Frequently Asked Questions - Big Picture

What is a contributory book?

What are the benefits of project participation for the professional advisor?

What is the advantage to having multiple authors?

How many authors do you expect to participate?

How do you choose contributing authors?

How long will the book be?

Will people actually read a book that big?

I've been thinking about writing my own book! Is this a better alternative?

OK, so it's a lot of work to write my own book. But assuming I'm willing to do all that you described; wouldn't a book authored solely by me be better?

Would a book authored solely by me offer more personal credibility?

Will I know the other authors who will be contributing to the book?

What if I disagree with something that has been written?

Frequently Asked Questions - Logistics

How do I participate?

What is the enrollment period?

How and when will I know if I've been accepted?

What would be a reason I might not be accepted?

What's the next step after I'm accepted?

What are the expectations and deadlines for my actual author contribution?

What do I do with my submission when it's completed?

I've completed and submitted my contribution to the book. What now?

What is the timeline for each of these steps?

How do I use my special edition books to increase business?

What is my total investment for the project?

Can I team up with another professional and share the costs?

What is a contributory book?

As the name implies, a contributory book is a book that is written by several contributing authors rather than just one. In this project, contributing authors will include credentialed professionals from the estate and financial planning industry: attorneys, financial advisors, insurance professionals, CPAs, planned giving officers, and other planning professionals.

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What are the benefits of project participation for the professional advisor?

The benefits of participation are many. Here are just a few:

• Being an author brings a new level of credibility with clients and referral sources.
• Handing out a book with your name, picture, and business information on it is a "business card" that people will never throw away!
• Authorship can open doors to new speaking engagements.
• The new book is a great excuse for a press release, and can bring interviews (and even offers of a regular column) with local publications.
• You avoid the time, cost, and mental energy of writing an entire book by yourself.
• By collaborating with other professionals, and having applied and been accepted for participation, your contribution is part of the collected wisdom of many experts, and therefore even more impressive.
• Your participation will bring new business and increased revenue to your practice.

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What is the advantage to having multiple authors?

By having multiple authors from several disciplines, we can offer consumers a comprehensive look at the financial and estate planning process, and how to effectively include faith and values in their planning. We have learned over the years that clients are best served when their professional advisors work together on their behalf. The result of this collaboration yields advice and counsel that is balanced, measured, and fully integrated. Plus, the planning process is approached differently by different disciplines, and by each individual within a discipline. There is nearly as much "art" as "science" in recommendations that are made to clients to solve the clients' problems. By combining these diverse approaches and viewpoints, we can offer the best thinking and best practices currently available.

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How many authors do you expect to participate?

Based on the response to past projects of this type, we expect 25-50 participants nationally. Our goal, however, is to focus on quality of contributors rather than quantity. We hope to have approximately equal representation from each of the professions.

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How do you choose contributing authors?

Authors are chosen through an application process that explores the applicant's credentials: education; experience; professional licenses and associations; professional achievements and awards; areas of practice and expertise; and community involvement. Applicant's licensing status will be confirmed, and contributing authors must be free from professional disciplinary events.

Each contributing author must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Have at least 3 years' experience actively working with clients in the applicant's discipline (Those with less than 3 years' experience who believe they would qualify for the project based on other considerations, will have the opportunity to explain on the application form.);
• Be in good standing with his or her licensing authorities;
• Practice experience within the areas listed or related to those listed in the Book Topic List;
• Exemplify the very highest professionalism and expertise; and
• Possess formal education or professional designations in his or her discipline.

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How long will the book be?

We anticipate that the finished hard cover book will run 350-400 pages – a truly comprehensive, substantial, and impressive volume.

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Will people actually read a book that big?

First, we might be surprised at the number that actually will read the book cover to cover. The question and answer format lends itself to easy reading for as little or as much time as a person has available. However, most people will tend to use the book more as a reference tool – looking up the topics in which they are most interested, at the time they need the information.

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I've been thinking about writing my own book! Is this a better alternative?

