The Making Of A Design Book: An Inside Look At The Publishing World.
In this episode of the Slow Style home podcast, I take you behind the scenes of my journey in writing a design book. Despite my experience interviewing design book authors on my podcast, I knew very little about the editorial and publishing industry. Feeling burnt out from the podcast and desiring a new project, I decided to pursue my idea for a book based on my 'slow style' philosophy.
The journey was challenging; I hired a book proposal coach, navigated feedback from publishers and agents, and faced the hurdle of a low social media following. After overcoming many obstacles, including rebuilding my Instagram account from scratch due to hacking and negotiating photo usage rights with various photographers, I eventually signed with an agency and secured a book deal with Gibbs Smith.
The process of writing the book was both daunting and exhilarating. Now, I've completed the manuscript and photography, with the editing process up next. I’m also excited about my plans for an engaging book tour, aiming to create memorable, inspirational events for readers. My journey thus far has been educational and fulfilling, and I look forward to sharing more details as the project progresses.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Writing a book has been on my mind for years, yet I never fully grasped the realities of the process until I embarked on this journey myself. Many of you may know me from my podcast where I interview authors of design books, and I'm certainly no stranger to the polished final products. However, diving head first into the world of publishing, editorial, and pitching has been an eye-opening experience for me.
The Burnout and The Spark of an Idea
A few years ago, I was experiencing severe burnout from cranking out podcast episode after episode. I was deeply invested in ensuring that every interview delivered either inspiration or education to my listeners. This work consumes a lot of time and effort, and despite the help I get with social media and tech, I was still doing much of the heavy lifting on my own.
During this period, I contemplated stepping away from the podcast due to the relentless deadline pressure and the isolation of working alone. That’s when the idea of writing a book started to nag at me. Although writing a book wasn't initially on my bucket list, I felt a calling to encapsulate my Slow Style philosophy into a comprehensive framework. I realized that this idea could reinvigorate me and my work.
The First Steps: Realizing What I Didn’t Know
Embarking on the book project, I quickly learned how naïve I was about the publishing industry, especially about the editorial and pitching processes. I initially thought writing a book proposal would be straightforward; little did I know it was like crafting a thesis for graduate school.
I realized the importance of having a strong, clear vision early on, which I lacked initially. Reading up on how to write a book proposal and then actually doing it forced me to crystallize my ideas into a more tangible form. This process alone was immensely educational and rewarding, despite the challenges.
Overcoming Hurdles: Marketability and Social Media
The biggest hurdle I faced was proving marketability, especially given the significant role social media plays in modern publishing. Most of the authors I interviewed and knew had large followings, which made them attractive to publishers. My social media presence, however, was limited and further crippled when my Instagram account was hacked, wiping out over 7,000 followers.
Rebuilding my social media presence has been arduous. Nevertheless, I continued forward, holding onto the belief that the quality and uniqueness of my content would eventually speak for itself.
Finding the Right Support
After piecing together a book proposal, I sought the help of a book proposal coach, which extended my proposal development process to two years. I also learned the critical importance of literary agents. Through researching and reaching out to potential agents, I faced numerous rejections due to my limited social media following. The process was disheartening but also motivating, pushing me to improve my proposal and my overall approach.
Eventually, I connected with an agency excited about my book's concept and willing to overlook my social media numbers. Signing with Renaissance Agency was a turning point. They shared my passion and vision for the book, which bolstered my confidence.
Navigating the Financial Terrain
Finances were another significant challenge. Writing a book, especially one that includes numerous photographs, required a substantial investment. Upon securing a book deal, which involved a carefully negotiated advance, I discovered that the advance wouldn't cover all the expenses—especially photography costs.
I had to decide between hiring a photographer to travel with me to capture new photos or negotiating usage rights for existing photos from various designers and photographers' portfolios. I chose the latter to minimize costs but found that negotiating these rights was no small feat. I learned to communicate honestly and transparently about my budget limitations, and thankfully, many photographers were understanding and willing to negotiate fees.
The Importance of Organization and Deadlines
Organization became crucial as I juggled photos, designs, and correspondence with multiple designers and photographers. I had to create a structured process to ensure everything came together seamlessly to meet my publisher's deadlines. This structured approach not only kept the project on track but also alleviated some of the stress associated with such a complex endeavor.
Breaking the project down into more manageable parts made everything more feasible. Concentrating on a handful of designers rather than opening up my scope too widely helped maintain focus and quality. This step-by-step progression was invaluable in managing the workload and reducing the overwhelming nature of the project.
The Writing Process
Once the logistics were sorted out, I delved into the writing process, which turned out to be both gratifying and smooth. Writing the first half of the book flowed naturally; I enjoyed articulating my thoughts and illustrating them with carefully selected photographs. Writing gave me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences and teachings, which enriched the content of the book.
As the deadline loomed closer, I hired Erin Little, a talented photographer, to capture the essence of my home, supplementing the visuals with new inspiring images. This collaboration was key in adding a personal touch to the book.
Editing and Finalizing the Manuscript
With the manuscript and photographs submitted, the editing process began. Collaborating with my editor from Gibbs Smith, I started refining the content, ensuring clarity and coherence. This phase was particularly interesting as I learned more about the intricacies involved in laying out a book. The editing process was not only educational but also enhanced the final product significantly.
Preparing for Launch and Marketing the Book
As the book approached its final form, my focus shifted to marketing and planning an engaging book tour. Given my past experiences with burnout, I wanted this tour to be more than just book signings. I envisioned events in unique and inspiring locations that would provide attendees with an immersive experience, reinforcing the book's themes of creating meaningful and beautiful spaces.
Working with Austin Mill, a publicist with a wealth of experience in the design world, we're planning events in antique shops, furniture showrooms, stunning gardens, and even designers' homes. These events will not only promote the book but also foster a sense of community and shared inspiration among attendees.
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
The journey to write and publish my design book has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I've learned that clarity of vision, persistence, and seeking the right support are pivotal. Overcoming significant financial and marketing hurdles taught me the importance of transparent communication and the power of community support.
As I await the final production stages and prepare for the book's launch, I'm filled with optimism and pride. This project has been a labor of love, and I hope it resonates with readers, inspiring them to create their own beautiful, meaningful homes.
Thank you for following along on this journey with me. I look forward to sharing more updates and celebrating the book's release with all of you!
Until then, be well and go love your home.
