Gary Barnes is a business coach and speaker who I met this year after I did a “traction call” with him. (As an aside, I highly recommend doing a traction call, if you’re feeling stuck in your business!) Later, I had the opportunity to lay out the interior of his book.
Even after talking to Gary many times, I still didn’t know his story, which he recounts in his book Into the Night. (One of the great side benefits of what I do is that I get to read the books I lay out.) The book describes Gary’s journey in order to inspire and encourage other people to take action when they face life’s challenges. Here are Gary’s answers to my questions.
Why did you want to write and/or publish a book? How did you know it was the right time?
I had thought about writing a book for many years, but the thought of writing a book was daunting. As a speaker though I knew I needed to have products for my audience to take a piece of me home with them. A book seemed like a great place to start.
How long did it take?
Since it’s a personal story the experience has taken almost 23 years. The book covers have been done for over two years, but it only took me six days to complete the rough draft of the book.
How did you opt to publish and why?
I chose to self publish because I wanted to maintain control of my work. I also knew that once a publisher was no longer excited about the book it would get very little PR. I also wanted to maintain a high percentage of profit in the sales of the book.
What challenges did you face?
I’m truly a speaker who has had to become a writer. One of the side effects of the multiple sclerosis is that I have very little feelings and my fingers and have never taken a typing class. I discovered voice-actuated software that allowed me to complete my book. I also faced the feelings of why would somebody be even interested in reading my story.
How did you decide on a topic?
I had three books on the drawing board and Into the Night was to be the third book. Every time that I started to work on the other books I got stalled. When I switched to write Into the Night I was able to complete it in six days.
What resources did you use and how were they beneficial?
There were two main resources that I use to complete my book. The first was voice recognition software called Dragon Naturally Speaking. The second was using Susan Daffron as my coordinator of my book as well as the person who laid out the design of the book.
What were the results of your efforts?
Even though it only has been a couple of months since the book was released it has become a magnet to new clients. I feel like it has become my business card.
What would you do differently next time?
Get it done sooner!
About Gary (The Official Bio)
Gary Barnes is the Premier Global Business and Sales Coach, also known as “The Traction Coach.” He’s an author, international speaker and founder of Gary Barnes International. Gary believes that anyone can lead an empowered life, no matter what their circumstances are. Married over 37 years, with adult sons, Gary is an adventurous soul, well qualified to lead you on the adventure of your life. He has completed a world class 40-foot fire walk, flown on a trapeze, driven in a destruction derby (his car was the Purple Passion), completed a 75-foot bungee jumped and climbed 14,000 foot mountains. He’s a drummer and a police academy graduate. Gary loves to help people reach their personal summits. He believes that your worst day is the day you meet the man or woman you could have been. It’s a choice.
Gary’s book info: http://www.myintothenightbook.com
Gary’s Web site: http://www.garybarnesinternational.com