Working with Writers of the West Publishing on Iowa Crime Family- Part 1

Working with Writers of the West Publishing on Iowa Crime Family- Part 1

People often ask me how Iowa Crime Family came together. 

The short answer is that it took a lot more than simply writing a manuscript. 

I had an idea and a story I wanted to tell, but turning that into a finished book that readers could actually buy was a completely different challenge.

After looking at different publishing companies, I decided to work with Writers of the West, a ghostwriting and publishing company, because they offered everything under one roof. Instead of trying to hire one person to write, another to edit, another to design the cover, someone else to publish it, and then figuring out marketing on my own, I wanted one experienced team that could handle the entire process. The project started with a conversation about the book itself. We discussed what I wanted readers to take away from the story, the tone I was aiming for, and who the book was really written for. At first, I honestly thought the hard part would be writing the book. It turns out that was only the beginning.

As the manuscript developed, I was able to review chapters, leave comments, ask questions, and request changes. There were times when I wanted scenes expanded and other times when I wanted entire sections rewritten because they didn't sound quite right. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't settle for "good enough." Every revision made the manuscript stronger. One thing I didn't fully appreciate before starting was how much professional editing actually improves a book. I had always assumed editing mostly meant fixing grammar and spelling. In reality, it was much more involved than that. The manuscript first went through developmental editing, where the overall structure, pacing, clarity, and storytelling were refined. Once those larger revisions were complete, it moved into copyediting, where consistency, grammar, sentence flow, and readability were polished. Finally, the manuscript went through proofreading to catch any remaining typos, formatting issues, or small details before publication. Seeing each stage build on the last gave me a new appreciation for what goes into producing a professional book.

The cover design process was another interesting experience. I probably changed my mind more times than I'd like to admit. At one point I was convinced one design was perfect, only to look at it again the next day and think, "Nope... that's definitely not it." Thankfully, the design team was patient enough to work through those changes until the cover felt like it truly represented the book.

Formatting was something I had never thought about before. Margins, chapter headings, page numbers, fonts, print layout, ebook compatibility, and all the technical details that most readers never notice were handled professionally. It's one of those things you don't appreciate until you see how much work happens behind the scenes.

Publishing the book was another learning experience. Before this project, I thought publishing simply meant uploading a file to Amazon and waiting for readers to magically appear. It turns out there are a lot more moving parts than that. Writers of the West helped prepare the files, made sure everything met publishing requirements, and guided me through the process of getting the book ready for distribution.

I also appreciated that the project didn't simply end after publication. We discussed ways to promote the book, improve its visibility, and introduce it to potential readers. Like many first-time authors, I had focused almost entirely on finishing the manuscript. I quickly learned that publishing a book is one milestone. Helping people discover it is another challenge altogether.

Looking back, the biggest benefit wasn't any single service. It was having one coordinated team manage the entire journey from the initial concept through writing, editing, design, publishing, distribution, and marketing. That saved me from trying to coordinate multiple freelancers who may never have communicated with one another.

No publishing journey is completely stress free. There were moments when I was excited, moments when I questioned whether I should change something, and moments where I probably overthought every little detail. I imagine most authors go through the same roller coaster. The difference was knowing I had experienced professionals to bounce ideas off whenever I needed guidance.

Seeing Iowa Crime Family become a finished book was an incredible feeling. Holding the final copy reminded me how much work goes into every published book that ends up on a shelf or in someone's hands.

If you're thinking about writing a book and wondering whether you should try to manage everything yourself or work with a full-service publishing company, my experience with Writers of the West showed me just how valuable it is to have experts guiding each stage of the process.

You can find Iowa Crime Family by Ty Gerot here, it's a great book, one that you'll remember for ages!

https://books.apple.com/us/book/iowa-crime-family-part-i/id6447198850 (Apple)

You can learn more about Writers of the West here:

https://writersofthewest.net/

Best Proven way to deal with Rejection - "Move Forward"

Rejection can really hurt. A close friend of mine recently pitched her business to a group of investors, and was turned down.

She was understandably disappointed. She wanted to use that money to grow her business, and saw immediate opportunities she wanted to jump on.

After we debriefed of that experience, we talked about the importance of bouncing back, of not allowing rejection to demotivate you.
You can waste a great deal of time that way. It makes it more difficult for you to come back and pitch again, in whatever form it takes, whether it's to a group of investors, prospects, clients or partners.

Bouncing back from rejection is a trait, a trait that can be learned. To help you build this trait, I'll share with you what I shared with her, this wisdom that I've learned about rejection:

1. Accept the rejection
It happened. Take it in and let it settle to the ground. Accepting reality in that particular moment sets the stage for you to recover.


2. Learn from it
What is the lesson to be learned? Here's what I asked my client: How well were you prepared? Did you present your argument and message clearly? Did you answer the questions in a way that fully reflected what you want to achieve? Be honest in your answers and you'll be able to move through the disappointment more quickly. Knowing the why behind the rejection can be valuable in your learning, so ask, politely and respectfully.

3. Apply what you learn
Put that honest knowledge, to good use. What can I do differently next time? What will I continue to do? Learn consciously and you'll be able to take what you learn and do better when you know better, to paraphrase Maya Angelou.

4. Keep going
When impact is your focus, persist. When your end game is to make the world a better place for all of us, keep going. Show enthusiasm that can't be overlooked. Have focus that can't easily be broken. Be relentless and continue to contribute.

