The publishing process

I was recently asked why I had "used a publisher" for Leadership Re:Vision instead of self-publishing. The suggestion was that bringing a publisher into the mix actually reduced my potential income. And that's understandable. So here are some thoughts:

• While there are some excellent books brought to market through the self-pub channel, I rather prefer the Stamp of Approval associated with the vetting process at Tyndale House and other publishers. I tend to love everything I write, but if my proposal successfully navigates the selection process, I know others feel the same.

• The contract between me and the publisher forces me to stay focused, resulting in a far better product. Being undisciplined is one of my core competencies and facing a legally imposed deadline for completion keeps me moving ahead. I don't like giving money back.

• Distribution and sales are something I have no taste for. Tyndale has warehouse people, ordering and delivery systems, sales people in the field and sales people meeting with larger retailers. There's no way I'd be able to do this. 

• And the team work. I am really a hermit. Writing for me is a lonely profession. (The photo below is a self-portrait taken at a cabin near Yosemite). When I'm in writing mode, it's me and the book. Stephen King says the books already exist and it's our job to bring them to life. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but the book does become a jealous partner. So, when the writing is finished, it's great to have a whole team of folks ready to take the work and refine it into something people may actually want to exchange money for.

• Relationships between authors and publishers are seldom described as love affairs, but I appreciate the value they bring to the table. 

Latest update -

• Leadership Re:Vision has been a Top 30 Leadership title on Amazon for the past two days. Looking for a third - one day at a time. 

• The guest host at WMUZ did a fine job with the interview today, despite having been handed the book as he walked into the studio.

• Friday afternoon it's WORD-FM in Pittsburgh.
  

"I screwed up"

What an interesting thing to hear from a president.

After 16 years and two administrations that either couldn't or wouldn't tell the truth - here's one that steps up and admits mistakes.

We're all hoping we don't hear that phrase too often, but it does paint a different picture of accountability.

Chapter 9 of Leadership RE:Vision is titled Tell The Truth About Bad News and suggests that leaders often sugar-coat reports of bad news to spare people's feelings or to protect morale. The book asks leaders to examine and revise the way they approach truth-telling in their communication.

Here's something you don't see everyday

Close friends know my favorite place in the universe is Yosemite National Park.

There's a webcam set up at the Tioga Road entrance to the park, which is closed from about November through June each year.

The camera is operated by the Scripps Institute and here is the view it captured around 11:00am Tuesday morning.

Thanks GOD, for such a cool place.

Book promotiom - the story unfolds

posted whilst driving on a teeny tiny key board

Just had a call that Leadership RE:Vision hit the #27 spot on Amazon's Leadership list.

Top Five Superbowl commercials

Who won the game ?

Who cares ?

It's the commercials everyone tunes in to see.

My daughter Noelle posted her five favorites and I concur.

Enjoy.

They SAY they're Green, but are they?

EPM Communication's weekly Datafile had a factoid this morning from Travelocity reporting that 59% of travelers say "knowing a hotel's GREEN rating" would influence where they stay.

Not doubting the research, but my experience has been that hotel staff need to be made aware of the goals.

When given a choice in a hotel, I always re-hang my towel so it won't be replaced and I honestly cannot recall EVER coming back to anything other than a completely fresh supply. Even in the most socially aware hotel brands - Hard Rock, Westin, Hilton.

Good lesson here - in any organization - it is critical that leadership take the time to insure EVERYONE on the team understands the role they play in success. Communicating corporate objectives effectively is one of the topics covered in my new book Leadership Re:Vision.

A long tail connection

My Google alert that tracks "Jim Seybert" led to a blog by Melissa Sutton, the author of Broken But Not Shattered.

Melissa is a pastor's wife and my One Year Mini for Leaders is one of four books on her blog's current reading list.

The OYML was published in 2007 so it's cool to see the long tail it carries. As a daily-dated devotional, I hope it continues to bless people year after year.