For three years, I prepared my narrative non-fiction book Prepare for Landing: Guiding Principles for Intercultural Leadership (in German language) before I even began writing it. The actual writing then took “only” six months.
The path to publication was exciting. Even more exciting, however, was everything I learned along the way about book marketing.
That was the topic of my contribution last weekend at the Conference on Leadership and Organizational Culture in Berlin. The event was organized by Hanjörg Beger for alumni of the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes). Even in its eleventh edition, it was once again fully booked, a place where theory and practice come together in an unusually enriching way.
During my discussion session, I spoke about my experiences as a non-fiction author: working with publishers, attending book fairs, engaging with booksellers, understanding bestseller lists, getting readings organized, celebrating book launches, and navigating the many small and large decisions that accompany a book on its journey.
My most important insight after four years:
There was no master plan. Things evolved. I never had a detailed four-year strategy. What I did have, however, was a strategic approach.
What proved particularly valuable was:
- Building reach, including but not limited to LinkedIn.
- Nurturing and developing communities.
- Remaining curious about marketing and sales.
- Writing because it brings joy.
- Staying open to new paths and new goals.
Looking back, the book project has been, and continues to be, a learning journey about visibility, relationships, perseverance, and the question of how ideas find their way to people.
Now I would be interested in hearing about your experiences: What have you learned when bringing a book, a project, or an idea into the world? What surprised you most along the way?
And if you have any questions about my journey from idea to published book, please feel free to get in touch.
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I am Bernd Scharbert. I support and advise leaders on questions of intercultural and inclusive leadership. I am the author of Prepare for Landing: Leitlinien für interkulturelle Führung. The book is available through bookstores everywhere in Germany and online via Barbara Budrich Publishers.
#Prepare4Landing #LeadershipInBalance @Budrich Inspirited
