How to Publish Your Health & Fitness Book—with Patrick Nolan – EP114
Many thought leaders in the health and fitness space aspire to grow their platform by publishing a book. But how, exactly, does the process work? What are the pros and cons of self-publishing? How do you get the attention of a traditional publishing house? Do you need an agent? And what does a book proposal look like?
Patrick Nolan is the Vice President, Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher at Penguin Books. A 19-year veteran of the publishing house, Patrick served as VP of Trade Paperback Sales before transitioning to his current role. Today, he oversees the editorial direction of Penguin Books, generating trade paperback bestsellers like Alexander Hamilton, A Gentleman in Moscow and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
On this episode of Ali Fitness, Patrick joins us to discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing your book and working with publishers that specialize in the health and fitness space. He walks us through the components of a non-fiction proposal, explaining why it’s beneficial to submit through an agent and how an author’s advance is determined. Listen in to understand how a publishing house assesses an author’s platform and learn how to find your authentic voice as an aspiring writer in the wellness space!
Topics Covered
[4:42] The pros and cons of self-publishing- A lot of work (editing, publicity, packaging, etc.)
- Miss out on professional expertise of publisher
- Won’t have same reach, retail distribution
- Built-in specialty of editors, publicists + sales
- Easier to stand out in well-rounded field
- Clear statement of project, how fits in marketplace
- Includes simple chapter outline + two full chapters
- Consider numbers, engagement + growth
- Professional network (i.e.: conferences, TED Talk)
- Understand landscape, match with best editor
- Advocate for you through life cycle of book
- Submit ‘elevator pitch’ of project
- Ask if interested in seeing more
- Advance against royalties (paid at milestones)
- Small % of each sale until publisher ‘paid back’
- Agent negotiates, facilitates rounds of bidding
- Run PNL against sales to come up with figure
- Usually receives % of earnings
- May ask for hourly fee
- Book aligned with mission
- Reflection of who you are
- Focus on authenticity
- Campaigns geared to first adopters + mainstream readers
- Publishers prioritize trusted agents
- Limited space in each category
- Develop own style but be well read
- Find voice and keep working on it
Learn More About Patrick Nolan
Resources
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero