When It Gets Tough: Under the Cover
We’re continuing our brand new Zimmerman Podcast miniseries, Sleeping with a Stranger: Under the Cover. In the next few weeks leading up to the release of my memoir, Sleeping with a Stranger, we’ll be taking a look “under the cover” as I share insider information about the story and process behind my memoir which releases May 7, 2020. Yeah, I know we’ve had a date change. We’ll get into it in this episode.
I’m sitting down with Rachel, who’s interviewing me about the deeply personal and never before shared details of my journey with my journey through living and writing Sleeping with a Stranger. So let’s do this, let’s go under the cover.
The episode I never wanted to record
Rachel and I jumped right into the book release date change including why this has been an uncharacteristically tough decision for me.
This is an episode I never wanted to record. I pride myself in doing what I say I’m going to do especially because I believe trust is built when anyone follows through on their commitments. For me, both personally and professionally, trust is everything.
This book and this story are so much bigger than me, and I feel an incredible responsibility to share it well. Although I’m self-publishing (which means I own the copyright to my book and have creative control over the whole project), I’m also working with a publishing house. By working with a publishing house, my book will go through the traditional publishing process: copy editing, development editing, proof editing, layout, cover approval, a Kindle version, audio version and an early printed edition to share with those who will help me promote it. Additionally, we’re planning a podcast tour and book signings.
BECAUSE OF ALL THESE ELEMENTS, IT WAS ABSOLUTELY 100% NECESSARY TO MOVE THE LAUNCH DATE TO MAY 7TH, TO SHARE THIS STORY WITH EXCELLENCE.
To give a little backstory, since the beginning of this process, we’ve had to switch publishers. Our new publisher made it clear in order to accomplish everything, we either had to push back the release date or skip multiple steps; and I’m not willing to skip any of these steps.
It’s not often I have to sleep on a decision, but I did with this date-change decision. If I’m being really honest, what it came down to was my pride. I cringe at how heavily we’ve promoted April 7th as the release date; and I feared if the date moved, I would look like a failure or appear untrustworthy in following through on my commitments. While these things really concerned me, at the end of the day, I knew it would be more important for me to execute this project with excellence.
Rachel kindly encouraged me that this is a big part of my legacy, and it’s important to do it well before it’s released to the world.
SO THE NEW RELEASE DATE IS OFFICIALLY MAY 7.
Making tough decisions
Rachel asked about advice for anyone facing a decision involving tension between the commitment made and the flexibility needed. I usually know the right answer, and again for me, it comes back to being respected. In this case, the decision was more complicated because I had to weigh those things I highly value against what was best for the project.
It’s helpful to have a pro and con list and to pay attention to what is most important. In this situation, my feelings and concerns were valid, but my responsibility to release this story to the world in the best way possible was and still is more important. The reality is I can’t work harder, longer, faster to make it happen. There are too many factors outside of my control, including the unfortunate fact that I received misinformation about April 7th being a realistic release date at the beginning of this process.
Rachel gave an additional perspective to consider: think about whose opinions matter in each of our lives and let those be the ones who can speak into our decisions. This book will become part of my legacy but people will forget the release date.
I now am feeling even more confident about moving forward with this project, and I’m continuing to trust the process.
Stay tuned for next week’s Under the Cover episode, we’ll talk about an opportunity for you to read my book before everyone else!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Zimmerman Podcast mini series, Sleeping with a Stranger: Under the Cover. Don’t forget you can get book updates and VIP treatment at sleepingwithastranger.com. The book will be available May 7th. Until next time.
SHOW NOTES & LINKS
Sleeping with a Stranger
Mark your calendar for May seventh, it’s Book Launch Day! If you want details on my upcoming book tour, like cities I’ll be visiting, how you can meet me in person, and get a signed copy of the book, you need to get your name on the list. This list will get you the VIP treatment. We’ve got awesome bonuses prepared, but only for those who have signed up. Go to sleepingwithastranger.com to become a VIP today!
