Possible Third book- need input please

[AniaR]

Okay so, my first book is starting to seem outdated to me right now. I think most of the info is still relevant but I have learned so much more that I could add, and I think the resource section needs an overhaul. I also know because it was my first one it's not as well put together as the second one.

A few people have suggested a revision but I feel like I'd be a jerk to republish the book and expect people to buy it again. I don't want anyone who has bought it to feel like it was a waste of money because I went ahead and made another version.

So I was thinking, what about if I created a supplement book with all the new and relevant info I have acquired, and combined it into a workbook for mermaids? An actual book they can write it to help them plan out things, find out what is important to them, and further the chances of success as a company? Of course, I'd also add funny and relevant stories along the way.

I basically want to make something as relevant as possible. A tool that's really going to continue helping. What sort of things would you want to see in it? For those who read the first book- were there topics you wanted more elaboration on? Were there things not covered at all that you'd like to see? Resources that need to be added in?

I'm really just toying with the idea for now and will probably spend this year fleshing it out. If I did publish it would be either closer to the end of the year, or at the beginning of 2016. I can't decide if it's a worthwhile venture or not. I really appreciate feedback specifically from people who have read one or both of my books. Thanks!

[Merman Dan]

Sean needs to write one!

[Merman Arion]

I feel there is more that could be said about society and mermen. I would love to read more about it, especially your view on it, what advices you could give to those going professional, etc. Maybe an input from Christian would be interesting. I don't know, just a suggestion

[AniaR]

Hmm I may then conduct some interviews to gather information about mermen, so I can make a section about that. I'd much rather quote mermen of the community and post their perspective because it's more reliable than mine I think. great points. I'll also def get Sean to help me do a chapter on merwranglers!

[AniaR]

I think this one could be like a survival guide.

[BriannaPixieDee]

I think you could just continue where you left off and make a book about information you learned after your book was published and stuff not included that you think should be in there. Mermen being an example, maybe talk about how it helps people with chronic pain, the art behind it etc.

Kind of like a volume set so you can add on as you need. Then you're not republishing and providing all new information.

Fishy Business 2: How to be a Mermaid Surplus or something like that.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I think every once in a while it's best to have a revised edition (heck they always make revisions in the dictionary and other manuals and books) but I completely understand why you wouldn't want to.
I think a survival guide/workbook would be good in place of that.

I also second Arion's opinion. needs to happen.

[Mermaid Harmony]

I really really like the workbook idea, as a supplemental guide, merwrangling is a good idea, but yeah I know it's been done by a lot of people but goals/vision and how to put that together as a mermaid is a good idea.

[Mermaid Ciela]

I would totally buy a third book of yours, Raina (I've already got the first two)! Whether it's a revised version of your first book or a survival guide/workbook for new mers - both options sound intriguing and full of possibilities. Coming from someone who has really only just started on her mermaid journey, I'd probably lean towards a workbook to develop mersonas/business ideals/etc. And I second having a section on mermen and merwranglers! (Like, how to find a merwrangler if you can't think of anyone that you already know who might be willing to help out with that...or something? Maybe a detailed list/section about what kinds of things merwranglers are responsible for, and what sort of pay rate is reasonable?)

[AniaR]

thanks for the input everyone! I'll keep on brainstorming. if you think of anything else please post it here. i've started a notebook hahaha

[Miyu]

I've gotten to read a copy of your first book

Things I'd personally like to see:

* A handy-dandy checklist of things to remember to take to gigs (maybe even various supplemental lists for specific kinds of gigs)
* Maybe a section detailing various types of mers/mer archetypes - There's a lot of folks who don't know that there's a ton of "alternative"/darker-style mers out there. I know the "tropical/sunshiney" mers are the most common, and well-known, type of mer, but I'd like to see folks feeling that it's okay to be a "creepy mer" (possibly with some artwork, I'm sure there's a few mer-artists who would be fine with you using their work)
* Mermaidy things to do when you can't get to the water
* Maybe some mermaidy recipes/simple craft tutorials? (I have quite a few recipes saved myself)
* Natural solutions for us chemically-sensitive merfolk (alternatives to chemical cleaners, skin/hair care, makeup, etc.)
* As always, ideas of neat things to do with clients!
* Tips on taking nice pics/video underwater, breath holds, etc.
* Product recommendations - goggles, earplugs, noseplugs/clips, etc.
* DEFINITELY more about mermen! I'm loving the influx of merdudes we've been getting here and elsewhere in the community lately!
* Neat mer-mythology tidbits! I adore mythology and history Plus it's nice knowing where we "come from"

[AniaR]

Thanks Miyu- all awesome suggestions! I really appreciate it.

