Define Yourself as an Expert through Writing and Speaking

"Most aspiring writers don't understand what it takes to become a published author." That's what Award-winning author and professional keynote speaker Robin Jay says when people tell her they are working on a book or that they dream of writing professionally some day. "Being naïve about the publishing industry doesn't mean you can't get published. You just have to be willing to take the time to learn how to do it. I enjoy helping people move forward with their writing goals." Jay says.

"You wouldn't just sit in the cockpit of an airplane and think that just because you've flown before, you would know how to pilot an airplane. Yet people write manuscripts every day, hoping to find publishing success. There are so many businesses just waiting for new writers to come along so that they can take advantage of them. If you don't know what you're doing, you could end up spending a ton of money and still not get published," Jay warns.

Jay, whose signature book is "The Art of the Business Lunch - Building Relationships Between 12 and 2" (Career Press), mentors writers and offers a keynote presentation on "Defining Yourself as an Expert: Using Publishing to Make Your Mark." Jay, who has been featured on MSNBC-TV, in Newsweek and on Forbes.com, says that in the highly competitive world of business, being published can help you to rise above your competition. She shares her personal experience in publishing, as well as many short-cuts available today for anyone who wants to become a published author. Some people dream of writing professionally while others understand the significance that being published can have on their career.

Originally self-published, Jay later hired an agent who then sold her work. Her book has since been sold in NINE languages worldwide. She is a contributor to "Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover's Soul," as well as several editions of "The Power of Mentorship" anthologies. She is also a featured mentor in "The Power of Mentorship - The Movie" along with "The Secret's" Bob Proctor and Marie Diamond.

She is the producer of the "Author's Secrets" audio program, in which she not only shares her first-hand experience but also interviews several experts in the field of publishing. Included in the program are her talks with John Kremer, author of "1001 Ways to Market Your Books" and Don Boyer, publishing mogul and founder of "The Power of Mentorship" series of books.

As a published author and professional speaker, Jay said that hardly a day goes by that an aspiring author doesn't come up to her to ask about writing, printing, publishing or speaking professionally. She said that speaking and writing go hand-in-hand; professional speakers should have books to promote their work and writers should be able to speak professionally as a means of promoting their written work. She offers coaching to aspiring authors and speakers to help them achieve their goals and become successful in the pursuit of their passion. Jay is also the founder and president of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, so she knows what it takes to be a successful professional speaker.

In the "Author's Secrets" audio program, one of the guests she interviews is author Susan Zimmer. "Zimmer's story is positively shocking to anyone who is new to the publishing industry. Susan excelled at promoting her books," says Jay. "Yet, after selling 40,000 copies of her self-published book, she found herself nearly $80,000.00 in debt! Aspiring authors are stunned when they hear this. I included Susan in this program because most people who want to write have no idea how to monetize their passion. Without a blueprint for success, there are countless landmines just waiting for unsuspecting authors."

Jay introduced Zimmer to her agent who quickly sold her work, moving Susan into the ranks of "Professionally Published Authors," where she enjoys simply being an author and personality, no longer having to print or publish her books herself.

Jay said if you take the time to learn how to achieve your goals first, the path to becoming published or becoming a professional speaker can be quite simple. She believes that anyone can become a published author and thinks that people who don't take advantage of today's publishing opportunities are missing the best chance to define themselves as an expert in their field.

"I struggled to write my first book," shares Jay. "I was working 50-60 hours a week at my sales job and forced myself to write on Sundays. I never had a chance to recharge my batteries…I was a walking burn-out. I didn't know the publishing business or any of the fabulous short-cuts to becoming a published author. I only knew I wanted to write professionally. Now, I know simple ways to get published or create information products that will help other authors or speakers to realize their dreams. And I love to help business professionals create books and programs that will help them to stand out in their chosen field."

For more information or to book Robin to speak to your business or association, e-mail her at Robin@RobinJay.com.

Author's website: http://www.robinjay.com/