Ventures Membership 2017 by Mitchell Graphics

Ventures Enterprising News & Ideas for Nutrition Entrepreneurs

From 500 Words to a Book Deal Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN Chair Elect People often ask me, “How did you write a book?” Well, it began with a love of writing. A lot of writing. Nobody just decides I’m going to write a book and then does it next week. You have to practice your craft, hone in on a topic area and find your audience and your voice. Step One: Write. Write a lot. Get noticed. It’s important to have both a passion for writing and for a topic area. While every author’s path is different, I’ll share mine with you. I began by writing a column for my local newspaper. It began as monthly, and soon became weekly. The theme was keep it fad-free and I offered realistic, practical advice that didn’t over-restrict. I found people welcomed my compassionate, sensible, guilt-free advice. I focused on heart health, diabetes and weight control - since these are three common topics that all can be somewhat modified or controlled with diet therapy. I wrote the column for almost twenty years! In addition, I took every opportunity to write, even if it didn’t pay

Membership 2017 Volume XXXIII Number 5 Media Savvy: Breaking into Traditional Media: Writing, Speaking, Books, TV, Podcasts

In This Issue: From 500 Words to a Book Deal �� 1 Overcoming Anxiety to Pursue

much, to practice and grow my portfolio and I began my career as a communications consultant from one newspaper article that I wrote that got noticed by a PR firm.

Your Dreams �� 2

Step Two: Have a strong online presence. It’s important to have an online presence in order to successfully land a book contract. This includes a website, active social media platforms and perhaps a blog. Even if you plan to self-publish, having established channels will be helpful once you are marketing your book. About two years before my first book, I started penning online content via EzineArticles. com, and I wrote for Livestrong.com when the site first launched. Ezine Aricles is “an innovative platform that allows experts to share knowledge, expertise, and wisdom, and receive traffic back to their website in return.” While this was unpaid work, it helped increase my online presence, and I viewed it as free marketing.

Lights, Camera, Nutrition! "Behind the

I’ll leave you with these four tips: 1. Hone your craft. The only way to improve your writing is to write, write, write. Write long pieces, short pieces, scientific pieces and fluffy pieces. Practice.

50 Years of Innovation and Change �� 3

Scenes" Tip for Getting Booked on TV �� 4 Easy, Fast and Inexpensive: Why SelfPublishing was MADE for Dietitians! �� 5 Make Your Voices Heard: The Difference Your Words Can Make! �� 6 The Art of Speaker Fees: People are Sitting on Their Wallets Waiting to Pay You �� 6 5 Contract Mistakes You Don't Want to Make ��7 10 Tips for Writing a Book ��Back Cover

2. Get your social media, website and blog in order. Try to keep some consistency among them. You need an established online platform these days to market a book. 3. Don’t pass up an opportunity. If you’re approached to do a book that isn’t what you had in mind, maybe you should do it anyway. Add your voice to the topic and do what you can to make it your book. It’s great practice and may lead to other opportunities. 4. Talk to other writers about finding an agent. Use your network to connect with a literary agent.

Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN, author, fact-finder, and freelance writer, enjoys an ever changing environment. Give her fresh air and she's smiling. Rosanne anxiously awaits the opening of her "outdoor home office" every spring in the Northeast. She can't decide which she loves better - the ocean or the mountains, but it's probably the ocean.

Ventures EDITOR

Newsletter EDITOR LETTER

Alexandra Caspero, MA, RDN, CLT, RYT

INCOMING EDITOR Rachael Hartley, RDN, LD, CDE, CLT

EDITORIAL BOARD, 2016-2017 Alexandra Caspero, MA, RDN, CLT, RYT Rachael Hartley, RDN, LD, CDE, CLT Penny Wilson, PHD, RDN, LD Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN The newsletter pertains to the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and reproduction rights are reserved. Publication of an advertisement in the Ventures newsletter should not be considered as an endorsement of the product or advertiser by the DPG. Viewpoints and statements in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect policies and/or positions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. © 2015 Nutrition Entrepreneurs. All rights reserved.

