With shaky hands* this morning, I am re-submitting book proposals to two different publishers who expressed interest in my writing back in 2005.   I won’t be talking a WHOLE lot about those books here — at least not right now.  However, my first time (and only time) pitching publishers back in 2005 was a really cool experience that I think will encourage and empower and equip you this morning.

This took place in August of 2005 at a conference for speakers and writers in Charlotte, NC.   I was going to learn, but also to pitch.  The WHO’s WHO of faith-based publishers would be there, and all paid attendees got to pitch their book.    The publisher of the 2nd best selling faith based book EVER (the first being the Bible) was there, and wouldn’t you know it…. I was in her line.

So there I was.  As I waited my turn, I looked around at other authors pitching and immediately noticed that they all held neatly typed manuscripts.  As I eavesdropped, I heard women try to OUT-spiritualize each other.  (THIS in itself, my friends, is a really funny scenario… )  Me? Oh yeah… I held a cell phone and an idea. No manuscript. Nothing typed.  Just me, and something I felt was UBER-relevant to women today.

True to my nature, I watched and learned.   As I saw these women desperately pitch their book, my inner rebel affirmed my lack of preparation:

Do the Opposite.

Clearly, I couldn’t copy these wannabe authors. I had no time to whip up a manuscript.  So, I held firm to my belief that the MAJORITY of people in any pursuit are wrong.  Their approach, strategy, whatever… if EVERYONE is doing it, it’s probably wrong.  With a confidence that FAR exceeded my preparation or ability, I approached the publishers of The Purpose Driven Life.

As I “pitched,” I realized someone else was eavesdropping on me:  the other top publisher of faith based books.  She left her table and sat beside the initial publisher.  I left with both of their cards as well as their PERSONAL email addresses and strict instructions to “give them a shot at the book.”

3 words: Do the opposite.  In business, if you have NO OTHER PLAN, do the opposite of what you see everyone else doing.  This is a solid strategy that has always served me well.  The older I get, the more flagrantly I depend on it.

Quick update: What happened with that book? Those business cards? Those personal emails?

NOTHING.

That’s why I have shaky hands this morning.  9 years ago, when truly contemplating this book, I realized that I wasn’t “where I needed to be” to write such a book.  I was no expert on the subject of my book.  I was just a woman STILL trying to figure it out.

It’s now 2014.  I’m very possibly LESS of an expert, WORSE of an example today than I was back in 2005 in my proposed subject matter.  My shaky hands stem from my commitment to publish anyway… NOT as an expert.  NOT as a perfect example.  But as a very flawed woman… still trying to figure it out.

Because perfection is so incredibly overrated.  And because while I’m “LESS” the book is MORE relevant today than it was in 2005.   Pray for me. =)

In what way will YOU “do the opposite” today?  Comment below, share your commitment on facebook, or simply email me directly.  We’re in this together.