Turn Perfectionism into Persistence and Unlock Your Publishing Success

Writing a book is filled with lessons, challenges, and triumphs. In an interview with "Telling Stories That Matter," Denise Brosseau, CEO of Thought Leadership Lab, shared her experiences from writing and publishing her book "Ready to Be a Thought Leader." Her insights offer prospective authors a candid look at what it takes to navigate the complex world of book writing and publishing.

One of the critical themes Denise discussed was the importance of collaboration and community. As she embarked on her book-writing journey, she didn't see the process as a daunting task to be tackled alone. Instead, she strategically leveraged the connections she had built over the years, reaching out to her network for support. This included everything from calling on clients nationwide to hosting events and trading free speaking engagements in exchange for book promotion. Her approach was not just about collaboration, but about strategic collaboration—each partnership was a step towards promoting her book and strengthening her relationships within the community.

"Fire your itty bitty shitty committee, glue yourself to your chair, and keep writing until you have a book you can be proud of."
— Denise Brosseau

Denise's ability to think creatively about how to promote her book was a game-changer. Without the backing of a traditional publisher's book tour, she had to take matters into her own hands. She combined her consulting work with book-related events, ensuring that every trip she took had multiple purposes. This efficient use of time and resources allowed her to maximize her reach while minimizing costs. By involving her clients, friends, and various organizations she was part of, Denise built momentum for her book in an organic and effective way.

Social media also played a significant role in Denise's promotional strategy. She didn't just use it as a tool for promotion, but as a means to connect with different audiences. While she didn't single out one platform as the most effective, she acknowledged that each had its unique value. Twitter, for example, connected her with influencers and opened doors to guest blogging and interviews. With its professional network, LinkedIn allowed her to reach a broad audience of colleagues and peers. Facebook, though more personal, was another avenue through which she could engage her community and promote her book launch events. Denise's approach to social media was holistic, understanding that each platform contributed to her success in a different way.

The highlight of Denise's book launch was an exhilarating, deeply personal experience. Returning to her beloved alma mater, Wellesley College, she stepped into the spotlight to give a talk and sign copies of her book, marking a moment of triumph and connection that she had long dreamed of. Walking into the college bookstore and seeing her book on the shelf next to Madeline Albright's was a moment of pure joy and validation. It was a reminder of how far she had come and the impact her work could have. This experience culminated in the hard work, persistence, and community support that had carried her through the book-writing journey.

Reflecting on her first book launch, Denise shared valuable lessons she would carry into future projects. One key takeaway was the importance of thinking big and being fearless in asking for help. Denise realized she could have been even more shameless in leveraging her connections, reaching out to everyone she knew to support her book. She also recognized the importance of prioritizing high-impact opportunities that could lead to significant sales or exposure over smaller, less strategic events.

Denise also touched on the importance of persistence, a trait that has been a defining characteristic throughout her entrepreneurial career. She described the resilience required to push through the countless 'no's' that come with any new venture. This persistence was not just a trait, but a crucial tool in overcoming her obstacles, from self-doubt to the challenges of working with a publisher. Despite the surprises and setbacks, Denise's determination to succeed was a beacon of hope, keeping her moving forward and inspiring others to do the same.

When asked about the biggest challenge in writing her book, Denise didn't hesitate: letting go of perfection. She admitted that pursuing a perfect book can be paralyzing, but ultimately, it's about knowing when your work is good enough and having the confidence to release it into the world. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who can provide honest feedback is crucial in this process.

Denise's experience with her publisher was another eye-opener. While she initially believed that a traditional publisher would take care of most of the marketing and promotional work, the reality was quite different. Much of the responsibility for promoting the book fell on her, requiring her to be proactive and resourceful. This experience taught her the importance of asking questions and being prepared for the unexpected, especially when working with a publisher for the first time.

As Denise looks to the future, she plans to approach her next book launch with even greater ambition. She recognizes the need to think more, targeting opportunities that can lead to widespread impact and significant sales. Her advice to other authors? Fire your "itty bitty shitty committee"—those nagging voices of doubt in your head—and glue yourself to your chair. The first draft may not be perfect, nor will the second, but with persistence, you'll eventually produce a book you can be proud of.