WE WELCOME INPUT FROM OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR: Alexandra Caspero, MA, RDN, CLT, RYT NewsletterEditor@NEdpg.org

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION NE members’ Ventures subscription year runs from June through May. Non-Academy members may purchase a one-year (five issues) subscription for $40. Contact NEadmin@NEdpg.org for subscription information.

ADDRESS CHANGES AND MISSING ISSUES If you have a change of address, please contact the Academy with your new address information. If you missed an issue, email Lauri Egan at NEadmin@NEdpg.org or call (513) 972-4668.

CORRECTIONS We incorrectly included the wrong photo for Spring's Members on the Move. Denine Rogers, MS, RDN, LD, FAND recently graduated from the American College of Health Science with a Master’s degree in complementary alternative medicine and herbal medicine.

Overcoming Anxiety

to Pursue your Dreams Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE, CLT Incoming Newsletter Editor

Do you dream of breaking into media, but just the thought of standing in front of hot TV lights makes you tremble with fear? As someone who struggled with social anxiety for years, I completely understand. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach as I walked into that first patient room during my internship, the cold sweat before hitting “publish” on my first blog post and the wave of nausea that almost stopped me from seeing my first private practice client. My fears began to fade with repetition and these things became second nature to me. But what if I let my fears stop me? Is social anxiety stopping you from pursuing your dreams of a career in media? Try these four strategies to push past your fears: Deep breathing It’s helpful to practice a few minutes of deep breathing before doing something anxietyprovoking. You’ll get the most benefit if you set aside time to practice every day, not just in times of tension. Don’t focus on reactions Avoid focusing on other people’s reactions – it’s a distraction. Plus, it’s easy to read

too much into someone checking his/ her phone or appearing bored. Have you ever enthusiastically listened to an entire presentation without checking your phone even once? Instead, focus on your own actions, which you can control. Tap into your passion When I’m feeling anxious about a particular project, I tend to get lost in the details and forget the big picture. But when I focus on my message and the passion that drives the work that I do, my anxiety fades. Plus, it’s your passion and enthusiasm that will make a much greater impression than the details of what you say. Your harshest critic I’ve seen my colleagues do incredible work, only to beat themselves up and nitpick minor details. Remember, you are your own harshest critic. More than likely, no one else will notice your minor slips and stumbles. As your incoming newsletter editor, I hope Ventures gives you the confidence to take those next big steps towards your entrepreneurial dreams. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any suggestions or comments to make Ventures a better resource for you.

Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE, CLT, is a Columbia, South Carolinabased private practice dietitian and food/wellness blogger at Avocado A Day Nutrition. Travel is her passion and she's made it a goal to visit a new country every year.

ARTICLE CATEGORY

50 Years of

Innovation

& Change Sarah Kosyzk, MA, RDN Chair Nutrition Entrepreneurs is excited to celebrate two of our members who have been dietitians for over 50 years, Shirley Blakely and Angela Miraglio. NE caught up with them for an exclusive interview about 50 years of innovation and change. Question: What is the biggest change in the dietetics industry you have witnessed over the past 50 years? Angela: Without a doubt, it is the expansion of roles and work environments open to the dietetics professional. When I entered my internship, there were basically two options: become a clinical or an administrative dietitian. Data processing occurred in large rooms and was the domain of researchers. The 1980's ushered in the advent of public affairs and communications roles plus entrepreneurship and the PC. Today you can find dietitians working in any environment where food, nutrition and health exist. Shirley: I was grandfathered in and was a dietitian before registration was required. The registration was one aspect that set dietitians apart and made us more than just providing a diet. Because of our rigorous training, we can expand our reach in patient care. The nutrition care process is a big change, too. Question: What is your most memorable media experience? Angela: For six years, I was a contributing editor to a trade magazine, Food Product Design. Our audience was product developers and marketers. My articles focused on nutrition, functional foods and related regulations. Shirley: Two years before I retired from the FDA, I did a video called Kids N Fiber, which

