INDIE JOURNEY : Bad Boss to Boss Book - My choice to Self-Publish

Bad Boss to Boss Book - My choice to Self-Publish

My author journey began with my job and the need to find a solution to a common problem - bad boss behavior. My first real HR job was a transition out of the business and recruiting arena. As a Generalist, I was ready to tackle organizational issues, build valuable programs, and flourish in a new career. Little did I know what I was in for.

When I first met the executive I would support, I came ready. I prepared for weeks going over organization charts, earnings, legacy - pretty much anything that helped me make a great impression. Arriving at his office, he motioned to me to take a seat. He didn't say a word for five minutes while I sat there. Suddenly he burst out with how he didn't care for HR folks and that he would call the shots. I was stunned. I didn't know what to do. Before I could react, his phone rang. A minute in, it was clear he was speaking to a friend. Rather than call the friend back, he motioned to me again - this time to leave. I couldn't believe it and naturally I was shattered. The next six months after was hell, and I was forced to figure out how to work with this personality type.

Over time I was able to make some progress with the guy. I focused on how to create an opportunity from the situation. I was HR after all - I had to coach people on how to deal with conflict! Eventually I did and honed my methods working with others. Several people I coached as well as peers encouraged me to write a book and Tangling with Tyrants was born.

A local professional group sponsored a publishers panel. I networked with the panelists and one major publisher stood out as the best prospect. We got to the negotiation stage and that's when things became difficult. I remember the conversation clearly.

First I asked about rights. They responded that print and digital rights were theirs which meant I would have to ask them permission to do anything.

Second I asked about marketing. They responded by asking about my "platform." What do you mean by platform (I asked)? They said - what is your base of people to sell to? And ideally we want to see 5K books sold in the first 90 days to continue driving the book.

The takeaway was - I wouldn't own my work and they wouldn't do much in marketing. I would do all the heavy lifting and make $1 a book in royalties. No way! After that meeting I knew I would self-publish.

In retrospect, given the tremendous amount of work I had to do with ISBNs, designing the covers, layout, font - basically every single detail, plus the marketing, all while working fulltime, I'm still a bit mixed on the whole traditional publishing route. On the other hand, I've learned so much, I control all aspects of the book promotion, and I can leverage the book into future endeavors.