Publishing the “The Global Mobility Workbook”

I want to talk about my journey of completing my first workbook, as many of you suffer from imposter syndrome and never even start such an endeavor. What I learned, though, is getting started is the most important baby step on your path outside of your comfort zone.

Every book project is a massive team effort. I realized that it would be easy just to quit the project, so I forced myself a little. I used what I call the “people approach to managing projects.”

The People Approach

“The “People Approach to Managing Projects” has several steps. First, you visualize the result and paint a detailed picture of it. Second, you add post-it notes of people you see connected to this end vision. Third, you consider which role they will play in your end vision. Fourth, you reach out to them and let them know that you need their help. Then, you engage them for a job in your project, and finally, you find two commitment buddies who will check in with you on your success and report to them every week. It is also vital to tell the world about your project.”

I figured it would help to hire a team of professionals and also tell as many people as possible about my upcoming book launch. We decided it was essential to launch the book in the fall before the Frankfurt Book Fair and the start of the winter semester. Then, I started to tell the world about the upcoming launch by writing individual emails to at least 100 people in my industry, acquaintances, and friends.

Set a Hard Deadline

Based on good friends and colleagues’ availability, we decided on a date for the book launch party. With that date in the diary, it was straightforward to move forward. After having spent so long on the book, I was asked how I approached revisions with a fresh perspective. It is essential to approach revisions with a fresh mind after working so long with the book’s earlier editions – since 2014, and in some cases, I have worked since 2009.

The Production Phase

Once the manuscript was ready in April, we used it in practice already for workshops. A fresh perspective comes from readers, the feedback of learners, and the experience of working with the cases and the book. Also, each team member brings in a new perspective. One team member is responsible for English language edits, another one helps with captivating titles, and one member handles sales on social media platforms. I want to thank all my team members for working diligently, especially over the last eight weeks. They helped turn the project into a work of art. I can be a pain sometimes, and they handled me well.

I also think it is essential to work in a structured manner and trust that every team member will do their best. So, once the edits were done, I did not look at the content anymore, only verifying that logic and structure matched. I also have to admit that the last revision involved some improvisation. I was sitting at Newark airport, and because everything there was payable by credit card, I could not find a place to sit and eat. I took out a small notebook and my iPhone and started to review the final draft of the manuscript. I managed to type down the result of my feedback into a Google Doc and share it with my graphic designer just before I boarded the plane. It was such a great collaboration that she could work on changes I requested while in the air.

Pre-Launch Phase

With the book going live on Amazon, we pre-launched it to the Global Mobility tribe. We celebrated the book launch, which is the start of the “launch phase”. In that phase, selling as many books as possible is essential. “Virginia Robot” at Amazon will think you are doing something right and promote your book further. I have been going through different emotions, and my imposter syndrome was trying to sneak in occasionally. So, there were moments when I wanted to stop the project.

The good thing is that this is my third book launch, and by now, I know how these inner corruptors feel. I understand that many artists fear showing their work to the world. It’s the first time I called myself an “artist” and the first time I changed my LinkedIn profile to say “author.” For me, this was a process of seven years, from blogging to publishing a book.

The Devil is in the Detail

I care about details such as words, spelling, grammar, structure, typos, logistics, and my guests!!! The last two weeks have been exciting and intense because I’m not only the author of “The Global Mobility Workbook,” but I am also involved in the major decisions related to production, digital marketing, and launch aspects. And while I have enjoyed every part of it, I also have clients, family, and friends to care for. I wake up at 6 AM on the weekend thinking about the book launch.

However, once the book is out, it feels like you have released a part of yourself into this world. A part of you that will survive you, hopefully and that is really important to me: That my voice carries to other parts of the planet and that I create small pieces of art that will remain once I left this earth.

PS: It might interest you that in 2025 a new technical book on global mobility will be published. I am a co-author and really looking forward to it. If you want me to keep you updated on this publication you can email me with your contact details to angela@globalpeopletransitions.com.

MORE INFO:

https://www.angieweinberger.ch/gmwb/