discusses how kids can get their fiber, and it was on the FDA website for quite some time. I also appeared on the cable news channel regarding nutrition labeling. I became the chief dietitian for the public health service selected by the Surgeon General for five years and was able to share my knowledge and expertise with the federal government. Question: What is the one personal accomplishment you are most thankful for? Angela: I am basically a shy person raised in an era when children were “to be seen and not heard” and “a woman’s place was in the home.” I am grateful that I found my voice and capitalized on my independent streak so I could experience a varied and meaningful career. Shirley: I always felt really good about being a dietitian and how our eating can affect our health. We have an unending amount of knowledge, growth and dynamics that keeps our industry interesting. There is always something new on the horizon. Question: How do you think our dietetic industry will change over the next 50 years? Angela: I believe we will solidify our leadership in all aspects of food and nutrition and the promotion of health. The principles of integrative and functional medicine will become the foundation for clinical practice. Information technology will create new and better tools for individuals and dietitians to manage diets and monitor health. A greater understanding of food components that contribute to health will also lead to more opportunities in food product development, marketing and industry regulation. Shirley: I like to focus on the science of nutrition and in just the next 10 years, we will learn more how diet affects the immune system, the brain and other parts of the body. And we’ll be able to apply more of our discoveries to treating these areas. The concept of personalized nutrition will become more popular and the idea that

“one size fits all” will become obsolete. Globalization between countries will become more common in regards to nutrition where someone in China will understand how we care for patients in the U.S. Question: What is your favorite inspirational quote? Angela: I have several. My observation is that just when you think you know where you’re going, life throws you a curve ball. Thus, I have learned to “expect the unexpected” and to look for “the open door when one closes.” My philosophy, “Be open to what comes along” and “Stretch to take advantage of new and different opportunities.” Shirley: "Be the change you wish to see in the world," Ghandi. A very simple statement but it is a big task. It reminds us to pattern our behavior in a positive way in which we model the change we want to see. If we want to see people helping their fellow persons, then we need to practice helping as well.

If you say, "scuba diving trip," Sarah will meet you there. In addition to her passion of food, she has a major passion for the ocean and tries to swim under the sea as often as possible. She's traveled the world diving with the fish from Majuro to Cuba to Bonaire and more.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, NUTRITION!

"Behind the Scenes" Tips for Getting Booked on TV

Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE Speakers and Media Specialty Group Chair We need more dietitians in the media! I hope you are up for the challenge and these tips will help you succeed.

Size Matters! Know the size of your media market. Search “Nielsen TV markets” online to find your city’s rank. Larger markets are more difficult to pitch, but not impossible. I’m in Chicago (third-largest market) so I know firsthand how competitive it is with so many other local and national “experts.” Smaller markets are easier to pitch; however, they may be more likely to do “pay-for-play” segments where the air time has to be purchased like a commercial.

As Seen on TV Watch different shows and become familiar with them before trying to pitch the

producer. Choose shows that are appropriate for nutrition segments, and be sure the shows have guests - some shows don’t. Search online for the producer’s contact information or call the station’s main phone number and ask for the phone/email for the specific show’s producer.

Do You Need a PR Expert? The truth is, producers would rather work directly with the “talent” (you) than go through a PR person. It’s much more efficient for them. I’ve had success with this in Chicago; however you must be very patient and persistent. You may need to work with a PR specialist to help you get booked initially, but then you can build a relationship with the station and do some follow-up pitching yourself. If you work in a hospital or other setting that has a PR department, make sure you introduce yourself and let the PR person know you’re available for interviews. Provide your bio and a list of topics/ideas you are comfortable discussing. The PR staff will be thrilled to know you’re a go-to resource.

