Promotion, Life/Career Change

[The Dali Lama]

Texas

I am in the DFW area and I would like to publicize my story (inspirational life change, million little pieces type thing but true and with a lot of intriguing details that I must let out) and hopefully launch a career as a motivational speaker, author, other type of public leader. I am taking a risk by doing this, and I would like to get some legal advice before I make a move. I want to help people solve similar problems and I know I have the story, personality, common sense, education, and drive. I would also like to make money at this and keep from getting into trouble. That's where your advice comes in.

Is there a specific type of attorney I should be looking for? Are there attorneys that also act as managers? Do I just need a manager?

Any advice is welcomed, but don't lecture me about my chances of career change and financial success. I am going to get my story out one way or another. It's part of the the story itself.

Thanks in advance for your help. BT

 

[cyjeff]

For the book, I recommend you work with a publisher and/or a copyright attorney.

Get a manager for your speaking tour... there are several outfits out there that provide these services.

I won't tell you anything about your story, I haven't heard it. I will say that this is a very tough economy for a motivational speaker. I know folks that are excellent speakers with a long list of appearances that are thinking about getting a part time job.

 

[quincy]

I agree with cyjeff that your first step should be to find a publisher for your book - and this means that you must write a book.

Many publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts and will only accept manuscripts submitted through a literary agent. Reputable publishers will review your work, verify facts, request and often require releases from those individuals or entities identified or identifiable in your book, and will try to ensure that the book's publication does not result in a lawsuit (invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, defamation, etc) through careful editing.

It is when you have a book that has been published and publicized and received well, that you will have the best basis for making money at being a motivational speaker. For that, as cyjeff noted, having a manager can help.

Good luck.

 

[cyjeff]

I agree with cyjeff that your first step should be to find a publisher for your book - and this means that you must write a book.

Many publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts and will only accept manuscripts submitted through a literary agent. Reputable publishers will review your work, verify facts, request and often require releases from those individuals or entities identified or identifiable in your book, and will try to ensure that the book's publication does not result in a lawsuit (invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, defamation, etc) through careful editing.

It is when you have a book that has been published and publicized and received well, that you will have the best basis for making money at being a motivational speaker. For that, as cyjeff noted, having a manager can help.

Good luck.

Good call on the literary agent. While self publishing is the new fad, the tried and true ways are really best.

 

[The Dali Lama]

Thank you both for the thoughtful advice. I am aware that the most important part is to write a marketable book, and I am currently working on that. I will continue to research publishing options and any additional thoughts on how to go about this are welcome.

As I said, I am taking a significant personal risk by doing this. Some of the story involves a legal "gray area, " and I want to protect myself and my family. Should I speak to an attorney to cover myself before contacting publishers and/or a literary agent? Are communications made between myself and the publisher/literary agent confidential (no one is in danger, so there's no need to report anything to authorities, but I would feel better knowing that these entities are bound by some type of confidentiality.)

Thanks again!
BT

 

[ecmst12]

An agent is not a lawyer and your conversations are not privileged.

You seem to be putting the cart before the horse. How can you inspire people by your career change to become a successful author until you've become a successful author? I hope you haven't quit your day job yet.

 

[quincy]

For any legally gray areas, you are best off speaking with an attorney well-versed in publishing law. Many large publishing houses have attorneys on staff.

An attorney can advise you on how best to write the truth of your story while avoiding as much as possible defamation and invasion of privacy issues, the two areas of law in non-fiction publishing that give rise to the most, and most costly, lawsuits.

But, again, as has been noted, you first need to write your book, or at least have a good first draft. Once you have written out your story, the attorney can review it for problematic areas and you can revise and edit based on the attorney's advice, or you can have your publisher edit the content.

If you go the self-publishing route, where you pay a publishing company to print up your book leaving you to market and distribute the copies yourself (as opposed to having a publishing house pay you an advance and then publish, market and distribute your book for you) then I definitely advise that you consult with an attorney.

In addition, any self-publishing company should be investigated carefully prior to turning over your manuscript and your money to them. Not all self-publishing companies are created equal . Not all will have editors either (or good ones at any rate) and if editing is offered, the editing can be a costly addition to the printing of your book. If you self-publish, you would also be wise to carry insurance enough to cover the cost of any lawsuit that may arise from your book's content.

Large publishing houses and self-publishing companies are not your only options when you are shopping your manuscript. You can also check out small publishing houses, which operate like large ones but on a smaller scale or with a concentration in one area (for instance, history books or picture books for children).

As a note on your earlier mentioned "A Million Little Pieces:"
Publishing houses are a bit more cautious now with memoirs and true stories after Random House's experience with the James Frey book. If you are intending your book to be a true story of your life, you must not fabricate any of it or it may be labeled and marketed as fiction. The Frey book was not only an embarassment for Random House, which had described the book as "brutally honest," it also resulted in a legal settlement with readers who felt duped by the"true story" claims. With proof of purchase of the book, readers were given refunds by Random House. The book also spawned several parodies, from South Park to a book titled "A Million Little Lies."

 

[The Dali Lama]

I understand the sentiment that I may be getting a little ahead of myself, but I generally begin an important task by researching the big picture stuff and determining an initial course of action. Right now I am lucky enough to have my horses pushing the cart, and I am thankful for that.

Edited to add: I am fairly successful, about as middle class,as you can get, and as secure in my continued employment as one can be in these times. I won't be quitting my job until I am making money to replace my current income.

I do not intend to include or make up false information or details, so no worries there. I am interested in marketing my story, but part of my intent is to make people aware of the nature of the problem I have faced, and to provide something that others in my boat can relate to and possibly learn from.


Quincy, that was exactly the type of information I was looking for. Thanks to you and others that have helped with this matter! If I am successful, and time will tell, I will be sure to get you copies of the book! BT

 

[quincy]

An autographed copy, I hope.

Good luck with your career change - I hope it is a successful one for you.