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The Millionaire Fastlane ... Book Progress

A detailed account of a Fastlane process...

MJ DeMarco

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But if you want to do this book thing, I say, go at it like you've done everything else.

I think that is largely the problem. I'm not going at it like I've done everything else. I have everything I want. I don't need anything. I'm content. So instead of writing (or anything related to the book) Ill choose to paint a wall, read a book, landscape the yard ...

This *update* was NOT to say I'm quitting -- I just started over and will reuse much of what I already wrote.

My vote is that you walk away for a few weeks, then look at it again

I've actually taken a month off (June).
 
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Knowledge Kick

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MJ, if you're looking for any particular inspiration or motivation to get you going just remember that a lot of the people who join this forum mention your success story in their introduction and you have a loyal following of friends here who are dying to read your book and hear what you have to say whether the book sells 10 copies or 10 million copies. Do whatever you feel in your heart of hearts is best for the book itself and best for the people who you are writing it for. Whether it comes out as it is now, or in 2 years, just do it RIGHT for the people who admire you and want to reach that state of complacency with life that you're feeling right now. Thanks again, we can't wait to read it!
 

MJ DeMarco

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Woo hoo!!!

I'm happy to announce that I finished the rough draft today and I am happy to move forward with it!! What best describes the book? It did not evolve as "how-to" book, but more of a mathematical and psychological framework to wealth. I wanted to focus on the entire wealth recipe versus just a narrowed focus.

This is something I can be proud of, even right now in its "rough" state.

:banana:

While I still am far from having something tangible in my hands, this is very exciting for me because now I can switch gears from pure writing, to editing, organizing, illustrations, titling, arranging, and more "busy work" type activities.

Thanks for sticking with me!
MJ

:smx1: :urock2:
 

PaulRobert

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Re: The Fastlane to Millions ... Book Progress

Congrats MJ! Reward yourself with something special! :cheers:
 
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Russ H

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Rep speed for you, sir!

I know how much this day means to you. We'll toast you tonight, over dinner. :cheers:

-Russ H.
 

Chitown

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MJ,

As a writer, I know how special first drafts are. I can't wait to read the book. Congratulations.:eusa_clap:
 

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Woo hoo!!!

I'm happy to announce that I finished the rough draft today and I am happy to move forward with it!! What best describes the book? It did not evolve as "how-to" book, but more of a mathematical and psychological framework to wealth. I wanted to focus on the entire wealth recipe versus just a narrowed focus.

This is something I can be proud of, even right now in its "rough" state.

:banana:

While I still am far from having something tangible in my hands, this is very exciting for me because now I can switch gears from pure writing, to editing, organizing, illustrations, titling, arranging, and more "busy work" type activities.

Thanks for sticking with me!
MJ

:smx1: :urock2:
Its awesome that you are getting closer to being done with the book, but its even more awesome that you have taken all the time you needed and are actually proud of where you are at with it, instead of rushing it in any way. I don't know much about book writing and such, but I would guess that getting to where you are now is the hardest part, if not the hardest, but maybe the most time consuming. Was gonna say good luck, but luck isn't needed, when you already have the skill and drive. I can say keep up the good work though lol
 
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gerbs

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As one that has been solely an 'observer' of the forums until today, I am also very excited to hear that you are done with the rough draft. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it to explore deeper into your knowledge and philosophies.

Keep up the great work and keep us posted on what's new! :smx6:
 

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Hey cool beans. I will definitely read it when it's done. Good work!!! Now go have a Corona.. heavy on the lime. :smx6:
 
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yveskleinsky

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Go MJ go!:smxG::hurray::thumbsup::cheers::urock2:
 

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Good stuff! Now be careful...I've been known to finish rough drafts...and then take another year to look at it again...it happens more than you would think...don't let it happen to you ;-)
 
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WildFlower

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Congrats!!! Every step counts.. especially the big ones!!! Good job! I found much inspiration from you all!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
 

MJ DeMarco

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Since everyone is updating their progress threads, I thought I should update this thread.

Here's what I've been up to:

1) The manuscript is finished and I am ready to submit it for a final edit. Currently trying to find an editor ...

2) Working on getting the graphics finished.

3) Cover design

4) Permissions

Also, I will NOT be using a publishing POD service. I will be self publishing raw ... that means I will be starting a publishing company instead of leveraging a POD company like iUniverse, Lulu, or Xilbris.

