The Power of Community in Writing and Publishing

Writing a book is often romanticized as a solitary endeavor, but the reality was quite different for Denise Brosseau, CEO of Thought Leadership Lab. In an interview with "Telling Stories That Matter," Denise opened up about her journey in writing and publishing her book, "Ready to Be a Thought Leader," shedding light on the importance of community, the challenges of dealing with self-doubt, and the surprising twists that come with working with a traditional publisher. Her insights are invaluable for prospective authors navigating the complex book writing and publishing world.

One of Denise's most profound lessons was the importance of not going it alone. Writing a book is a monumental task, and Denise quickly realized that having a supportive network was essential to her success. Her mother unexpectedly became her most significant ally throughout the process. As a content editor and research assistant, Denise's mom reviewed every draft, offering invaluable feedback on grammar, structure, and content. This partnership not only strengthened their relationship but also made the daunting task of writing a book feel more manageable. It's a testament to the power of community and shared goals in achieving success.

"Writing a book is a monumental task, and having a supportive network is essential to your success."
— Denise Brosseau

The support extended far beyond that of her initial circle. Denise was also part of a mastermind group with two other authors and speakers and played an indispensable role in offering encouragement and constructive feedback. Although living in different states, these women were a constant source of motivation and guidance. Denise also relied heavily on one of her best friends, who acted as a content editor, helping her trim down the manuscript when it exceeded the word count. This friend's ruthless editing ensured that the book remained concise and impactful.

Denise also emphasized the role of her acquisitions editor, who, although she left the publisher before the book was finished, provided a clear vision and direction in the early stages of the project. This editor's guidance was pivotal in transforming the book into a cohesive and marketable product, offering the kind of expert direction invaluable in the writing process. Her insights helped Denise refine her ideas and ensured that the narrative flowed seamlessly and resonated with the intended audience. This experience underscores the importance of professional guidance in navigating the complexities of book development. It highlights how crucial it is to have someone who can see the bigger picture and effectively steer the project toward success. Additionally, Denise was grateful for the numerous readers and community members who offered their support by reading drafts, hosting events, and promoting her book.

One of the more humorous and relatable moments in the interview was Denise's discussion of the "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee" (IBSC)—a term coined by one of her clients to describe the negative voices in our heads that often hold us back. These voices, Denise explained, tend to wake up later in the day, so one way to outsmart them is to write early in the morning before they've had their coffee. This strategy, shared with her by fellow author Chip Conley, helped Denise stay productive during the writing process.

However, Denise's journey wasn't without its challenges. She candidly shared how receiving her book contract, a moment that should have been filled with joy, instead triggered a paralyzing fear. For six weeks, she avoided writing, choosing instead to binge-watch The West Wing as a way to cope with her anxiety. It wasn't until her friends intervened that she could break free from this fear and return to work. Denise realized that her perfectionism had set an impossibly high bar for herself, making the task seem insurmountable. Only when a friend reminded her that she had a contractual obligation to fulfill could she push through and complete the manuscript. This is a testament to the power of a supportive network in overcoming challenges.

Denise's experience with her publisher was also a revealing one. She initially believed that partnering with a traditional publisher would come with extensive marketing and promotional support, expecting a robust team to help propel her book into the spotlight. However, the reality was far less glamorous than she had imagined. Instead of the comprehensive backing she hoped for, she found that much of the promotional work still fell on her shoulders, challenging her to leverage her resources and network to ensure the book's success. Her publisher's limited resources meant much of the promotional work fell on Denise's shoulders. From securing media coverage to organizing book events, Denise had to rely heavily on her network and resources to ensure the success of her book. Despite the challenges, there were some benefits to working with a traditional publisher, such as a successful Amazon promotion that significantly boosted her book sales.

Looking back, Denise reflects on the changing landscape of publishing. While she valued the credibility of having a traditional publisher, she acknowledges that the publishing world has evolved, and self-publishing has become a more viable option for many authors. The decision to go with a traditional publisher or self-publish ultimately depends on the author's goals and the nature of their book.

Denise's journey underscores the importance of having a solid network and a resilient mindset when writing and publishing a book. Her Rolodex, filled with contacts from various communities, proved invaluable, providing everything from technical support to event hosting. As she advises prospective authors, the key to success lies in building and nurturing a supportive community because, as she learned, you can't do it all alone.