JustWrite

Sample International Standard Book Number
Credit: The International ISBN Agency

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on my book title. I appreciate all of your comments. I particularly valued the comments from my brother Kevin and really took them to heart. My Mom, husband and a few others close to me also echoed Kevin’s sentiments, which means a lot to me and, perhaps, voiced what I was too uncertain to say myself.

After much deliberation and agnozing (and a few tears) over this subtitle dilemma, I have decided to apply the KISS (keep it simple, sweetie!) Principle and to forgo a subtitle. After some research at my local Black Bond Books — which I have been frequenting regularly to study book covers, titles and other critical elements of books – and searching on Amazon, I discovered many autobiographies and biographies, such as:

• Christy Brown’s My Left Foot
• Michael J. Fox’s Lucky Man: A Memoir
• Kirk Douglas’ My Stroke of Luck
• Aron Ralston’s Between a Rock and a Hard Place

do not have subtitles. So, why do I need one?

With that all said, I have decided to go with I’ll Do It Myself. I realize some may initially think it is a home renovation guide, but this is where marketing will come into play to ensure my gutsy, determined, independent, stubborn, persevering nature comes shining through. And, the fact that the book is in the “Autobiography & Biography” section may provide some clue that it is not about home repairs.

This phrase is one I have uttered in my Glenda-ish many times during my life; actually, it is one phrase that comes out fairly clearly. And I think that is what Kevin meant about the suggested subtitles not being something I would say. I would say, “I’ll do it myself,” though. In fact, I was even nicknamed the “I’ll-do-it-myself” girl at one point.

I am feeling good about this decision. Yes, I’ll Do It Myself is my final answer because…I applied for my ISBN (International Standard Book Number) tonight! Actually, I applied for four: one for hardcover, paperback, large print and audio. I wanted to be sure I had all the alternative formats covered. I should have my ISBNs in five to ten business days!

Interesting ISBN trivia:

• “The question of the need for and feasibility of an international numbering system for books was first discussed at the Third International Conference on Book Market Research and Rationalisation in the Book Trade, held in November 1966 in Berlin” (From: ISBN Users’ Manual). Sounds like November 1966 was good month for new beginnings!
• Recognized in more than 160 countries throughout the world, the ISBN is an essential instrument in production, distribution, sales analysis, and bibliographic data storage systems in the book trade, and is also of vital importance to library information management.
• ISBNs are currently 10 digits. Because of the need to increase capacity of the ISBN System, they will increase to 13 digits, effective January 1, 2007. On my last research trip to Black Bond Books, I noticed a few newly released books had two ISBNs: one 10-digit and one 13-digit. Interesting. I don’t think I would have noticed that detail had I been publishing with Random House rather than with Author House.
• Among other information, the ISBN indicates the country, region, publisher, language and publication.

I actually did a university paper on Canadian ISBNs for a publishing course. It was interesting to pick out trends in Canadian publishing, based solely on these numbers. And now Soaring Eagle Communications will be one of these publishers. So exciting!

Watch for further information on I’ll Do It Myself (Soaring Eagle Communications, 2006) and be sure to sign up to receive book excerpts - also available as podcasts.

Tags: writing, books, publishing, autobiography, cerebral palsy

My left thumb, my typing thumb, is doing the happy dance - my manuscript is now with the editor! Yippee-yahooey! However, the work for my autobiography is nowhere near being finished. I now need to apply for my International Standard Book Number (ISBN), which will make my book a real book; apply for Cataloguing in Publication, which enables the cataloguing of books before they are published, and the prompt distribution of this cataloging information to booksellers and libraries; and find a local printer so that I have actual books on hand for the book launch on November 4th. I beginning to realize writing the darn thing was the easy part!

Before I can do all this, I need to decide upon the final title. Although “I’ll Do It Myself” is definitely the main title, I’m still undecided on the subtlitle. Nancy Cleary from Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, a contributor to the Mega Marketing Makeover, and I have been brainstorming a few ideas:

1. I’ll Do It Myself: A Collection of Memories from a Woman Living with Cerebral
   Palsy (This has been my working title.)
2. I’ll Do It Myself: An Autobiography of a Woman Living with Cerebral Palsy
3. I’ll Do it Myself: A Triumphant Memoir of a Successful Life with Cerebral
   Palsy
4. I’ll Do it Myself: A Triumphant Memoir from a Woman Conquering Cerebral
   Palsy
5. I’ll Do it Myself: A Triumphant Memoir from a Woman Succeeding Despite her
   Cerebral Palsy
6. I’ll Do It Myself: A Triumphant Memoir from a Successful Woman Despite Living
   with Cerebral Palsy
7. I’ll Do it Myself: Cerebral Palsy Won’t Stop Me
   An Autobiography by Glenda Watson Hyatt
8. I’ll Do it Myself: Cerebral Palsy, Schmallsy - One Woman’s Inspiring Story
   (simply having fun here!)
9. I’ll Do it Myself: Cerebral Palsy Can Kiss My Ass (Definitely not for my
   book title, but I can see it as a title for a podcast series. I love it -
   definitely is ballsy!)

I realize the title needs to be attention-grabbing, but I really do want to avoid the “gag me with a spoon” sentiment. A few of the ideas above are very close to that line. What do you think? Any other ideas?

Update (Aug. 26/06): Yesterday I received a rare email from my brother Kevin on this subject, which means a lot to me. It is too good not to share. I hope you don’t mind, Kev:

Hiya sis!!!

