Need Phd or MD for my Self Help Book

Ph/D of what? Physics? Philosophy? History? MD? what do MD's know about life after 40? Sociologist, maybe. I don't think I'd trust a psychologist. Will the book be largely anecdotal or autobiographical? Any authority you find to co-author has probably already written a book, or would take the idea and run. Are you near a university? Check the class offerings, there might be something there. In any case, good luck. Life begins at 40?

That's kinda what I was thinking too. I am a Psy.D. and working counselor, but the degree doesn't give me any special expertise in life after 40. I've worked with some clients facing a midlife crisis, but even that hasn't honed my skills to where I feel that I'm an expert. You need someone not only with a degree, but also with practical experience that gives them a "real" perspective.

I think your agent just wants to add a title. Your profits would be split with this co-author when you are just as capable of doing interviews, setting up questionaires, etc. Did your agent explain further or is he just tossing out the idea with nothing to back up his suggestion? Are you working on a specific set of over 40ies, certain part of the world/country or culture/enthic background, or societal/educational level? Do you have an outline, a problem-resolution setup, anecdotes etc? If so, why do you need someone else's input if it's a lighthearted celebration of middle age and not a disseration, thesis, or medical advice tome?

Welcome to AW, hungry!

I think the whole needing a 'title' to back up your platform is really big with self-help books. It's tricky because I believe that life experience can sometimes make for the best teacher, but so many people will only buy a book if it comes from someone who has the title to state that they have the expertise to help you.

I think a co-author would be a great idea in this case and they may even add a whole other dimension to coping with this.

Though I wonder if you could maybe pitch it as more of a life experience/memoir thing and get around needing the co-author? The difference is that you would write the book with the purpose of sharing life experiences instead of the purpose of 'helping' others. (however, sharing life experiences IS a way to help others. this difference just changes how the book would be marketed, etc.)

Moved from Roundtable.