“Three Cups of Tea” to an Invitation to Publish
Many of you will remember the best-selling book by Greg Mortenson, Three Cups of Tea. Although the book was surrounded by much controversy, its title contained the concept, outlined by an Afghan tribal chief, that basically one should have three cups or, in essence, three interactions with someone before they are accepted into a group. Many other cultures have this practice. It was highlighted though by the Afghan chief that Americans are too much in a hurry and that a relationship is established over time and in that instance in the book, three cups of tea. My business philosophy has always been similar in that strong relationships with value, trust, confidence, and rapport are built over time.
When I founded Silverlight Press, I made the decision to have a business model where we would be selective and invite the authors we chose to work with and that the authors, in turn, would see the unique benefits in working with us. Our process “by invitation only” leads to our ultimate author selection. It’s definitely about selectivity, quality over quantity, and exclusivity. An author’s inquiry about our services may not be in sync for either the author or us. In that case, we will try and refer you to a more compatible resource or company. However, if there’s an initial interest and potential match between the parties, we begin our sequence of review.
The “first cup of tea” is getting to know the potential author client as a person. We genuinely want to know who she or he is. It’s, minimally, vital to begin knowing their “voice.” We also want to know if the book’s genre fits within our interests, the story is worthy and most important, we believe the chemistry and synergy with the author is desirable for both sides. At this point, we may then ask to see any drafts, outlines or manuscripts. If none are written or the author needs those services, we instead explore the relevant topics in our discussions. At that second meeting or call, the author will be introduced to another member or members of our Silverlight Films team for the “second cup.” The discussion then goes deeper into the author’s envisioned story and book project and how we may work together. If the interest on both sides prevails, the author will be invited to the “third cup of tea” which includes additional senior members of our publishing team for an in-depth marketing, exploratory and strategy call. It’s after that “third cup of tea”, that we can truly decide whether or not to extend an invitation to the client to be one of our selected authors, following up then with a proposal and agreement. It’s then up to the author to decide whether or not to accept.
Having actively practiced law for over 16 years, I see my part of my role very much as I did with my legal clients—I want our author clients to feel as if they can tell us anything, that we believe in them, support them and provide the best services. It is my duty to guide, protect and represent to the highest level. Further, like my role as a filmmaker with those I interview and film on camera, I am working with an author to forge and create his or her best legacy.
Your book, like an appearance in a film, lives forever. Thus, your book and our association with our authors must be one of pride, fulfillment and the utmost in quality. If we give you an invitation to publish with us, we believe in your success, as well as your book’s.
Publishing a book is a very personal, intimate journey. Yes, it is very much a business. However, knowing each other, who we will be collaborating with and in turn, that the author knows who he or she will be working with is imperative. The author and the publishing team will spend a lengthy time period together and be connected, through the book project, for eternity. Hence, the right choice is important on both sides. Your life chapter as an author should be fun, exciting and celebratory, as well as legacy building.
Join me for a “cup of tea” but if you’re like me, it can also be coffee, wine or other….either in person or virtually. Bottom line, I’m interested in knowing you, as a person and author, and you knowing me, similarly. I’d love to see it result in an invitation.