A subtitle huh. Kinda funny that a chick that has overcome so much in life,
gets stumped by a subtitle. #7 seems to be the popular choice, and I would
agree it is the best out of the list. However, it really doesn’t portray
you…too politically correct.

First thing that came to me when I started reading the suggestions was,
“That’s not how she would say it”. Anyone taking the time to listen would
likely hear you say something like:
“Don’t tell me what I can’t do.”
Or
“Yes I can”…maybe with a colorful metaphor after it, like Turkey.

Isn’t the title supposed to convey a bit of the book? Well, attitude would
be what got you where you are, so show it.

“They said ‘You can’t', and I proved em wrong.” (Over, and over, and
over…)

” ‘Yes, I can’ - the key to an extraordinary life”
“Turning shit into gold - the story of my life”

Personal opinion, #7 is the best out of the choices you have given. But
they all sound like clipart, template style choices. You see them all over
bookstores. You’ve never been one to do things the way everyone else does,
why start now. Do what you’ve always done and break the mold. Grab em by
the short hairs and don’t let go till they’ve finished the book.

Kevin is so right. Most of these titles aren’t what I would say, except for “I’ll do it myself”, which I’ve said many a times. Although #7 is good, is there something better? Something with cheeky attitude? Something that reflects gutsy determination, stubbornness and perseverence? Ugh, clever titles have never been my strongest suit. Any more suggestions?

Update (Aug. 27/06): Wow, I have been dreaming about writing this book since I was ten – I didn’t imagine getting this bogged down the title! At the moment, I’m wondering if a subtitle is really necessary. These titles come to mind:

• Christy Brown’s My Left Foot
• Michael J. Fox’s Lucky Man: A Memoir
• Kirk Douglas’ My Stroke of Luck
• Aron Ralston’s Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Currently, I’m thinking of going with I’ll Do It Myself. Period. Does that title reflect my gutsy, determined, independent, stubborn, persevering nature? Stay tuned! This is subject to change, again.

Tags: writing, books, publishing, autobiography, cerebral palsy

And, finally, here is the third part of the Marketing Makeover winnings:

Phase III: Keep the Momentum Going

1. Joan Stewart ~~ one half hour of consulting and 3 free special reports of my choice. Apparently, here’s where I can start building my offline, traditional publicity strategy. Joan is the expert for that.
2. Dan Janal ~~ PR Leads package. I’ll receive three months free of media leads that I can send to my media page, once the media page is built. Hopefully if I build it, they will come!
3. Susan Harrow ~~ Women’s Supersaver Bundle (CD and transcripts) plus “Get a 6-Figure Book Advance”. I have already received this prize and have read through much of Susan’s book. Very interesting stuff! Once my autobiography is safely nestled in its rightful place in the Library of Canada, preserved as Canadian heritage for future generations, then I’ll kick ass to find a foreign publisher and, hopefully, a six-figure book advance. Can you say “retirement fund”?!
4. Wayne Kelly ~~ 30 Days to Radio Success Class plus coaching session. This should be interesting, given my Glenda-ish. But if this non-verbal red-head can podcast, why not radio?! Wayne says he is up for the challenge!
5. Marc Harty ~~ PR Traffic package. This is a info product that teaches me a system for optimizing press releases for better search engine ranking. Apparently good for when I’m ready to connect with traditional media and will bring in more general traffic. I will need my media room in place for this.
6. Milana Leshinsky ~~ Licensing Revenue Secrets. According to Suzanne, this package is “when you’re ready to develop a workshop based on your book, here’s the product that will help you license it and get it out to all kinds of people who become your representatives in the marketplace.” I’m not sure how this will pan out. I’ll keep you posted.

Obviously, it is a fairly intensive makeover package, worth over $12,000, for which I would like to thank all of the contributors. I look forward to connecting with all of you.

This is an awesome opportunity and I can only imagine where it may take me. It could really launch my book into orbit! I’m looking forward to diving into all these goodies. My first session with Suzanne is in a few minutes. My session in “Get Known Now”. Stay tuned…

Tags: Marketing experts, marketing strategies, marketing tips

Continuing with the list of prizes from the Mega Marketing Makeover, here is the second part.

Part II: Online & Offline Publicity

1. Andrea Lee’s Multiple Streams of Coaching Income ~~ Pink Spoon Marketing Binder.
2. Andy Wibbels ~~ Instant access to Business Blog Basics, Easy Bake Weblogs and RSS Essentials plus a consultation with Andy on a blogging strategy as part of the marketing makeover. I’m really eager to get my new blog set up, so that I can dive into Andy’s courses and Go Blogwild! For me, in my situation, I think blogging will be a key strategy in building my platform, and subsequently, creating interest in my book.
3. Claire Communications : Newsletter Package (Value $250) This is great for setting up your ezine and beginning to build your list.
4. Travis Greenlee ~~ One VIP seat in the Industry Leading Virtual Practice Builder. Apparently, this is an excellent program that will help me develop more traffic to blog and site, which definitely woul be good. Rumour has it his techniques are different and generate a lot of excitement.
5. Michael Port ~~ One month of coaching (3 - 30 minute sessions). The focus here will be on booking my practice solid, attracting clients. I guess this will first entail creating a practice so that I have one to book solid. Stay tuned for details!
6. David Wood ~~ Explode Your Coaching Practice Online audio set. Apparently more general good stuff on building traffic, and expanding reach that can be applied to practices or regular businesses.

Tags: Online publicity, offline publicity, getting national publicity