The Pitch and the Follow-Through Most producers prefer pitches via email. Keep it short and to the point. Include the words “story idea” in your catchy subject line. Tell producers what you “think their viewers might be interested in” - and let them decide – producers don’t like to be told what their viewers WILL like. Include specific descriptions of food and props you could “show and tell.” Tell them why they should listen to you and include a link to your bio/

website or LinkedIn profile. SHOW them why they should book you by linking to a video on your site or YouTube. If you don’t have one, now is the time to create one. This can really help you get booked because the producer can SEE what you’re like on camera! Once you get booked, consider these important points so that you not only get booked again, but you represent dietitians and our profession well: nnStay in your own lane: When it comes to the science and the facts, don’t wing it. You do not have to know everything so there’s no need to fake it. Dietitians lose credibility when they share information that is inaccurate, sensational or misleading. nnBe prepared: Keep it conversational and be ready for some Q&A. If there’s a question you hope they don’t ask you, you’d better be prepared with a good answer. nnSeeing is believing: Your food/props should be gorgeous. Nothing is worse than a sparse table or a bunch of food packages cluttering up the table. nnThe end: At the end of the day, working with the media is really about relationships. Respect others, communicate clearly and always overdeliver.

Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RD, CDE, relishes time with her family, even while working on podcasts and blogs with her 16-year-old daughter. Melissa’s 8-year-old son says she is “fun, happy, and surprisingly good at chess.” Her computergeek husband is finally on board with all of her “twittering” because U.S. News and World Report recently named her as one of 10 Dietitians You Should Follow on Social Media.

Easy, Fast and Inexpensive: Why Self-Publishing was MADE for Dietitians! Julie Beyer, MA, RDN Authors and Writers Specialty Group Chair "When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly-balanced courses of action you should take—choose the bolder." - William Joseph Slim I assume you dream about publishing a book or you would not be reading this. Perhaps you have even written a book and stashed it in your dresser drawer or buried it on your computer because once you wrote it, you were not sure what to do with it. You may even have sent a proposal to a publisher only to realize that the process established by the publishing industry is extremely difficult if not impossible to navigate. This can be frustrating, especially when you read some of the “fake-news” others are putting out there and you know you can do better! We all know that dietitian nutritionists need communication avenues to get their voices heard above the highly promoted celebrities and self-anointed nutrition gurus. The good news is that modern technology offers the best opportunities in the world of book creation since the printing press was invented and the monks put down their quills. Just as manuscripts do not have to be hand-copied over and over anymore, neither do they have to go through the old-fashioned publishing processes. Today, the technology for selfpublishing books is readily available and so simple to use that anyone can publish and market a book. I literally learned how to selfpublish by taking a community education class at my local high school. In two hours, I learned more about the process than the four 400-page books I bought taught me. In addition to “easy,” self-publishing is fast; in fact, self-publishing seems made for the everevolving world of nutrition science. Traditional publishers will tell you that it can take from 18 to 24 months to get a book from concept to

hard copy. Yet science (and frankly, the public’s interest) about a particular nutrition topic can change rapidly. Do you find yourself debating the latest diet craze? With self-publishing, you could have a book out on the topic within the month with very little financial investment!

use the content as the basis for public speaking opportunities. In short, you get to decide how you want to nurture your brand identity, selling and often reselling your work.

Of course, easy, fast and inexpensive aren’t the only reasons to self-publish:

Yes, self-publishing can take some work, but once you navigate the learning curve, the opportunities are endless. Get your voice heard. Get that book published!

nnYOU HAVE MORE CREATIVE CONTROL. Self-publishing is a great way to keep your hands in the project from beginning to end.

nnIT GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO TEST THE WATERS. You can update and improve your content easily with each printing or digital upload. Use your first printing to solicit feedback, fix errors and even change formats. Some self-published books are even picked up by mainstream publishers.

nnYOU HAVE MORE FINANCIAL CONTROL. You decide how much money you want to spend on tasks like cover design, document layout and editing. If you are competent and creative, you can save a lot of money by doing things yourself.

