By Guest Blogger, Dr. Charles Glassman
www.CharlesGlassmanMD.com
During a meditation about 2 years ago, I received three inspirations, 1) to turn my weekly messages into a book; 2) I don’t need anyone but myself (had to do with a business venture that had just ended); 3) meditate every day. That was on a Saturday and at the time I would publish my weekly message every Monday morning. On Monday, instead of publishing my weekly message, I put out the first part of an introduction to my book.
One of my patients came in the next day and said, “You know Dr. Glassman, every great writer has an editor. I have enjoyed your weekly messages, but here is an example of how I would edit your introduction.” Being a retired editor for
Consumer Reports, he was spot on with his edits and I hired him. Each week, I forwarded him my chapters prior to distribution. Twenty weeks later, I had 19 edited chapters. Toward the end of the process, I submitted a proposal to a top agent who picked up the project. Unfortunately, in February of 2009, after ten publishers rejected my work, he wished me luck on my own. Around that time I began working on the last section of my book entitled, “Seven Days to Belief.”
So, now that I was on my own, I completed that third section and then flirted around with re-writing proposals and considered looking for another agent. Then a local radio host heard about me and after speaking with me she could not believe how much I helped her with a particular personal challenge. I told her my plans to look for a new agent and she said, “Why do you need anyone else? Just do it yourself?” (Remember my meditation a year or so before?). Those words resonated with my soul, and I went to work. I found a graphic designer for the interior and cover work. I found a printer. I got all the appropriate copyrights, ISBN, bar codes…you name it. I did everything myself (not through a self-publishing firm). (Naturally doing everything means knowing where and when you need sub-contractors).
In November 2009, my book was delivered on a slow boat from Israel (my printer outsources there). My book in some ways is the first manual of my bringing mind-body-spirit into the doctor/patient relationship. Through it and my continued writings, people trust that they can bring up many life issues, of which I can offer guidance and coaching. It has opened the door for me to begin taking my career in a new direction as I now call myself The Coach MD (also the name of my internet radio show on Spirit Quest Radio). Coach MD describes what I do: personal development, motivation and teaching others how they can help themselves, as it relates to wellness and prevention and also achieving a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Since my self-publication, I have been recognized by the New England Book Festival with honorable mention in the non-fiction category; Los Angeles Book Festival as winner in the spirituality category; Eric Hoffer Award finalist; and I received the Pinnacle Achievement Award for a best self-help book.