Getting Published – Thoughtfully

Networking Thoughtfully

The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life

A year ago, three friends were sat around a table when one asked “what is your dream?” The answers ranged from the farfetched – to ride a unicorn (ask me something on the spot and you will not get a sensible answer) – to the more possible, but mostly wishful thinking. The one answer that stuck out the most was “To get my book published.”

Having not known Martin had written a book, I was interested to find out more. On the understanding that I would write a review, Martin gave me a copy to read. [See review below] Naturally I did as I was asked, and produced a positive review of the manuscript, yet Martin’s dream was continually on my mind. What is the point of a review if the product or book is not available for purchase?

After a little internet research, I put forward the idea that Martin could email copies of his work to various publishing companies. The trouble was, he no longer had a digital version of his book, only a printed copy. Nevertheless, refusing to give up, I offered to retype the entire manuscript.

With digital copy now to hand, it was time to brave sending it out to publishers. Being digital phobic, Martin left that task down to me. Doubtful that I would get any response, I first emailed a few of the large, well-known companies, and was predictably proved right. Yet, this was nothing to worry about; during my research I had sourced nine self-publishing companies. So, they were my next focus.

Eventually, I received two responses from self-publishing companies interested in Martin’s book. One was a bit vague on details about the process, however the other, and incidentally the first to reply, looked really promising.

The company Martin opted for was Matador, a self-publishing service belonging to Troubador Publishing Ltd. The various staff we spoke to, either through email (me) or phone (Martin) were extremely helpful, explaining the processes, costs, and making sure the book was printed to our complete satisfaction. They even encouraged Martin when he had doubts about the quality of his work by declaring that they only publish books they deem good enough.

The next month or so consisted of emails being sent back and forth containing updated manuscripts. Firstly, a proofreader made a few corrections (some of which I pointed out as incorrect!), then digital proof copies were put together in the format that they would be printed. These I proofread thoroughly, pointing out a few errors, until satisfied with the final version.

All of this occurred at the beginning of Autumn 2016, leaving us a long wait until the publication date of February 2017. We were not forgotten however, particularly as Martin had payments to make, but were also kept up-to-date of the book’s progress. This included an Advance Information sheet, containing quotes from the review I wrote at the beginning of this journey.

Here is the review:

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Networking Thoughtfully
Martin Wheadon
*****

Are you the kind of person that struggles with networking? Do you have to strain to come up with satisfactory conversation starters? Is making business deals with other people something you find challenging? Then Networking Thoughtfully is exactly what you need. This short book by Martin Wheadon is a guide for people who need to build relationships but do not know where to start. With simple points, Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results.

With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author’s guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.

Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.

The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.

Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.

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As you can tell from the review, Networking Thoughtfully has a specific target audience and needed someone to find the potential buyers. Martin, naturally, knew many contacts from his years in banking, however Matador do not leave authors to fend for themselves. One of their services is Marketing, and so we could sit back in the knowledge that someone was revealing this book to the world.

On 28th February 2017, Networking Thoughtfully was born. Martin’s dream had come true. His book had been published, our goal achieved. The book publishing journey was over … or was it only beginning?

Since February, Martin has been interviewed live on Talk Radio Europe and featured in the business section of the local newspaper. More recently, Networking Thoughtfully has been listed on Book Monthly for the month of April 2017.

In March, Martin and I got the opportunity to meet two of the Matador team, who have been particularly helpful throughout the publishing process, at The London Book Fair. It was lovely to put faces to the names I had been emailing for the past months, as well as to see Networking Thoughtfully displayed amongst all their other latest publications.

Networking Thoughtfully is now available in paperback and ebook from various online sources, including Troubador and Amazon. It is, of course, also available at all good book shops. Alternatively, why not order it from the local library?

When three friends sat around a table discussing their dreams, they did not consider any of them coming true. But now a book has been published, and who knows where this exciting venture could lead?

Now it is my turn … Where is my unicorn?!