Thank You’s

Book writing is an innovation partnership in its purest form. The final product reflects the benefits of the depths of interdependence. I am humbled by the creative and emotional support of those who have been involved with me in this co-creation adventure.

This book started with a rough, half-baked idea, evolved through many iterations, and benefitted from the wisdom of a world-class team. My friend Terry Kay, a renowned best-selling fiction author, told me that a book begins after the third draft. I can vouch for that truth. I am grateful for the patience and tenacity of my book writing team, who hung in there with me through version after version after version.

I first want to thank the many friends who provided me co-creation examples to consider for this book. Many are best-selling authors. Some include Shep Hyken, Joseph Michelli, Jeanne Bliss, Jay Baer, John DiJulius, Jeff Toister, Steve Curtin, John Longstreet, Dave Basarab, Tom Berger, Todd Gentry, Don Reggio, Tracey Artigue, Deana Larson, Ellison Thomas, Meghan Bell, Paul Cardis, and many others. I am also grateful to John Patterson, Lisa McLeod, Amanda Setili, Dave Basarab, Candace Sinclair, Ken Fracaro, and Kathy Scheiern for reading the draft and providing me with helpful feedback.

Berrett-Koehler Publishers is a co-creation partnership publisher. Unlike most publishers, where authors are viewed as suppliers, at Berrett-Koehler authors are intimately involved with every component of the bookmaking process. Transparency, candor, and shared control are key guardrails. There are many BK partners to thank. Of particular note are Valerie Caldwell, Edward Wade, Mike Crowley, Leslie Crandall, and Jeevan Sivasubramaniam. I would like to thank my world-class PR team at Weaving Influence, particularly Becky Robinson, Christy Kirk, Erica Hopper, Kelly Edmiston, and Rachel Royer. This is my fifth book launch with Weaving Influence. And I would like to thank my world-class copyeditor, Susan Berge, and book designer, Maureen Forys, both of Happenstance Type-O-Rama.

Three people deserve special recognition.

Leslie Stephen served as my vernacular engineer extraordinaire. She was there around the clock making wise suggestions, rearranging paragraphs, critiquing messaging, and ensuring the book reflected clarity instead of author mumblings, inventiveness instead of plain vanilla prose. She delivered raw candor without bruising my ego. She communicated authentic affirmation that made me want to write all night long. This is our ninth book together, a commentary on the triumph of our partnering.

Steve Piersanti served as my developmental editor. Steve reflects the epitome of the proper role of writing mentor—helping authors source and reveal the best of what their book is attempting to become and communicate. I think of Steve as a counsel to the muses who visited me in the middle of the night to bring amazing content; I was present to simply take dictation. This is my sixth book with Berrett-Koehler Publishers; Steve has coached me through several of them. Steve also founded the company in 1992.

Finally, the most important partner in my life, Nancy Marie Rainey Bell, gave me many precious gifts. Every writer births a book through the ancient process of sleepless nights and long stares at a blank computer screen interspersed with moments of insight and flow. She was there always as my cheerleader and confidante. She heard my doubts and shared my thrills. She listened to many “listen to this part” renditions and always made me feel as if I could teach Hemingway, Austen, and Rowling how to write. This soul-searching creation was made worthier through her inspiration.

To all my partners … thanks.