Many professionals think about writing a book to showcase their expertise, but remarkably few ever get around to it. The most common reason we hear for not doing so is, "I just don't have time!" As anyone who has completed a book can tell you, it's a daunting task:

• You first have to decide on a theme and content.
• Then you need to reduce your years of experience and instinct into one readable volume.
• Next, you actually have to get your thoughts down on paper. And while many of us are accomplished speakers, fewer are great writers. In fact, we find that a lot of professionals don't particularly like to write!
• After weeks or months or years of time (perhaps at great opportunity cost to your business) you have a finished product.
• Next you have to find a publisher who likes the book enough to pay you for it. And within 18 months to two years, your book will be available! Or, you can self-publish less expensively and more quickly in paperback at your own expense, and take on all the publishing tasks yourself – with more time away from your business.

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OK, so it's a lot of work to write my own book. But assuming I'm willing to do all that you described; wouldn't a book authored solely by me be better?

While your book would no doubt be very good on the topic about which you choose to write, it would be a much different project than the contributory book being created in this project. After all, a single author is unlikely to be an expert in law, financial and investment advice, taxes and accounting, insurance, planned giving, and all the other facets of estate and financial planning. One of the great advantages of a contributory book is that a much broader range of information can be covered, and the resulting volume can truly be considered comprehensive in scope.

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Would a book authored solely by me offer more personal credibility?

It might surprise you to find that being chosen to be part of a comprehensive volume, national in scope, actually brings greater credibility than being the sole author of your own book! As consumers become more aware of their options, they are more likely to say to a professional advisor, "Well – that's just your opinion. I'll get other opinions as well." However, when a great number and wide variety of professionals combine their wisdom and expertise, the resulting book immediately has maximum credibility. Your name and picture will appear on the dust jacket of your special edition, thereby drawing special attention to your participation as a contributing expert.

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Will I know the other authors who will be contributing to the book?

Once a final selection of authors has been made, we will send you a list of your co-contributors, including profession and location. Our goal is to obtain contributions from as many different professional disciplines, and as many different locales, as possible. We also want to protect the reputation of the project, all contributing authors, and Collaborative Press. Therefore, contributors are selected from a thorough application process based on experience, education, and expertise. The process includes verification of licensure in good standing for licensed professions. The Contributing Author Agreement specifies that any author who comes under discipline during the publishing process may be removed from the project.

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What if I disagree with something that has been written?

All contributing authors will review the final manuscript of the completed book before going to press. If you see something with which you seriously disagree, a discussion will ensue with the submitting author, and changes will be made with which both authors can live. This rarely happens because our books are not promoting one definitive approach, but rather blend the expertise of all the professions into possible solutions and techniques that might be chosen by the reader. The ultimate goal is to have the reader come to you for a personal consultation, to get specific answers and advice. But in any event, you will never be placed in the position of having your name on a work with which you disagree.

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How do I participate?

The first step is to download and print a Contributing Author Application and Profile, along with the other project forms that are located here. The forms that you may download and review:

• Contributing Author Application and Profile
• Project Protocols
• Topic Outline
• Publication Schedule
• Author Agreement
• Schedule A (payment options)
• Project Brochure
• Sample Book Jacket (from a previous project)

Once you have completely filled out the application, chosen your topic(s), and reviewed and signed the Author Agreement and Schedule A, you can fax your materials to 402-218-2006; or scan the materials and send them as an e-mail attachment (see email address here); or mail them to Collaborative Press, 15606 Elm Street, Suite 105, Omaha, NE 68130.

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What is the enrollment period?

We are accepting applications from August 15-September 30, 2011 with early enrollment discounts for applications received August 15-31. If we do not reach our maximum enrollment of 50 experts during our primary enrollment, late applications will be received October 1-10 (at a higher enrollment fee). Applications will be reviewed daily, and participants will be approved or disapproved in the order the applications are received. In order to allow time for review of each application by the editors and for checking licensing status, applicants will typically be informed of the results within 5 business days from receipt by Collaborative Press.

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How and when will I know if I've been accepted?

Once your application has been processed, we will notify you of our decision via e-mail, and mail a copy of the counter-signed Author Agreement for your files. We will also attach specifications and samples for your dust jacket biographical and practice information, your photograph, and your substantive contribution; including deadlines and instructions for submission of each.

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What would be a reason I might not be accepted?

Reasons an applicant might not be accepted for participation include: a) Past or current disciplinary events by a licensing authority; b) Inadequate length or depth of experience in the specified discipline; or c) Business practices that are out of step with our client-centered philosophy. Of course, if an applicant is not accepted for participation, any fees paid are fully refunded.

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What's the next step after I'm accepted?

Once accepted, you should immediately begin to prepare your materials. The earlier you apply for participation, the more time you'll have to complete your writing assignments. Your first deadline is October 31, 2011 for submitting your 25 questions and answers. Then, by November 15th you will be submitting all the information that will appear on the dust jacket of your special edition. That includes your biographical information and photo for the back cover, how you want your name to appear on the front cover and spine, and information about your practice for the inside flap of the dust jacket. Back to Top

What are the expectations for my actual author contribution?

The premise of a Collaborative Press contributory book is to determine the most common questions asked by clients of their advisors (or questions that clients should be asking) and the specific answers those professional advisors provide.

The professionals who are chosen to be contributors will submit research which consists of those questions and answers. The final text is a compilation of the most common of the contributing authors' questions and answers. Specifically, each author will submit a total of 25 questions and answers. Questions may all come from one topic or sub-topic on the official Topic List, or they may be divided among as many as 25 topics or sub-topics on the list. If in your practice you provide answers on topics not included on the list, but relevant to the book, you can add new topics and sub-topics to the list, and write on those topics instead.

The completed book will be:

• A compilation of the public's most important estate and financial planning concerns at this particular time in history;
• A comprehensive overview of the best potential solutions to the public's questions and concerns, proffered by the best and brightest experts in the country;
• A source for individuals to learn about estate and financial planning in a context of faith and values; and
• An incentive for readers to seek professional advice and counsel after they read the book

The deadline, for your submission of 25 substantive Questions and Answers, is October 31, 2011. Therefore, if you enroll at the end of the regular enrollment period, you will have 30 days to complete this assignment. If you enroll at the beginning of the early enrollment period, you'll have 75 days to complete your work. It's vitally important that all contributors meet these established deadlines both to ensure timely publication, and to ensure that their contribution is indeed included in the book!

In order to maximize the quality of your submission, it's important that you not wait until the last minute and turn in something that has been hastily thrown together. We ask that you leave yourself plenty of time for review and rewriting as necessary. The best writing often takes place in the rewrite. Please turn in your best work – something you would be proud to have your clients and colleagues read. The project editors will perform a final polish, but if a submission is so poorly written as to not be understood by the editors, it will be returned to the author to be rewritten.

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What do I do with my submission when it's completed?

Since project specifications call for all submissions to be written in Microsoft Word, this allows for easy submission to the publisher via e-mail, while preserving original files on your own computer.

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I've completed and submitted my contribution to the book. What now?

Now you can sit back and relax for awhile! But the work to turn all of the contributions into a finished book is just beginning. Here are the steps that will take place to turn more than 1000 questions and answers from several professional disciplines and viewpoints, into one comprehensive and useful volume:

• The questions and answers are grouped by topic and sub-topic
• Similar questions and their answers are combined, taking the best from all submissions
• This process is repeated for every topic and sub-topic until we have the final list of questions that will go into the book under each topic, and roughly organized answers for each of those questions.
• Next, the content is massaged and organized to flow smoothly, and undergoes a first edit to correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, antecedents, case, number, and subject-verb agreement. Each section is then analyzed and edited for statement of objective, clarity and conciseness, unity and coherence, style and diction, organization, effective use of transitions, introductions, and conclusions. The goal is to have a book with a uniform and consistent voice, making it easier to read for the consumer.
• The manuscript then moves on to review by our technical editors (recognized experts within the industry) who will review the book for technical accuracy from the viewpoint of their respective disciplines.
• When technical edits are complete, the entire book content will be sent to every contributing author for one final review before going to press.
• Once the editing is complete, and we know the actual length of the book, the final design for the dust jacket is completed. The special edition dust jacket for each author is sent to the author for proofing.
• Simultaneously, the book composition, indexing, and layout are completed.
• The book goes to the bindery for printing and hard cover binding, the addition of special edition book jackets, shrink wrapping, packaging, and finally shipping to each contributor.

