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Volume 7, No. 10 | Friday, October 10, 2008 |  |
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Ta-Da!
f you’re a regular reader of this newsletter, you may be as tired of hearing about my book as you are of the presidential campaign. I’ve been coming at you with it for longer than the election has dominated the news, starting in January, 2007, when I devoted this newsletter to presenting one chapter a month. But take heart—once more, and I am moving on.
Thanks to the patience of my publisher and editor, I learned enough about the nuts and bolts of book design and production to make informed decisions about a host of things I’d never thought about—typefaces, headings, page layout, illustration placement, etc. It was so amazing to me that, even though I’ve always been an avid reader, I never thought about how a book was put together. I knew of course when I didn’t feel welcomed by a book, but beyond a vague idea that maybe the type was too small or the page too crowded, I would not have been able to articulate why. Among my many gains from this writing project has been a newfound respect for what goes into the building of a book. When I think about what it took to send to press my 184 page offering, I stand in total awe of what must be required to bring the 1000+ page histories I enjoy, such as Robert Caro’s Master of the Senate, to fruition. I will never again open a book without pausing to respect the decision-making and labor involved in the construction of everything from the rag sheets (the two or three pages of praise before the title page) to the index. Instant Success There were certainly times when I thought I’d never actually be able to finish, but for the most part I was so engrossed in each next step—completing the manuscript, finding the cover image, making book design decisions, pre-press proofing—that when the time came that I was actually holding a book in my hand, it was a surprise! The book didn’t become real to me until about a month ago when I was teaching a client how to write a letter to market herself effectively. “If only I had a copy,” I thought, “I could show her the diagram in Appendix B.” In the quiet space between that moment and the book’s release today, I have had time to reflect on what becoming an author has meant to me, and I have come to the conclusion that the book would be a huge success even if I never sold a single copy. It has enabled me to establish a writing discipline, to leave a written record of my professional views, to collaborate with gentleness, respect and laughter with my editor/spouse, to deepen my own capacity to work a creative process and be in transition. Anything more would be icing on the cupcake.
A Taste of Icing Anticipating this would come up, I decided to offer the book for the first time publicly in a setting I knew would be supportive. I secured a few dozen advanced copies to bring to the second week of a training program I was taking at the Gestalt International Study Center a few weeks ago. It was an ideal place to make my debut, not only because these were trusted colleagues, but also because during our work together we had shared being vulnerable with one another. As I walked into the building carrying an armload of books, the woman who I partnered with during the program cheered me on. Once inside, I found myself surrounded by classmates eager to have me sign a copy. The first went to a consultant (and great dancer) from Mexico. I teased him later that his was my first dollar, and I would hang a picture of him over the cash register, if I had one. The second went to a very kind man from Sweden who is beginning to think about retirement. Eighteen more went to consultants, therapists and coaches in the UK and US. It was wonderful to have my accomplishment so generously and graciously affirmed. They did much more than buy a book—they helped me believe that I had a place in the world as a author. I would like to invite those of you who read the book to share your thoughts and stories on the Ground of Your Own Choosing website. You can order the book from there, or from Amazon.com ( and if you would like to write a customer review on Amazon, I would be thrilled). If you would prefer to share your thoughts privately, send me an email, or a letter to PO Box 156, North Eastham, MA, 02651-0156.
Join the Celebration
We’re used to complaints about how Cape Cod is a difficult place to find employment—the economy is seasonal, there are no big companies, the good jobs are all in Boston, etc. While there are unique challenges on the Cape, people are struggling to find work in Hoboken and Des Moines and Sacramento as well. The reason goes far beyond the current economic downturn: we are living in an era which is witnessing fundamental changes in the nature of work itself, in which jobs as we have known them are disappearing. Come learn how to create a new kind of work security, one that is not dependent on any particular job, but on your own capacity to generate work.
Coming in 2009 ... Ground of Your Own Choosing small group retreats offering interactive training in the principles presented in the book. If you’re anxious about changes in the workplace and want to feel prepared, or are trying to find or create work, this program will help you take the management of your career to a new level. Hard times require more vigilance in staying valuable in your current position and learning new skills in secure a new one. Call 508.240.0432 or send an email to reserve your place.
40 Oak Leaf Rd About Us Our long-term relationships with clients, recognition by peers, and growing reputation as a community resource speak to the excellence of the services we provide and our commitment to making the world of work a better place for all.
Privacy Policy We at the Center for Career and Business Development respect your privacy: we do not sell, rent, share or otherwise misuse any data which we may have about you; its only purpose is to send you information which we believe will be of value to you. If you don’t want to receive this newsletter, use the SafeUnsubscribe™ link below and your name will be promptly and cheerfully removed from our list.
The stick illustrations in this issue are by Eloise Morley.
Copyright © 2007
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Join the celebration of the publication of Beverly’s new book, Ground of Your Own Choosing. Tuesday, October 28, 5:30-7:30, at the Brewster Library, Brewster, MA. The reception will include a book signing, refreshments, live jazz, and a talk by the author. Read more »
Also in this issue ...
As we move forward into the 21st century it’s pretty obvious to just about everyone that work isn’t what it used to be. Whether we work for ourselves, or for someone else, or are in transition, things are changing rapidly and we’re caught in a shift of seismic proportions. Many things are being demanded of us, and it’s going to require more than just new skills to survive and thrive. We’re going to need to learn how to get serious about taking care of the business of our professional lives. Taking Care of Business We invite you to share your thoughts by
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Celebrate the publication of Beverly Ryle’s new book, 
