The Power of Words: Encouragement from a Published Author

In our last post, I mentioned that a few simple words can have a significant impact on the life of another. Well, if two sentences from a respected national journalist could make our day, this next exchange was sure to warm the cockles of our hearts.

I recalled a journalist, author, and lawyer who I contacted a few years ago; motivated by a stunningly thought-provoking article in my hometown's local paper about the 2008 sub-prime mortgage crisis. I had never previously contacted a journalist, but was so moved by his piece which chastised the federal government for its role in the housing market crash, that I had to thank him.

I quickly received a reply in which the journalist thanked me for my email as well as complimented me for giving him hope for young Americans. We exchanged a few more emails and, ultimately, my first correspondence was published in the next issue of the paper. Pretty cool.

Flash forward to today: I remembered how pleasant our first discussion was and felt that he'd be a great person to run our project by.

Hi there ____,

Not sure if you remember me, but I wrote you a year back or so in response to your poignant piece on the subprime mortgage crisis. I am originally from Mequon, now living in San Diego and in need of your advice.

My brother and I recently completed a book called, America's Youth vs. Big Government: the battle for the fate of a nation, which is targeting the young generation to stand up and take action against an imposing federal government and entitlement liabilities handed down to us from our parents. Sadly, we are having a hard time landing an agent. As you probably know, the book industry is heavily dominated by the liberal elite and despite responses that our project is a "strong" one, it does not match up with their political ideologies. Hey, at least they're honest.

I am contacting you to see if you could provide us with any words of encouragement, advice, or potential contacts as we continue to seek to publish our book. We believe our message is a strong one and that our unique story should be told. Any help would be highly appreciated.

Laying in bed the next morning, I was delighted to see such a wonderful response!

Steve, Tim:

What an absolutely refreshing email to receive in the middle of a busy day! While I do not remember our earlier exchange, I am certain it was enjoyable. I think you have an absolute winner here with your book. Not only is it the right topic and the right time, but it is written from a fresh perspective. The fact that you are as young as you are and have taken the initiative to write a book of this nature actually gives me hope for the future of our country.

I agree with just about everything you wrote in your email. I might take you to task on the notion of "giving up support for all parties". The real failure of the Bush administration - beyond simple fiscal irresponsibility - was the fact that it left young American freedom fighters such as yourself (I'm just an American freedom fighter) with no place to turn to for answers. I've taken the liberty of copying my reply to a good friend and former Congressional candidate, ____, with whom I am writing a book. I know he would be very eager to see your email below. ____, however, might disagree with me on this, but I do NOT feel that political abdication or even seeking out a third party (we have enough of those) is the answer. The answer must be found in bringing the roots of the Tea Party movement (for lack of a better term, back to the Republican Party, and continually pounding home the virtues of individual responsibility, smaller government, lower taxes, free enterprise, competition, and traditional values. I would eagerly order my advance copy of your book and I'm sure I would recommend it to dozens of my colleagues.

So much for the encouragement. As for advice, I have written three well-selling legal treatises published with a large Law publisher in New York and one commercial fiction thriller which tantalized me on Amazon.com for a month but is little more than a footnote on my resume now. My experience in the non-legal, non-fiction market is nil, but as I said, both ___ and I are about to cross that bridge. ___ has just been published with a non-secular non-fiction book and may have some thoughts, but all I can say is it will take a dogged determination, thick skin, and the total and unwavering inability to accept "no" as an answer. Get a copy of a list of publishing houses and select 50 with whom you think this book might be in their market niche. Determine what each publishing house wants to see - chapter summaries, outline, three sample chapters, or an entire manuscript - in order to review it. The truth is, many houses won't even read it. Rinse and repeat.

Continue sending out feelers like the email you sent me, but reacher a littler higher. Contact Newt Gingrinch, Glenn Beck, and other highly visible conservatives and appeal to them the same way you appealed to me. Door after door will be shut in your face and then, one day, it will happen. But timing is key with your book. It's contents may be stale after 2012, so getting your idea in front of people as quickly as possible is key.

I hate to sound condescencing, but I'm very proud of you guys. You've made my day with your email and your project. In the words of Winston Churchill (or was it Tim Allen in Galaxy Quest),"Never, never, Never give up."

If there is anything I can do to be of help, please let me know. I'll send a copy of this email and yours to the editor.

Now if that doesn't make you feel good, then your heart must be made of stone. Not only did he think we had a pertinent project, but he continued with words of encouragement, advice, and even passed our query onto various contacts. He didn't have to do any of that, but is obviously a class above everyone else.

It was difficult for me to post his response, because it was obviously personal and intended for us. Of course, though, when you receive something of this magnitude, you want the world to know. His words of encouragement, alone, are worth sharing to prospective authors. I removed his name as well as any other personal information and hope he forgives me if he comes across this blog.

I also hope he understands that when times get rough throughout this process, it will be this email that I refer to for motivation to keep on truckin'. The word 'thanks' doesn't do this situation justice, but it will have to do.