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What is the timeline for each of these steps?

Publication Schedules are available here.

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How do I use my special edition books to increase business?

There are a multitude of ways that your books can be used to increase revenues to your firm; limited only by your imagination. We will be providing all contributors with an Action Plan and Marketing Guide to help you maximize the impact of your books. Here are just a few of the ways past contributors have used similar projects:

• Send a copy to existing clients as a gift, and remind them that your business grows through referrals from satisfied clients.
• Give a copy as a gift to a new client when they engage your services, and offer a second copy if they promise to give it to someone else who might also be a candidate for your practice.
• Hold a special seminar for consumers, and give away the book to attendees as a thank-you for attending. This is much more meaningful than cookies and coffee! (Note: the managing editor was involved several years ago as a contributing author to LEGACY: Plan, Protect, and Preserve Your Estate. One husband and wife who attended his seminar were both physicians, and were so impressed by the book that they retained his legal services for an ultimate estate planning fee of over $150,000.)
• Use the book as a "business card" when you meet new referral sources or prospective clients, or as a follow-up to a first meeting. They won't throw this "card" away!
• Hold a weekly or monthly "lunch and learn" with several other professionals with whom you want to do business, and use the book as a text for your discussions. Each person who commits to the series of meetings gets a free copy of your book. A great networking experience.
• Hold a book signing at a local bookstore, either selling or giving away copies.
• Sponsor a public seminar at the local library on one or more topics in the book, including a presentation of 2 or 3 copies to the library, others given away to attendees in a drawing, and/or offered for sale – with the author's autograph of course.
• Send a press release to local media announcing the release of the book, offering to provide them with a copy, and announcing your availability for interviews in print, or on radio or television.
• Contact a local radio station that has a talk show that discusses financial or estate planning, and offer to be a live guest on the show. For additional credibility, be willing to answer questions from callers and offer books to callers as premiums.
• Subject to a few restrictions in your Author Agreement, you can even sell the books at retail from your firm website.

We will be soliciting ideas from all contributing authors on how the books are effectively being used after publication, and will continue to share those ideas with all project contributors.

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What is my total investment for the project?

Your total investment for this marketing tool is divided between a publishing fee and a minimum book order. The non-refundable publishing fee is $5,500, due at the time of enrollment, and payable in up to four payments. In addition, you must agree to buy a minimum of 100 copies of the finished book at $15 each. Book orders are billed in February, 2012. (If you buy more than 100 books, price decreases with quantity to as low as $10 per book. See the Author Agreement and Payment Schedule for details.) In summary, your total required investment for participation is $7,000. The project is priced so that one or two new clients or one new referral source is likely to recoup your costs.

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Can I team up with another professional and share the costs?

Two authors from the same professional discipline, or from two different disciplines, may participate in one individual edition of the book as long as each professional qualifies and is accepted into the project as a contributing author. Examples of when this might make sense is for two partners in the same firm, a partner and associate who work closely together, an attorney and financial advisor who do a lot of work together, etc. The limit is two joint authors on a book.

In order to participate as joint authors, a few different rules apply:

• The publishing fee for joint authors is $9,000 together.
• Two joint authors must place an initial minimum order of 200 books.
• Each jointly participating author must separately submit 25 questions and answers.
• Joint authors submit one common photograph and combined biographical information for the back cover of the dust jacket.
• Joint authors submit a combined practice introduction and contact information for the front dust jacket flap, and both names appear on the front cover.
• Each joint author must sign the Author Agreement and Schedule A - Payment Schedule and Book Order; and are jointly and individually liable for the payments.
• See the Author Agreement for other conditions.

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SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

IF YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT PUBLISHER DAN STUENZI