[Raayvhen]

You could market it as a companion to the first book, not necessarily a stand alone.

[AniaR]

that's what I was thinking

[Mermaid Sonyta]

I love all the suggestions, and I hope you decide to make a third book. I LOOOVEEED your first book, (still trying to budget a tiny bit of cash for number two, but I'm so addicted to buying accesories I can't stop!)
I like the idea of it being a workbook, being able to write in it and stuff.
I also like the idea of interviews with mermen, and Merwrangler insight from Sean is a MUST! (I read an article he was quoted in today, that was awesome!)

Personally, when I was reading your first book I thought it would be really helpful if you included some example pages of forms that would be useful to starting a business. Like, I think you talked about writing a contract or something- it would have been nice to see an example of that. Or an example of financial paperwork, feedback forms, proposals for events, things like that. And more info on the legal stuff.
I had a bunch of other ideas too, but it's super late right now and my brain is functioning at about 10% So I'm gonna sleep (maybe) and then come post back here later when I can remember. Maybe I'll read your book again for inspiration <3

PS- This is kind of unrelated, but I had my first mermaid gig today! I did a nature box like yours, and the children LOVED it!! Thank you for writing your books, keep writing until your fingers fall off.

[Mermaid Sonyta]

Maybe illustrated instructions on mermaid swimming tricks would be cool too if that's possible.

[Mermaid Enora]

I've been looking at the first two book covers and was wondering any chance we'll see mega rapidash on the cover of the third book?

[Mermaid Enora]

Unrelated to this book, but a coloring book would be fun too
Twig has a coloring book for sale it's really cute and kids love it

[AniaR]

Personally, when I was reading your first book I thought it would be really helpful if you included some example pages of forms that would be useful to starting a business. Like, I think you talked about writing a contract or something- it would have been nice to see an example of that. Or an example of financial paperwork, feedback forms, proposals for events, things like that. And more info on the legal stuff.
I had a bunch of other ideas too, but it's super late right now and my brain is functioning at about 10% So I'm gonna sleep (maybe) and then come post back here later when I can remember. Maybe I'll read your book again for

There actually are examples of that in the first book, and in the resource section there are links to templates online. I can't do financial stuff because I am canadian. Our taxes, business laws, applicable paperwork etc is different than anywhere else. It all depends on where people are coming from. Since the book is marketed world wide I had to just generally describe how people can go about things. So great ideas, it's just not as plausible as it sounds and can actually make me legally liable if I tell someone to do something and it's wrong in their country

Maybe illustrated instructions on mermaid swimming tricks would be cool too if that's possible.

Illustrations can be problematic for different reasons in this format of a book but maybe I can do something with photos.

Unrelated to this book, but a coloring book would be fun too
Twig has a coloring book for sale it's really cute and kids love it

Because I am canadian it is difficult for me to use online publishing programs to create coloring books, children's books, or photo books. Because of the specific laws and the IRS witholding every cent I make even though we have a treaty with the US and they aren't supposed. Right now the IRS takes 30% of my book earnings illegally. But they do that to all Canadians. Then give us mountains of paperwork to go through to prove we are canadian. They wont give me back the money they have taken, but they'll stop taking it from me in the future. And in 2 years I have not been able to get through to the, (this is very typical for self publishers from Canada. Had I a contract with a big publishers they would be my liaison for this and would make sure it gets done, however they'd keep the 30% anyway...) with kids books and coloring books they keep 100% and I get nothing. And I have been trying for years to get this sorted (very typical I've talked to many) so I cant really do anything like that until this finally gives.

Mermaid Aqua does amazing mermaid coloring books. I can't draw anyway haha. I have a children's book series I'd like to create and I am shopping it around to Canadian publishers.

I've been looking at the first two book covers and was wondering any chance we'll see mega rapidash on the cover of the third book?

I'd really love that. I feel like my book covers all show my evolution!

[Mermaid Enora]

Sorry to hear about all the publishing nonsense had no idea that all went on :/
The covers for sure show your mermaid evolution. There's a huge difference between one and two and it's the same tail

perhaps in the new book you could have a section on how the monofins in the two tails differ performance wise?
like tricks, speed, maneuverability etc.