Some of you probably know that I wrote a book this year. It’s already available for preorder, which is incredibly exciting and a bit surreal.

I’ve been asked a lot of questions about how I landed the opportunity, what the process was like, if I’d do it again, and what comes next, so I thought I’d share a bit about the experience here.

The Opportunity

I have several friends who have already written (terrific) books— Ash Ambirge (The Middle Finger Project), Paul Angone (101 Secrets for Your Twenties, and several other titles), Tess Vigeland (Leap), and Vanessa Van Edwards (Cues is her current bestseller)—to name a few.

We’ve all had different experiences. Some worked with literary agents, others submitted blind proposals to publishing houses, and some were approached by publishers directly. I was in the latter group, which was really amazing, and a bit terrifying. I mean, imagine moseying into your inbox on a random Tuesday and finding an email from Simon & Schuster that’s essentially, “Hi. Do you want to do this? If so, we need to get moving right away.”

(I knew immediately that this was a one of those once-in-a-lifetime emails; I said yes to the writing test, and then yes to the project.)

The Timeframe

The book I was invited to write is slated to be a part of a larger series. The first two titles — mine, “Do This, Not That: Career,” and “Do This, Not That: Dating” (which I’d be decidedly underqualified to author, lol) — will be launching together on Jan. 10, 2023. Given the need for synchronization, there was very little wiggle room with the manuscript deadline. In all, I had less than four months to complete my book while also keeping all of the balls up in the air with our 1:1 clients and other planned 2022 projects.

The Plot

“Do This, Not That: Career” is a guide that you can power through in one sitting or keep at your fingertips (and refer back to) as you navigate and grow your career. It’s comprised of 81 easy-to-digest lessons that will help you tackle all kinds of workplace issues — from challenges related to job search to dealing with a micromanager to making it known that you’re ready to step into management.

Each lesson lays out what to do and what to avoid, then offers some thoughts on how to make it happen, how to reframe your thinking, and what to do after the initial issue is resolved. The book also includes sample scripts to help you say exactly what you need to, when you need to.

Romanticism vs. Reality

I’ve been a huge reader, book lover, and word person for as long as I can remember. I’ve also known I’m a good writer since my teens and have made a living at it in various capacities since I was fresh out of college.

And, for sure, I’d always envisioned that it would be cool to write a book. That curiosity grew as friends started landing book deals of their own. Their successes also got me thinking that this may actually be a feasible goal.

Feasible, perhaps, but here’s where I’ll admit that I had a rather romanticized, movie-like view of how the writing process would go down.

I’d (of course) sign some robust contract then find myself in a darling, rustic cottage; hunkered down in my favorite, oversized turtleneck sweater; clattering away at my laptop as I watched snow falling peacefully outside my window. I mean, THAT IS HOW IT WORKS, right?

NOT SO MUCH, I quickly discovered.

Writing an entire book within four months, while running a business, tending to three teenagers, aging parents, and a dog … while trying to have some semblance of a relationship with your partner creates the backdrop for a notably different writing scenario.

I worked 7-days-a-week from January 7th through mid-April. There were a couple of 18-hour writing days. There were cancelled workouts, uncombed hair days, cancelled nights out, more wine than experts recommend, and even a few tears.

There was no darling, rustic cottage (although, had I not been so utterly exhausted, I could have probably swung it for a weekend.)

I gained an entirely new (and profound) level of respect for authors through those four grueling months. I also learned a lot about the book publishing process, which was actually quite cool.

But romantic? Nope.

What’s Next?

The writing and editing process is done (Hallelujah!) In fact, a couple of weeks ago, a final copy of the book landed without notice on my doorstep. It was an out-of-body experience opening this mysterious package and discovering the real-live finished product.

And it’s beautiful. The colors, the layout, the quality — I just love it.

I also believe it will be a genuinely helpful resource, not just for job seekers, but for anyone working to proactively manage their careers, handle formidable and weird workplace issues (e.g. the boss that constantly talks over you or the gross-out who keeps clipping his nails at work), and get the most out of their professional lives.

Now we begin the process of sharing this baby with the world.

Publicity plans are in full swing — podcasts are being scheduled, social media posts being developed, and I’m recruiting a team of ambassadors to help me get the word out (please let me know in the comments if you’d like to be one!)

last thoughts

I’m a published author now (or will be in less than 90 days). It feels really, really good. I have no idea how or if having this achievement under my belt will impact my career or if I’ll feel the urge to write another one (lol, still recovering for now).

Regardless, it’s been the experience of a lifetime and I’m so grateful that the team at Simon & Schuster / Adams Media considered me a worthy expert for this project. Bringing this book to life has been an absolute ride and, if you pick up a copy and read it, thank you x 1,000,000.

Your investment means so much to me, and I’d love to hear what you think!

Preorder a copy from your favorite retailer