(Adapted from You CAN Write a Book: The No-Nonsense Guide to Self-Publishing by Julie Beyer, MA, RDN)

Julie’s passion is to get registered dietitian nutritionists to shout to the world that THEY are the nutrition experts using a tapestry of communication techniques. She believes every book published, every blog promoted, every YouTube video shared of her colleagues strengthens our profession. In addition to self-publishing four books of her own, Julie has mentored and coached countless registered dietitian nutritionists through the self-publishing process, and has helped several RDN authors edit and format their books. Julie always enjoys hearing from her fellow NEDPG members. You can email her at julie.beyer.rd@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @ICDietitian.

nnYOU CAN FINE-TUNE YOUR AUDIENCE AND CREATE MORE BOOKS WITH LESS EFFORT. In other words, your book for patients with eating disorders can be transformed into a workbook or even a continuing education module for nutrition professionals allowing you to publish multiple books from one research path.

nnYOU RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO YOUR BOOK AND CAN PARLAY IT INTO MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME. You can sell your book directly or partner with online stores like Amazon.com. You can sell “articles” based on your book content to magazine or website publishers or

DELEGATES CORNER

MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD: The Difference Your Words Can Make!

Delegates, you will undoubtedly have seen or heard the phrase, “Make your voices heard.” These words can be applied to the media industry as well regardless of the medium: print, radio or television. We want all our members’ voices to be heard. Here are some tips to help reach our goal:

1. Offer your solutions proactively help make their job easier by providing pitches that are specifically targeted to meet the needs of your media contacts.

2. Consider a (media) partner - it helps to have someone who can act as a sounding board for your pitches and ideas, and who can provide feedback. It could be as simple as changing only one word to make a pitch more effective.

Lisa Jones, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND Delegate

3. Be “amazingly you”…. always -

“Does anyone have any questions for my answers?” - Henry Kissinger

4. Understand that it is still a people business. Continuously work on making

If you have read my delegate updates or any of the communications from the House of

everything you know is already out there. How are YOU going to package and deliver it differently?

connections and tracking your metrics. Reach out frequently and consistently.

The ART of Speaker Fees: Chere Bork, MS, RDN Positivity Ambassador We love our profession, helping people and making a difference. It is time to make a difference for YOU and your wallet. Speaking is the quickest way to get rich. If “What do you charge?” increases your heart rate, consider these questions when determining your worth and what to charge. You are an expert in your field. What is your expertise and your time worth? When you are preparing for a presentation, you will not be able to earn money from your “normal job” like seeing clients. How much is your energy and time worth? You probably cannot do other work like writing blog posts or getting ready for clients when you are traveling. How much is your traveling time worth? Is this audience the right fit? You make money when you are presenting the right topic to the right audience. When the program planner says to me, “I am sure you will get clients from this,” I run the other way. In my humble experience, I have not gotten one client

5. Be repeatable - tell them a story that helps illustrate your point. Make sure it is memorable and worth repeating. Many of these tips are applicable to the HOD. For example, many of our members proactively communicate ideas and make suggestions for future mega-issues. Others who have served as past delegates continue to serve as mentors and provide guidance. Many of our members have provided stories that are memorable and impactful, and which have made a positive contribution to the wellness and prevention mega-issue. Of utmost importance, all of you must contribute your unique voice when communicating on our EML. Continue to make YOUR voices heard!

