Help! I'm looking for ideas from published non-fiction writers.
For nearly fifteen years I have worked in a non-proft setting helping students and parents. I am highly regarded in my field (so they tell me). Here's the problem: I am approaching several of my local and national colleagues about the launch of the book, tie-ins, co-marketing, etc. and a major possible partner said to me, "I don't know if we can do this anymore since you are a business now and you will make a profit from the book." (they are a nonprofit). I was temporarily speechless and I am not sure of the best tactics of how to address this.
The point of my book is to help more students make it to college with scholarships. I have devoted half of my (nonprofit) career to this cause. To the aforementioned person and others, I'm fearful that I will look like a shark if I start "selling" my knowledge, thus affecting my credibility. Most of the references and articles I've found do not address this issue. I can see how this might be viewed negatively by people in the education world. (Making money from their students and parents). On the other hand, I know of companies that charge students and parents for tests, tutoring, etc. Obviously my publisher and I knew there was a market or we wouldn't have signed.
The book is due out in summer 2008, so I have time to address this.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Any advice is appreciated.
-kimmer
P.S. I have solid marketing skills and used them to benefit education causes in the past. I don't need marketing advice but advice specific to crossing from the non-profit to for-profit world, as a writer. Tall order, I know, but I thought I'd give it a shot here. thanks
For nearly fifteen years I have worked in a non-proft setting helping students and parents. I am highly regarded in my field (so they tell me). Here's the problem: I am approaching several of my local and national colleagues about the launch of the book, tie-ins, co-marketing, etc. and a major possible partner said to me, "I don't know if we can do this anymore since you are a business now and you will make a profit from the book." (they are a nonprofit). I was temporarily speechless and I am not sure of the best tactics of how to address this.
The point of my book is to help more students make it to college with scholarships. I have devoted half of my (nonprofit) career to this cause. To the aforementioned person and others, I'm fearful that I will look like a shark if I start "selling" my knowledge, thus affecting my credibility. Most of the references and articles I've found do not address this issue. I can see how this might be viewed negatively by people in the education world. (Making money from their students and parents). On the other hand, I know of companies that charge students and parents for tests, tutoring, etc. Obviously my publisher and I knew there was a market or we wouldn't have signed.
The book is due out in summer 2008, so I have time to address this.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Any advice is appreciated.
-kimmer
P.S. I have solid marketing skills and used them to benefit education causes in the past. I don't need marketing advice but advice specific to crossing from the non-profit to for-profit world, as a writer. Tall order, I know, but I thought I'd give it a shot here. thanks
Last edited: