Hello again;
When it comes to blogging, the experts say you have to pick a niche or a main subject area and stick to it. My area is finding ways to overcome obstacles, face my fears, and challenge myself to do more or do it better every day.
My thing is to inspire and motivate you to take action in your lives on a regular basis. By showing up in my own life and sharing these experiences openly and honestly with you; I’m told that I do just that.
Why A Diet Book?
So, some of you are probably wondering why I decided to make my second book about weight loss. Its really more about living a healthy life style than it is a “diet book”. I believe that physical well being is critical to success in all other areas. I didn’t start making real progress in my own life until I started getting physically healthy. But still you are probably wondering.
The truth is that I started out to write a memoir. You know how they say everyone wants to write about their life story. And I had made a pretty good start of it. I was up to 50,000 words, and every time I wrote about an event from earlier in my life I remembered others. It was and still is a very pleasurable experience.
However, the problem started when I began to try to edit it. I generally write without structure or even a vague outline. So, when I say 50,000 words I mean one huge document. When I started to work through this trying to edit it enough to send off to my editor Lorraine Reguly, I lost interest. I just couldn’t bring myself to tackle that big huge file.
This was during the Christmas holiday season. I was hearing all the ads on radio and TV for diets, exercise equipment, fitness centers, surgeries, and weight loss clinics. I got to thinking that even though I used gastric surgery as part of my path to good health that people still comment on how inspiring it is that I was able to lose the weight and keep it off. I thought why don’t I write a book and share the lessons I’ve learned along the way from 512 pounds down to 256.
I started by writing a chapter that I called its not the cookie its the bag. The idea came from the fact that there is nothing necessarily wrong with any one food item. Regardless whether we are talking about cookies, potato chips, biscuits, candy bars, ice cream, etc its not the food item its the amount. And I started thinking about the size and quantity that many of these items are sold in in our grocery stores.
This got me to thinking about some of the things we do in our family to maintain a healthy diet without feeling deprived by the knowledge that we will never have another oreo ever again.
That chapter lead to my thoughts about body image, repeatable regular exercise, positive attitude, and applying my personal approach to living a healthy life style. As with everything else I’ve done losing the weight didn’t happen overnight. It involved mastering one new habit and then adding additional habits as one became a natural part of my every day life.
Or as I often say do the best you can today and then do more or do it better tomorrow.
So, all of this lead to my latest book Its Not the Cookie Its the Bag.
And its really more of a mind, body, spirit wellness book than a pure diet or weight loss book.
But, I sent the book to Lorraine on February 27th, and we had our first conversation on March 16th.
I should mention that this delay is not per Lorraine’s usual excellent work. I didn’t want to mention this without asking, but she was dealing with helping her parents move out of their home at the time. She also took a well deserved vacation to the Dominican Republic. For actually taking a vacation she is now one of my heroes.
And in addition to this my email program kept sending my book into the eather. I finally found out that it was because I was trying to send it as a folder instead of sending the individual files. But all is now well.
During that call we talked about the time line for completing the editing and submitting it to Amazon and Create Space. The plan is to have it available by the end of April at the latest. I am still hoping it will be out by April 17th as that will be my 50th birthday. And I think there is some marketing value to a man who is happy with his body at that age.
During our talk I told her that many of you had commented on how much value was included in my first book Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light.
That lead to my decision to raise the prices on it. As of today the electronic version is $14.95, the print copies are $24.95, and the autographed copies will be $49.95.
I don’t think I would have had the courage to do this a year ago. At that time i thought the book was too short and not impressive enough. I priced it based on number of pages instead of potential for helping people change their lives.
Now that I have finished writing the second book, its time to start thinking about pricing and promotion.
This book is about 30,000 words making it about three times as long as the first one. And I’l be honest and admit that the increased length does make it easier to set higher prices. Of course, it helps a lot that this is my second book. As with anything we get better at it the more we do it.
So, lets start with pricing of the new book. I’m going to step out in faith again. I’m going to price it at $14.95 for the ebook, $24.95 for the print copies, and $74.95 for autographed copies.
I should mention something about autographed books in general. In order to offer these I have to first order copies and have them sent to me. Then, I have to get a family member to help me sign the books. And then I have to get them to take the book to the post office or shipping place to be delivered to the buyer. The shipping both ways averaged me $15.00 on the first book. This second book is larger meaning that it will be heavier and cost more to ship. Thus the higher price for autographed copies.
