safe bet to say that you’ve earned people’s respect here. You put in the work, experimented and have altered your course of action, overriding your ego with a stronger self – as in making sure you are happy and learning from action. Actually getting out there and putting your nose to the grindstone.
You’ve also taught others a lesson from experience too as your post certainly had an effect on me in a positive way. π
Mate,
Staying true to yourself is one of the hardest things in life.
Kudos for choosing you
Cheers,
Ralph
Hi ya,
As long as you are happy with your decision that’s all that matters. You know what motivates and moves you and even though in the beginning the book deal had the excitement spark. That dwindled as your writing style started to be controlled and you could not flow the way Glen flows.
I honestly believe everything happens for a reason. You will get another deal and it will blow this one out of the water and you will be better equipped to look at that new opportunity from all angles without doubt.
You were strong to follow through.
Janet
Hello,
I will admit that I am a little shocked to hear this because it just seemed so go. I have to say that I can understand what your saying and I think you maybe at a point where this is not going to set you back. I can’t blame you in not doing it if it was adding up for you it just wasn’t.
I hope to get some new information and inspiration from you in the new year.
After reading your post today I was actually surprised why I haven’t thought about this back than when you had just announced that you are going to write the book. The Dummies style is so much different than your style and now it feels obvious to me that you have decided not to write the book. I remember from one of your older posts – there was one comment from someone saying that your posts are too long and that this person has no time for reading such a long posts and that you should make all of this shorter and easier to consume. I remember your answer and explanation that this is how you want it to be and that this is your style. The exact answer was different but this is one of the things I remembered from it. So what I mean is that, in my opinion, you made the right choice. Cheers!
Quitting projects that you’ve invested in and cared about is a bitch (and I say that never having quit anything on quite this scale before). But if it’s not right, it’s not right – and kudos to you for saying so, despite how hard it must have been.
Best of luck with the next incarnation of the book project and wherever your newly free time takes you π
sometimes we have a bad thing that we have more experience to tackle more serious problems, my advice Take the nice holiday return refreshed that your mind ..
I think you’ve made the right decision. Editors with strict formatting rules are the bane of my existence. These strict rules turn writing from a passion into a job. There’s no doubt in my mind that you made the right decision.
Plus, I honestly don’t see why a published book deal is any better than a self-published book deal. Guy Gawasaki publishes all his books himself and he’s made millions. No shame in it. In fact, I’d go as far as saying self-publishing is much better as you can dictate prices and how the book is written i.e. you don’t have to worry about an editor ripping it apart.
Hi Glen,
Thanks a lot of sharing. I have a site on US CPA exam, and similar to you I was invited by Wiley to write a book that matches with the content of my site.
I can totally see what you have gone through — being a blogger-turned-writer is tough work, with a lot of adjustment that we may or may not want to take. For now I am sticking with my plan. Clock is ticking and I feel the pressure of submitting the manuscript on time, but I am keeping my fingers crossed (and my fingers busy typing) to get it done.
By the way, it’s all because of you (and Pat Flynn) that my website gets to the level of recognition it has nowadays. Thank so much.
Stephanie
Brave move, Glen.
I was approached 18 months ago about writing a book and since it’s something I’ve wanted to do for some time, it was flattering to have someone approach me, and tempting, too.
But, the angle that was being pushed just didn’t sit right with me. It was someone else who had the idea for the book, title, subject etc, and I was just being hired as the expert to execute it. It didn’t feel right, so I turned it down.
The right opportunity will come if you keep hitting the ball out of the park in other things. At least, that’s how I look at it.
Hey,
Don’t worry, Its just the start of your life and you will have too many deals and offers in your whole life. Just choose the best one and best of luck for your future. π
Thank you
Saif
Hi Glen,
I imagine its pretty easy to take a bad gig for the wrong reasons. Heck you see world class actors doing that all the time and then screwing up or at least throttling their careers. Certainly you deserve a lot of credit but mostly you should feel good because in the end you went with your gut and the gut always knows. Best of luck with what comes next:)
Best regards,
Tim
Hey Glen,
Very inspirational post and I hope you soldier on. It sounds like you’re happy with your decision and in the end that’s what matters. I look forward to whatever you have installed for us in future.
Daniel
Hey dudue, a better book deal will come along! Dont worry. Things work out in their own way. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise!
Hey glen, I know I’m a bit late to the party here but I wanna say I think you made the right decision. The whole time that I’ve been reading viperchill you’ve held yourself to a certain standard the entire time and have not allowed anything but the best of what you have to offer. It’s too bad that this opportunity didn’t work out for you but some day there may be another chance for something that fits within what you are looking for. You never know.
Either way, I hope things are good now and you still stand by your decision!
Keep the standards high as always.
Way to show e’m! Proud of you!
hey glen ,i know i am very late to this topic but want to say up and downs comes in every ones life so it doesn’t matter,the only thing matter what you are capable of,and i know how much you are capable of.
Hi Glenn,
interesting. I follow you blog on and off. Recently off to clear my head of too much input till I gain some clarity what I wanted to do.
Well, if you still want to be an author and maintain control of your book, there is self publishing to consider. Guy Kawasaki with Shawn Welch recently published APE-Author Publisher Entrepreneur. I suggest you take a look at the book. Good balance view with self publish, publisher or both.
There’s also good advice on Why you Should or Should Not write a book. There’s a great community on G+ too.
Cheeres
Very inspirational post and I hope you soldier on.
Great, great, great stuff Glen. I had actually navved over to berate you for turning down the offer (and say hey, why not hand it to me!) but now I kinda get it.
Hopefully it’s like a “turns down Facebook to start Google” story, or something like that.
Wow, what a big choice to have to make. Personally I hate the style the ‘for dummies’ books are written, they are so popular and I am a big reader so I have given them a go numerous times and even after I have finished them instead of the feeling of achievement i usually get after reading a book I feel kind of bitter. They are a respected brand and good luck to them but heck just not for me, with a real staccato style of writing. I could imagine it would be hard to write like that.
Matthew
Glen, I’m new to the blogging community, but I luv the twist you give it. Great content
Hey Glen,
I’ve found your website while scouring the web for non-cliche articles about internet marketing.
Reading this article really gave me goosebumps – your ethical treatment to internet marketing and your passion for writing is just overwhelming.
I am also starting a blog about internet marketing. It’s not yet live though because I’m still waiting for money – can’t start a blog without buying hosting and domain, right? However, I’ve written more than a dozen articles already. Internet marketing has really become my passion, addiction even. What really troubles me now is that your blog kind of banged my head against a wall and made me realize that I’m just regurgitating stuff that I’ve already read online. Sure, my posts are hovering around 1000-1,200 words and I think they’re a lot more detailed than other blog posts on the net. I’ve also edited and re-edited them several times. But your post made me realize that I’m just churning out mediocre stuff. And now I’m confused. Any advice, Glen?