Lisa Jones, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND, is a funny speaker and standup comedienne. She is not just mildly amusing—she is really funny. Lisa was bit by the comedy-bug at a young age, entertaining her family at the dinner table with knock-knock jokes. Soon she discovered SNL and would memorize many bits and made her siblings perform them. Today, you can find Lisa performing improvisational, sketch, and standup comedy at private events and comedy clubs throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

People Are Sitting on Their Wallets

Waiting to Pay You

from a free talk that was on general nutrition to a general audience. On the other hand, I gave a talk that was the right fit to an audience of 50 where I offered a powerful call to action for free strategy sessions. I obtained 25 sessions that resulted in 12 clients who filled my practice for two years.

Know your audience

Before you talk about fees, you must help the audience know you, like you and trust you. I have a pre-event question template that I talk through with the program planner including: What are your goals for this presentation? What is your biggest challenge you face right now? If my program were considered a success, what would success look like? What do you want to see from your people as a result of my program? Who did you hire last year?

Bring up the topic of money

Ask, “What is your budget for this event?” Get the program planner to name his/her figure. Don’t let the program planner insist on your naming your price. Never do fee negotiation via email. Never. Use the phrase, “I have been getting $XXXX plus travel from other companies. I am willing to work within your budget, so let me know what I can do.” Then be quiet. The $XXXX number that you name should be close to your speaking fee, what you want to receive, and higher than their minimum amount. The goal is to make the

program planner understand that this is a negotiation and not a simple transaction. You need to understand that he/she is willing to spend money and if the money is not enough, you can work with the planner to increase the amount.

Believe in yourself (priceless tip)

You have studied years and years to come this far. You deserve more than the “internet nutritionist.” Get a hundred-dollar bill and hold it in your left hand as you negotiate any fees. Think: I am rich, rewarded, inspired, confident and happy. This little trick has made me thousands and thousands of dollars. Negotiating fees does not have to be hard if you believe in yourself. People are sitting on their wallets waiting to open them to YOU. Conceive! Believe! Achieve! Chere is the happy owner of Cherebork.com and is a Law of Attraction Facilitator, giving RDNs a big boost of confidence to live the lives they have always wanted. She enjoys coaching smart, savvy RDNs to greatness. Chere has a quirky habit of naming her possessions – her kayak is Bubba and her car is Ruby. She adores caramelized bacon and sea salt and vinegar potato chips (but perhaps not together). Her goal before she is 72 years old is to give a talk at every state Academy conference and to travel to Tuscany.

GUEST ARTICLE

5 Contract Mistakes Julie Upton, MS, RDN Almost daily, I receive an email or call from a colleague asking about terms detailed in a contract. Since the same questions always seem to come up, here are the most important aspects of contract negotiation that RDNs need to understand to be compensated appropriately:

You Can Edit Most Contracts—and Should!

Chances are, to get a contract, you had initial conversations about the scope of work and the compensation. But once you receive a written contract or LOA (letter of agreement) from a prospective client, you don’t have to sign it as written. In fact, assume that the contract needs edits because it was written by the prospective client, which means it is written for the client’s benefit - not yours. At our company, we consider the contract phase our start of negotiation. We often delete entire sections that are not written to our favor or are without compensation, like exclusivity. Never feel you have to sign a contract immediately. If a prospective client is rushing you, it may be a sign that there are some unfavorable terms in the contract. In our experience, it is reasonable to take up to a week - or if a contract is large or complex several weeks - to negotiate. Above all, don’t work on any projects without having a simple letter of agreement in place. This is as simple as a one-pager with bullet points of what you are doing for the client and how you are to be compensated and within a determined amount of time once your invoice is received.

You Don't Want to Make complete the project or that the company has to use your Intellectual Property (IP) or name and likeness. Most contracts will be drafted with a clause that reads that the client has worldwide rights to your IP for perpetuity, without adequate compensation. Never sign a contract that doesn’t have an end of term because that means a client can use your IP forever.

Your IP Has Value

RDNs often forget that using their name and likeness is an implied endorsement for which there should be compensation. Companies want to use your name because it helps provide credibility or increase sales of their product, goods or services. If you don’t know what to charge for allowing a company to use your name and likeness or IP, ask for advice from colleagues.