Now, don’t fret because I have a special offer for you. I want to sell some advance copies to help cover the costs of editing, formatting, cover art, submitting to amazon and create space, and promotion.
While there are other visually impaired authors who can perform all these tasks themselves, i don’t personally feel comfortable doing so. I also have found that a lot of this process is very frustrating and time consuming for me to do it myself. I feel its a far better use of my time to let Lorraine and her colleagues do this work while I turn my attention to promoting the book.
Special Offer
Ebook Offer
If you buy an advance copy of Its Not the Cookie Its the Bag for $14.95 by April 2nd, you will receive the ebook and the audio version of Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light.
Autographed Book Offer
If you pre-order a signed copy of Its Not the Cookie Its the Bag for $49.95 by April 2nd, then you will receive an autographed copy of Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light along with the audio version of my first motivational book.
Email Sign Up Offer
And to update my site from now on new subscribers to my mailing list will receive the audio of the introduction and first chapter of Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light along with a coupon for half off of the sale price of $19.95.
Its Not the Cookie Teaches Me About Writing
I started writing this book as a distraction, but the more I wrote; the more I found that I had to offer. I was able to create a working table of contents and write with a framework for the first time. By having the structure I was able to write the chapters much quicker than I usually do. And this book has actually helped me solve the problem of how to edit my memoir.
I told you that my memoir is so large a file that it has become overwhelming to even think about editing. However, Most sections are devoted to a single topic or story. So, what I’m going to do is start at the top and cut and paste sections from the big file into individual documents for later editing. Once I have a collection of a bunch of files no larger than one of my usual blog posts, doing the editing should be a breeze.
Without stopping to write this book I wouldn’t have discovered how to finally finish my memoir. I wouldn’t have learned the value of structure to efficiently writing a book. I had never created a table of contents or chapter titles before, but now I realize their value; and I wish I had always used them.
Now, all my memoir needs is a happy ever after or stand up and cheer moment. Perhaps it will be the publishing of my second book. Maybe this one will be what brings me to the attention of the national and international media making my name a household word as they say. It could happen and with your help it will.
How Can You Help?
- Share this post or the special offer links with your friends and family.
- Encourage them to subscribe to my email list.
- Purchase a copy for you or someone you know and love.
- Support me by making a donation via the pay pal link.
- Offer to host me in your home for a book tour.
- review the book on your blog.
- Invite me to be a guest on your podcast, radio show, or Tv program.
- Send prayers and positive thoughts.
Naturally, I don’t want anyone to do anything they can’t afford or that they aren’t comfortable with. Maybe there is some other way that you can think of to help out with my goal of making this book a best seller and helping lots of people get healthy and stay that way.
I hope you know I appreciate your continued support of me and my journey. I know you have lots of demands on your time and many options for how you spend the few free minutes you do have. And I’m truly blessed that you continue to spend some of them with me.
So, if there is ever anything I can do to help you; just ask. If you have a product or project that is near and dear to your heart; be sure and let me know about it. If I can help spread the word I will.
I want to be part of your story. I look forward to hearing you share your goals, successes, setbacks, comebacks, and problems solved. So, until next time thanks and take care out there, Max
I would like to congratulate you on your many achievements! (Yes, again!)
I have told you many times before that you have provided me with inspiration to better my own health and life, both professionally and personally.
Max, you continue to do so. 🙂
But you should know that already. 😉
We have a few steps ahead of us yet, but I have helped you become a published author in record time before… and will do so again.
Barring any unforseen circumstances, you are going to get a wonderful birthday present from me this year!