5. Believe, Always
Stay true to your Purpose, that statement of your desired impact on the highest level. Keep believing in something bigger than yourself.
You may have already noticed that this process of recovering from a disappointment and bouncing back requires a fine balance. A balance between letting go and persevering. You have to be able to do both. That's part of your growth. We're all forever growing, if we choose to pursue impact; as well as stick to it.

All of us experience rejection if we are out in the world at all. Your dream of impacting others deserves to be out in the world, and so in life, many times you will find your ideas and actions rejected. Build your Tiger like resilience so you can bounce back from rejection and have the impact you and your business can have.

The Role of Visualization for abundant Success

For many people, the idea of visualizing their way to success sounds mythical and maybe a little weird. But it's actually really simple. All you need is some quality quiet time and the determination to imagine and focus.

If you are interested in trying visualization, here are 7 simple steps to follow.

1. Peace and Quiet

The first step to visualize your way to success is to get some peace and quiet. Sound impossible? Try right before going to sleep, or as soon as you get up in the morning. You need to make sure their are zero to none distractions.

2. Determine Your Goals

Be specific - "more money" is too broad. Maybe it's $1000 a month, or being out of debt, or spending more time with your significant other or kids.

3. Imagine..

Be particular and specific here, too. Imagine exactly what it would be like to achieve your goals. Imagine having that extra time with your friends and family - what would you do? or Where would you go? Visualize a specific event or activity you'd like to do with them.

If you want to be out of debt, imagine the freedom of having unlimited cash. Try to sense what you would do with that money. Maybe imagine opening a bank account - picture yourself walking into the bank and meeting with a representative there. When you imagine, include the details. The details are important.

4. See Yourself

As you imagine these specific scenarios, try to look at yourself as an observer would. View your personality and how you are acting. Picture yourself attending meetings, making sales, getting new clients, earning enough money to spend time with your kids - whatever you like, try watching yourself doing it. Try to make it real eloquent - colors, sounds, sights.

5. Bring It Home

Try imagining these things happening at a particular time and date, not just whenever. Picture it in a particular season and time.

6. Energize It

As you visualize meeting your goals and succeeding in your business, try breathing energy into the picture. Make it truly real and spectacular.

7. Accept The Vision

Sometimes, you can go through this process yet still be thinking "this will never happen for me." That means this next step is especially important - accept the vision as doable, real, and possible. Embrace it and own it.

Visualization is a lot about building confidence. It's also about tapping into the brain's tendency to heighten your awareness to opportunities that have to do with what you're focusing on. If it's on your mind, in other words, you may be more likely to see the opportunities that come your way.

Finally! i have been promoted, now what?

You open, or at least one can say; try to open your eyes as you gaze on the wall clock, realizing that your late, again.

You go to your cubical and sigh. Ahhhh. The same God Damn place every day. Until, something new happens, when your manager stands up and says that you have been promoted as a team leader!

You try to put a smile on your face as well as think what exactly happened here, it takes you a very quick moment to get out of the state of shock you're in and come back to reality, where you've finally been promoted.

You're happy, you know you deserve it, because behind this promotion were months and months of hard work, not being appreciated for the work you do and feeling frustrated because of it. But now, 

You have received the appreciation you deserve; as you're finally promoted, and things have started to look up for you now!

But now, you ask yourself "What do i do now?". You're out to change the world and want to change everything that you felt as a executive, just weren't right. But you're not quite sure where to start or how? What would be the consequences? Should i or should i not try my best to please my bosses, or should i simply take a stand for my team and be the change i wanted to see?

Step # 1

Understand the fact that your new to the position, and there is much you need to learn, How to be a good leader, how to manage your team, how to collaborate with the upper management and how to co ordinate with your organization's clientele.

Step # 2

When you know you've mastered what there is to understand about your new designation, now is the time to act. Start off by having a meeting with your fellow employees/your team and introduce yourself, and come off as a Co-operative leader, which is important for your team as well as your future endeavors.

Step # 3

Now Remember. After you're promoted, a lot of people are going to say a lot about you, (mostly of which is not true, but they don't care, because you got promoted, NOT THEM), Many people in this situation, often tend to loose there calls and find them self involved in tense situations.

It is important that you ignore any baseless accusation you hear about yourself, for e.g; you might hear people talking about "things you had to do to get that job" If you know what i mean.

I know, right?

Ignore such things, as people have the tendency ( in such cases) to be jealous and say things even they don't mean, or they do, depends, just remember if you hear something about yourself that is personal, and is offending you, you have the right to confront the person and ask them if they have a problem with you, You'd be surprise to see how many people start off by saying things like " Why would i say that" or "who told you", bullshit.

Step # 4

Always remember to keep your cool and never to loose it, as it is one of the main reasons behind the respect you're given. Never get frustrated or be rude to your team as well as try not to be bossy, as a cool & professional attitude is the key to success.

Step # 5

This may sound something very simple and easy, but it's actually not. Something my boss used to say repeatedly, which i took for granted, until later when i realized how much it meant. He used to say:

"Never give anyone a chance to screw you over"

And it's true. Remember not to say anything that could damage your reputation, or do something that could threaten your credibility. Think about what you want to say before you actually say it.

Step # 6

Make promises you can keep, Provide assurances only if the given work is can be done on time, other wise it can seriously damage your credibility and you will no longer be the man who "gets the job done"

Step # 7

One of the main reasons people leave there jobs are mainly because they are not appreciated for the work they do, we've all been there, and we know how it feels, so try to always appreciate your team for there hard work and determination, and watch them as they try even more harder in the future.

And that's it! good luck for your future goals!