A Defining Moment
by Lois Stern

Has a simple conversation ever led to a defining moment? Let me tell you about mine, because it might just take you on a new writing journey.

I was an attendee at an Infinity publisher’s conference a little over a year ago. My book, "Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery" had recently been published. Five years in the making, I was ready for a little R & R—or so I envisioned. When each attendee was given the opportunity for a one-on-one mentoring session with one of the major presenters. I requested Jerry Simmons, but nearly regretted my choice when he uttered his first piece of advice: “Lois, it’s time to start on your second book.”

He took one look at my crestfallen face and uttered the very words that defined that new moment: “You know, you don’t have to write it all alone.” That was it. That simple statement planted a seed ready to germinate. By the time I returned home from that conference, that seed had already begun to take root.

I began to think back to my last book presentation, when a member of the audience asked if I could talk about some of the non-surgical paths to beauty. Great topic, but that wasn’t what my original book was about. Where to begin?

Here is what I decided: Listen to Jerry and write it, but don’t go it alone.

Let me outline the steps I took toward the completion of my second book: a compilation of chapters written by selected individuals—each a nationally recognized expert in a given field. Hopefully learning about the steps I took toward the compilation of this second book will inspire and guide other authors to try this format.

Step 1 - Developing a list of topics:

I listed twelve topics. Each topic became a separate chapter in my new book.

• Part 1: Lasers, fillers and dermal devices (3 chapters)
• Part 2: Your skin, teeth and hair (3 chapters)
• Part 3: Estheticians and spas (2 chapters)
• Part 4: The body beautiful (2 chapters)
• Part 5: Make-up Illusions (1 chapter)
• Part 6: Wrapping it up (1 chapter)

Step 2 - Locating and recruiting experts:

I had some good contacts from interviews I had conducted for three magazine articles I had previously written. Then I networked to fill in the gaps. When I called key organizations for recommendation, I did the following:

• Introduced myself and my credentials as an author/journalist
• Stated my mission (Writing a new book about. . ., felt it wouldn’t be complete without a chapter on . . .
• Stated my criteria for the expert I was seeking to write about . . .:
  Someone who was knowledgeable, highly respected in their field, and had a bit of personality. (I wanted chapters that would exude a sense of fun while imparting solid knowledge.)

Examples of organizations I contacted: ASCDAS (American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery), the ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). In most cases I was referred to either a former president of their association or a member of one of their key committees.

Step 3 - Recruitment process:

Phone call contact to:

1. Introduce myself and provide a few credentials
2. Explain mission of second book and the fact that I was seeking contributors to this work
3. State source of recommendation and how/why I particularly wanted this person to create a chapter (a little sincere flattery doesn’t hurt!)

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4. State what’s in it for them: i.e. recognition and promotion. I would interview each contributor and write up a two page introduction, including photograph, to appear at the beginning of each expert’s chapter.
5. KISS principle: Ease process by providing options: (One expert was happy to talk with me, but didn’t want to do the actual writing. We worked out an arrangement of a series of early morning phone interviews: He spoke while I listened, took notes and recorded our conversations. Using play back of the recording along with my notes, I wrote up a first draft of each session and e-mailed it back to use as a working model for our next session.

Note: the recruitment process was easier than one might imagine. Most readily agreed. Two ultimately backed out due to schedule overload.

Step 4 - Tending to legalities:

Developed a basic legal contract to:

1. Define the assigned topic, establish the fact that it is a contributory work
2. Protect me (and them) from possible future litigation: i.e rights of republication of any previously published material, permission from patients to include their before/after photographs and case histories, etc.

Step 5 - Deadline Madness:

This was the most difficult part of the process. Why? Each of these professionals was already on overload due to an extremely full schedule of professional responsibilities. I found it a delicate balance of friendly reminders, gentle prodding and firm requests.

Step 6 - Editing:

I assured each expert that although I would edit the chapters to improve clarity, organization and suggestions, I would not change anything without their express approval. I edited using a bold red font so that edits literally popped out off the page. (Edits included added words for clarification, altered phrasing - usually by consolidating but in some cases by requesting expansion or clarification of a thought.)

I used a strike through font for words I deleted.

Editing was a back and forth process until I felt near perfection from each chapter. (Is anything ever absolutely perfect?) I sent each expert their final chapter for one last look and received (and saved) their sign off of acceptance.

Step 7 - To Market, to market:

Well, I’m not quite there yet, but getting close. I have my proof copy in hand and "Tick Tock, Stop the Clock ~ Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour" will be published later this month. If you are interested in learning details about this panel of experts, you can take a peak at: www.ticktockstoptheclock.com

I hope this article serves as a source of inspiration for your own creativity, just as Jerry’s words did for me. Good luck with your next book!

		Lois W. Stern has written a number of nostalgia articles, including Grab a Pickle, Share a Memory, originally published in the New York Times. She has written feature articles for LI Beauty Guide, numerous articles on health and beauty posted at her website: www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com/ and is the author of: SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY. She is now on work on her second book.
Lois Stern

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