Lorraine Reguly recently posted…6 Ways to Use Visuals to Boost Traffic to Your Blog
Hi Lorraine; thanks for the wonderful complements and for all your hard work. I should have mentioned the circumstances, but I didn’t want to do that without asking you. But as you can see I edited the post so people will know you are still doing amazing work in record time and that any delays were all mine. see, I’m learning I edited the post and edited your comment. after all not everyone reads the prior comments. couldn’t do all this crazy stuff I’m up to without you my friend. I always promote you and your services. and when penguin or one of the big dogs comes calling i’ll be sure to tell them we are a team. 😀 take care my friend. I’ve already started planning the party online of course. thinking of blab or a google hangout on air and maybe some one on one calls too. will let you know on the site or in emails. take care of yourself. don’t work too hard now, max
Max, you’ve described a couple of things about the magic of writing – how the writing itself triggers more ideas and memories, and that the writing sometimes tells you the story is about something different than what you started with. Good luck with the book and with completing your memoir.
hi donna; thanks for such a thoughtful comment. It shows you really heard me. Yes just like life the story is often different than the one we expected. but this can still be great as long as we keep our hearts and minds open. I appreciate your encouragement about the memoir. And I’m hopeful that by the time its finished a major publisher will have discovered me. 😉 hey it can’t happen if i don’t ask for it. thanks again my friend. take care out there, max
Congrats, Max, on your upcoming 2nd book. It is such a thrill to work on and complete a new project, isn’t it?
I am sharing your post with my Twitter followers, and sending positive thoughts your way for great success and continued happiness.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…rediscovering cacao with AMO Cacao
Hi doreen; thanks for the encouragement and especially for the shares. I just read your post about the cacao plant and your visit and thought hopefully soon i will get to travel more like you have done. really appreciate all your help, max
Congratulations on your second book which I am sure will go on to encourage many.
I am inspired by your sheer drive and determination. You have pushed through despite the challenges.
Phoenicia recently posted…Patience – do you desire it?
Hi Phoenicia; thanks for your kind words. I do keep moving forward, but then so have you in your own way. Just read your excellent post on patience. Its never easy to have to wait on others or on circumstances when you have a goal to accomplish and you are in a hurry to do so. I’ve often thought that blindness will teach just about anyone patience. thanks again and take care, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Why did the blind blogger write a diet book?
Ever since I met you online, Max, I have to say that there’s something about you I really like that is so refreshing.. It’s your naturalness, your lack of pretension. You have a good heart and it shows. I wish you much success in your publication, especially with the number of people you are able to help. Yes, April 17th is the perfect time to have it ready by. 🙂
“It’s Not the Cookie, It’s the Bag”–what a great title! Good for you and all the best!
Hi Ramona; Thanks for that great complement. Some people would call it being authentic, and my friend alex okoroji refers to it as being naked; but to me its just being honest. There are lots of jobs and professions where sharing openly and honestly works against you. Thankfully, blogging and writing are two where the more you share the more people appreciate it. And the title just came to me. It was a gift from god or the universe. I am hopeful it helps a lot of people. As with all of our work it may not be new but hopefully my way of saying it will be. thanks again. Its great knowing you are appreciated my friend. And I just read about your trip to tanzania. What an amazing step out in faith that was. And I love how even on the way home you still managed to have another memorable experience by being open and meeting the fellow from ruwanda. you rock, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Why did the blind blogger write a diet book?
Max, the title of my book–“Dancing in the Heart of the Dragon”– landed in my lap too. I could never have “thought” of it! Like yours, it was a true gift from God/Universe. What astounded me was how perfect it was on more than one level. Your comments about being open and honest in writing fit well for me. I couldn’t for myself imagine being otherwise. It’s great we are able to be supportive of each other.
Hi Ramona; yes, but some people think they have to hold back when writing for a blog. They think people will see them as being weak if they share too much about their failures or disappointments. They think they have to be perfect or have it all together. When the truth is there are so many people who just need to know that there are people out here who fall down get up make mistakes find solutions have setbacks and then comebacks. I have heard that you can actually turn off your audience if your posts, audios, or videos are seen as being too professional or too slickly produced. So, we’ll keep being ourselves. I like mike robins book title for his first book. he called it be yourself because everyone else is already taken. thanks for being part of my online family. much success to you my friend. <3 max
Max I can hardly believe that the image at the top of this post is you. What a transformation! Surely worth a book…or two.
hi ken; thanks for the complement. it is hard to believe. 🙂 and well i will also talk about this in that memoir when its finished so maybe two or three books? 😉 thanks for reminding me, I hadn’t shared this post to Pinterest yet. take care, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Why did the blind blogger write a diet book?
As an author, I know how hard it is to write any kind of a book. And as for me, editing is a nightmare, why I need someone else to do it.
