On this week's GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling celebrates the release of Active Grandparenting: A Guide to Modern Family Dynamics, Healthier Habits, and Functional Fitness with her friend and co-author Kristen Coffield. Special guests, who were part of our book's team, also joined the conversation: literary agent Paul Levine; Becca Stewart, Eyely Designs; and Tony Forde, publicity manager, Skyhorse Publishing, throughout the hour. They talk about traditional publishing, the submission and production process, what it takes to sell a book, and how Active Grandparenting came together. The Active Grandparenting BackstoryDeb first met Kristen a few years ago, through their friend Viveka von Rosen, when she wrote a story on each of them for Women's World. After Deb started writing for Third Act magazine, she reached out to Kristen for an interview. Then, asked where Kristen's book was; Kristen suggested they write the proposal and eventually the book together. Deb's initial response was no, but Kristen persisted, and here we are!Kristen shares the story behind the Active Grandparenting movement - how her viral reel on Instagram a few years ago led to this niche, and the need for her to share this important info on active aging. The book combines modern family dynamics with information on hydration, sleep, fitness, and healthy eating with a mini-cookbook at the endTheir agent, Paul Levine, talks about what makes a nonfiction book proposal stand out and why you need to make your case on the page.He sold the book in an exclusive submission to Skyhorse Publishing last fall; they got their "yes" in less than a month and the book release in about a year!Behind the ScenesA book takes more than an author, an idea, and a compelling book proposal - with targeted comparable titles and a hole you are filling in the marketplace, thank you, Paul - but that's how it starts.Becca has worked with Kristen for ten years, helping build her brand, website, social media, and digital presence. She also created illustrations for the book.Tony came onto the team, after the book's completion, as that's when the "publicity machine" starts. He talked about how marketing is not just a creative opportunity, it helps connect a book with readers - and why launch day is only the beginning.Want to Achieve Author Goals?Make your case. Show what makes your idea different, who it's for, and why readers will want itBuild your soapbox. Share what you know, grow your audience, and give people a reason to pay attention.Find your team. You don't need to do everything yourself. The right agent, publisher, and creative partners can help you take your idea further.Final ThoughtsPaul: Write proposals for books that are sellable. I don't want your complete manuscript. I want three sample chapters and your proposal. And those sample chapters don't necessarily have to be chapters 1, 2, and 3; they can be chapters 2, 7, and 19. It's so that I can show the editor that not only can my author write a good book proposal, but you can write the book as well.Becca: Build the things; start now, even if and when you don't know how it will end up.Tony: Advocate for yourself and your projects. There's an old saying in the public speaking world, where if you're giving a presentation, there's three rules: Tell people what you are going to tell them, tell them, and tell them that you told them.Kristen and Deb: Thanks to Paul, Becca, Tony, and everyone at Skyhorse, who helped bring Active Grandparenting to life.Learn More AboutActive Grandparenting: https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510787230/active-grandparenting-101/ Kristen Coffield: https://www.activegrandparenting.comPaul Levine: https://www.paullevinelit.comBecca Stewart: https://www.eyelydesign.com Tony Forde: https://skyhorsepublishing.com Debra Eckerling: https://TheBookProposalExpert.com https://TheDEBMethod.com/blog Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
