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I get a call from Jeremey Donovan saying he would like to do an interview with me the week after I win the World Championship of Public Speaking.

We talk, and I mention I would like to co-author a book with him. Contracts are drawn up, writing begins, and three weeks later I have taken our idea of helping people be better speakers and made the book all about me.

He decides to terminate the contract, and we move on our separate ways. Like my friend John Garcia says, “Your ego is not your amigo.”

Six months later, I realize I was entirely in the wrong and call Jeremey to apologize. I tell him I let my ego get in the way, and that if he ever wants to write a book together I would love to.

He replies back with, “You will never believe whom I just got off the phone with?” I ask, “Who?” He responds, “McGraw-Hill. They want me to write a book about the World Championship! Would you like to write it with me?” I say yes and we get to work!

First, this goes to show you how great of a guy Jeremey is. Second, never underestimate the power of an apology. So we draw up another contract, he connects me with an amazing literary agent, and ten months later we have a #1 best-selling book on Amazon translated into four languages helping leaders be better speakers!

Here are 4 reasons why you should co-author your next book:

1)   Drives you to be a better writer: I am a better writer because of Jeremey — no question about it. Not only did he teach me along the way, he stretched me to think and write differently and gave me skills I can use to write my next book.

2)   Helps you hold yourself accountable: It can be easy to say “I will write that chapter next week.” With a co-author you both give each other deadlines. You do not want to be the one who lets the other down.

3)   Double the marketing: You reach twice as many people! This is a no-brainer!

4)   Develops a stronger product: Speaker Leader Champion is a book I feel proud of because it comes from two very different style speakers who thought long and hard about the value we could add to our readers. Because of it, we produced 92 tips with 44 insights from twelve World Champions on how to be a better speaker!

If you have ever wanted to see your book on the shelf and in the hands of many, start looking for a co-author today!

Looking forward to reading your book! As always…

Dream BIG,
Ryan

Check out Speaker Leader Champion and learn how to advance in your career through public speaking!

Ryan Avery

Author Ryan Avery

Hi, my name is Ryan Avery! Every Sunday I share the "notes" I use to build my keynotes. They are personal stories and tangible strategies we can use to improve the way we communicate at work, at home and with ourselves.

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