I am warning you now, writing the book was the easy part. Marketing and selling it will now be a challenge which is based on skills completely different than those you used writing the book.
If I can assist you in this endeavor, just ask.
Good luck.
Hi william; thanks for your kind offer. this is my second book, but that just shows how poorly of a job i did promoting the first one since it seems you haven’t heard of it. 🙂 yes promoting is a whole new world and requires skills foreign to a lot of creative types. I try to remember my carnival days and apply them to promoting a book or an online course. I am hoping that this book sells much better and that I can come to the attention of a traditional publisher for my memoir and later inspirational/motivational books. thanks for offering to help. I wil certainly be taking you up on it. warm regards, Max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Why did the blind blogger write a diet book?
Hello Maxwell Ivey,
Congrats for your 2nd book. It sound perfect
“It’s not the cookie It’s the bag”
Hope people get better results by going through your books and gain some useful tips on weight loss.
You are such a motivation for newbies like me and many more.
The way you have pushes yourself forward, through so much of sheer and determination.
Seems that you transformed yourself pretty well from your upcoming book.
Surely going to look forward for your book on 17th April.
All the best wishes for your new book.
Thank you for sharing among us.
Shantanu sinha
Hello; thanks for those kind words. I did visit your site but didn’t find any posts I could contribute to. after all this blind guy knows nothing about cars especially not muscle cars or luxury high performance ones like lamborgini. i do help people sell amusement rides some of which cost as much as these fine autos. I did follow you on twitter because I wanted to do something to show I appreciated your stopping by. I’m curious as to where and how you found me. 🙂 glad to meet you and looking forward to your growth. maybe someday you can get me an invite to go for a ride with you in one of those babies. I’ve never been faster than 75 miles per hour. 😉 and that was strictly as a passenger. the only time I’ve ever been behind the wheel I almost drove a van into the side of a ride called the sizzler. well the rest of the parking lot was empty and it was my birthday. and the guy who offered and was the instigator had had a few drinks. hoping my next birthday will go better. thanks again. good luck to you, Max
Congratulations on writing your second book. I always admire people who can write books. It seems like a huge task. Good luck with it. I have a feeling it will inspire many people. Thanks you for sharing.
Hi Sabrina; Thanks for your kind words and for connecting with me on twitter. I visited your site and thought your post on cruise packing was surprising. I mean there has to be other comprehensive lists for how to pack. At least that’s what I would have thought. Tried leaving a comment but you have a captcha that doesn’t offer an audio or non video option. As for writing the book its more about writing sentences, paragraphs, and chapters than it is about writing a book. Or as yota once said there is no big or small there just is. wonder why people remember his there is no try only do or do not so much better. wonder if I can get a poster of his thoughts about the size of a problem. thanks again. great to meet you my new friend. til next time, Max
Hi Max,
Many congratulations yet again 🙂
This time for your second book, and let me add, it’s one feat after the other for you – makes us so happy indeed!
I am already loving the title of the book and all that it contains, which would help many who are on a similar journey. I know Lorraine’s on one too, and so many of us would love to shed some weight as well! Yes, living a balanced and healthy lifestyle is the key, and of course if you lose weight and manage to keep it off, it’s worth sharing about it with others.
Looking forward to it’s launch, and I am sure it would be all set for your 50th birthday! Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a nice week ahead, and I hope you had a lovely Easter as well 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…7 Health Benefits Of Music That Can Transform Your Life
Hi Harleena; Thanks for your comments about the book. I can feel your passion and excitement come right through your words. Like everything else it is a balanced approach and it usually takes time. even with the surgery it was still two years before I got to my best weight. You know the old saying we didn’t put it all on in two weeks or 30 days so we can’t expect to take it off that quickly either. hope it does help a lot of people. thanks again. I had a good easter, and I am sure you enjoyed yours because you are one of the smart ones who is really enjoying the journey. have a great week, max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Why did the blind blogger write a diet book?
Hi Max
A second book! Congratulations.
Each time I come to your blog, I love to read your stories and know what is happening to you.
You always inspire me and I know others will feel the same way too. I love the title of your book. Thumbs up for the idea.
Looking forward to the launch. Trust everything will be well as Lorraine will make your launch awesome.
Thanks for sharing. Take care
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