Question

Topic: Book Club

Writing A Book: Reference Tool And Contact Manual?

Posted by Anonymous on 10/16/2008 at 3:55 AM ET 200 Points
I am currently interested in knowing potential & current industry players that will assist me in writing a book. Right now I have been doing lots of research and noticed that there is currently few or none of the books written that are similar to the one I intend to write in the industry.

Example of a similar book is 'Africa Confidential Who's Who in Southern Africa'. To view a link: https://www.amazon.com/Africa-Confidential-Whos-Who-Southern/dp/063120542X/...

Now in a nutshell, please assist me in answering the following questions:

- What strategies can I deploy in compiling this kind of book?
- Resources that might be helpful.
- Potential revenue of this kind of material.

Thanks.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by saul.dobney on 10/16/2008 at 4:11 AM Accepted
    Start with lists. DnB lists of companies. Public records of directorships and company ownership. Then run through trade shows looking for speakers and exhibitors. That will be a start.

    Some people (eg who's who directories) make money by selling books, some by charging for inclusion, some for advertising revenue or use of the lists.

    My concern would be that on-line networking may be making these type of lists redundant.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 10/16/2008 at 8:43 AM Accepted
    Before you go much further, figure out if there's a market for your book:

    Using your example, what are the sales for the Who's Who book? (You may have to do a bit of research to uncover how profitable it is)

    Is the model of your book that businesses pay for inclusion and you distribute it for free? Or you include for free, and sell the book?

    Who would purchase the book? Why?

    Can people easily get the information that you're compiling online? If so, what makes your information more valuable?

    How often will you update the information?
  • Posted on 10/24/2008 at 6:00 AM Author
    Interesting comments from everyone.

    I just feel I need little bit of research.

    Thanks
  • Posted by Panos on 1/13/2010 at 7:25 AM Member
    I would suggest that you won't only focus on who will purchase the book but also all the other ways that this book will help you... having published something is usually helpful in your cv!
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