Unfortunately, this adds a multitude of steps/actions that will cause the book to be delay longer than had I gone POD. If I did a POD, I could safely say the book would be available in just a few months ... however, having never started a publishing company and going in GREEN, I have no clue how long the process will take.
 

Bilgefisher

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Thanks for the update. I wonder if Kimber is still around to give you some starting tips.
 
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Gymjunkie

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Since everyone is updating their progress threads, I thought I should update this thread.

Here's what I've been up to:

1) The manuscript is finished and I am ready to submit it for a final edit. Currently trying to find an editor ...

2) Working on getting the graphics finished.

3) Cover design

4) Permissions

Also, I will NOT be using a publishing POD service. I will be self publishing raw ... that means I will be starting a publishing company instead of leveraging a POD company like iUniverse, Lulu, or Xilbris.

Unfortunately, this adds a multitude of steps/actions that will cause the book to be delay longer than had I gone POD. If I did a POD, I could safely say the book would be available in just a few months ... however, having never started a publishing company and going in GREEN, I have no clue how long the process will take.


Why no POD? Just curios? :)

BTW, if you need any help, shoot me up a message. I'm not a publisher but if the book is good (which it should be) then I'm all-in for helping you market it on the net and help it spread ;)

Cheers, looking forward to your book!
 

MJ DeMarco

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Why no POD? Just curios? :)

Depends on the POD publisher, but in general, the margins are 2 or 3X more, the quality, and control.
 

Gymjunkie

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Depends on the POD publisher, but in general, the margins are 2 or 3X more, the quality, and control.

Even Lulu.com ??? I thought they were different. Yet, I don't know much. I might to self-publish a book in the future so this is a topic I will have to look into later on.
 
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MJ DeMarco

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I had no clue I freaking wrote MOBY DICK ... the word count on my book is 177,000 words and from the initial feedback, it will end up at almost 400 pages. Yikes! So much for writing a 14.95 book. Looks like I have some serious trimming to do ... 400 is too big.

I also bought my block of ISBN's today! Woo hoo!
 

mtnman

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I had no clue I freaking wrote MOBY DICK ... the word count on my book is 177,000 words and from the initial feedback, it will end up at almost 400 pages. Yikes! So much for writing a 14.95 book. Looks like I have some serious trimming to do ... 400 is to big.

I'll take the 177k version! lol :)

Not good for sales, but good for an expanded version of your thoughts and tidbits!
 
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Sparlin

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I had no clue I freaking wrote MOBY DICK ... the word count on my book is 177,000 words and from the initial feedback, it will end up at almost 400 pages. Yikes! So much for writing a 14.95 book. Looks like I have some serious trimming to do ... 400 is too big.

I also bought my block of ISBN's today! Woo hoo!

Could it be divided into a 2 book set? They could be released together or separately. I'm sure there would have to be some major tweeking, but you might be able to capitalize on the opportunity since you have the content already. Just a thought.
 

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400 is pretty intimidating for somebody looking for there first book. I'm sure everybody on the forum would still buy it, but not the newbie. Maybe take what you have and try to get the core story put out. Then take the excess and look for ways to make more books in the future. If this book does well, people will be looking for more.

Mike
 

Runum

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MJ, one way to cut it down would be to refer to particular examples and stories on here, listing the URL, rather than having the whole story in the book. Or you could refer to the stories as bonus stories on the internet, more content same money.:cheers:
 
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Can I get my version on kindle?

I just re-read your success story for the 5th time in my life (1st time on RD forums, ~6-7 years ago). It is so motivational. Also, I like the re-write. I just went full-time with my business in Sept. I am enjoying the new playing field, where I am in control of my time. Life altering choices rule!

Thanks for the inspiration and I look forward to reading your book.

Ryan
 

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I'll take the 177k version! lol :)

Not good for sales, but good for an expanded version of your thoughts and tidbits!


ditto. you could charge extra for an "expanded edition". :smxB:
 

MJ DeMarco

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400 is pretty intimidating

I agree. I'm back to the drawing board to cut-cut-cut ... even the editors I spoke with said it needs to be trimmed. Another delay but I'd rather get it right and delayed than wrong and early.
 
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kwerner

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Or you could make it a trilogy!? Okay, maybe not. I'd buy it though.
 

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Maybe use the cut bits into their own member's area type deal on a web site? Maybe another source of revenue or just a way to increase fan base. Something similar I can think of would be Tim Ferris' site. It'd be similar to this site, and obviously you could funnel the discussion portion here. Who knows, just tossin out thoughts
 

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