Know What You Should Charge for Specific Items

You should read contracts thoroughly to determine if you are being compensated for everything that is being asked of you. This includes items like use of your name, likeness; access to your fans/followers; time to complete a project; travel; expenses; exclusivity; long term length; third-party usage rights. Make sure you are being compensated for all items in the contract. Many times, we have been paid additional funds because companies have continued to use our name and likeness after the contract

had expired. In those cases, we billed for all the additional time that our IP was being used.

Know When to Walk Away

One of the hardest things we do is turn away business. We do this when we feel that a prospective client is trying to take advantage of us (our profession) or just doesn’t see the value in what we offer. Unfortunately, some agencies and food companies have become accustomed to receiving RDN services (like endorsements, written content, press quotes, etc.) in exchange for coupons, product, or the promise of paid work “in the future.” We feel our profession – just like law, accounting or consulting – should be compensated with actual cash payments, not products. Would you pay an attorney or hair stylist with granola bars? Product is not an acceptable compensation for professional services. Period. We feel it is good for our business in the long run, as well as our profession as a whole, to insist on proper compensation. As nutrition professionals, part of our obligation is to help ensure that registered dietitian nutritionists have a viable livelihood moving forward, and that we don’t become nutrition hobbyists.

Julie Upton, MS, RDN, is a San Francisco Bay area-based nutrition communications specialist who co-founded Appetite for Health, a food and nutrition marketing communications firm she founded with Katherine Brooking, MS, RD.

Every Contract Needs a Term Length

Be sure that your contract or letter of agreement has a specific term length. This is the amount of time that you have to

Ventures

www.nedpg.org

Enterprising News & Ideas for Nutrition Entrepreneurs

Alexandra Caspero, MA, RDN, RYT 7515 Teasdale Ave St. Louis, MO 63130

Rebecca Bitzer, MS, RD, LD Private Practice Specialty Group Chair Never in a million years would I have thought I would write a book, yet here I am, co-author of two workbooks, one for registered dietitians in private practice and the other for consumers who are tired of yo-yo dieting and want to break out of diet prison. I made this journey with two of my registered dietitians, Kait Fortunato, RD, LD, CEDRD, and Dana Magee, RD, LD, CLT, and the beauty of putting our minds together was that we were able to inspire each other to share our passion and expertise as both dietitians in private practice and believers that diets do not work. I must say that writing a book is a very vulnerable process. We really had to push ourselves out of our comfort zone, but I would not change a thing. I am so happy that we shared our collective wisdom and took the risk. Words of wisdom I would like to share:

If you are an expert and feel passionate about a subject, start writing. A great way to start writing is to start

Tips For Writing a Book

blogging. Make writing/blogging a priority and keep practicing.

Ask for help. You do not have to do this alone. Think about a co-author to help you get your book completed.

Start with a vision. Why are you writing a book? Is it to attract more clients? To share your passion? To show you are the expert? To share your expertise? To develop your niche and provide a resource to your clients? To help other RDs?

Write an outline of your book. Gather your blogs and handouts you have written previously - you may have more complete than you think!

Start writing; don't allow perfectionism to get in the way. You will reread many times and make edits but getting the raw material down is the first step.

Work on your book as much as you possibly can and then work on it some more. Put time on your calendar that is set aside to write. To complete both of our books we rented a hotel and had an entire writing weekend!

7. 8.

Make sure to get an editor.

Get a cover designer; she/he will make your vision come to life.

Look into self-publishing; it is an easy way to get started. Check out createspace.com.

10. Have fun and remember, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t write it, someone else might!

Rebecca Bitzer, MS, RD, LD, CEDRD, is the co-author of Taste the Sweet Rebellion: REBEL Against Dieting workbook/ cookbook. Rebecca is fearless and loves to try new things. If she has not done it, she is pretty open to jumping right in if given the opportunity.