Friday Author Interview Series: Joseph Kerski May 2012
This article appeared originally in: Self-Publishing Experts.com.
I would definitely make sure that your book has an electronic publishing option so it would be available digitally to those who wish to have that format.- Joseph Kerski
How did you get started writing your book? Or what inspired your book?
I am passionate about helping people understand the world, which is why I became a geographer in the first place. The goal of my book, Essentials of the Environment, is to present topics that people increasingly read and hear about in the news—climate change, biodiversity, green energy, invasive species—and provide information about each topic, why each topic matters, and illustrate each topic with a diagram or a picture.
What was the hardest part about completing your book?
The hardest part was to make sure that I provided some richer information for the reader that they would not get in a newspaper article, but not make it too complicated; and to keep it interesting at the same time.
Did you learn any lessons in the book creation process, if so what where they?
I had a co-author, Simon Ross, in the UK, and one lesson was how to work effectively with a colleague in another country, adhere to deadlines, and compromise when necessary with the co-author and with the publisher.
What tips or advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Have a vision about what you want to say and stick with it. If you are working with an outside publisher, make certain up front that your publisher shares your vision and will not make you give up significant portions of your vision.
If you published, how did you find your publisher and what enticed you to go the traditional route?
I learned about my publisher through working with geography educators in the UK. My publisher, Hodder, was well known in this field. It is distributed in the USA through Oxford University Press.
If you had to do your book all over again, would you?
I would definitely make sure that the book would have an electronic publishing option so it would be available digitally to those who wished to have it that format.
Are you writing or planning to write an additional book(s)?
Yes, in October I wrote a book entitled “International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Geographic Information Systems in Secondary Schools.” In June 2012 I will have two additional books available: (1) Tribal Geographic Information Systems: Empowering Native American Decision Making; and (2) The Geographic Information Systems Guide to Public Domain Data.
What else would you like to share about you or your book?
I believe it is important for every person on the planet to have a fundamental understanding of how the environment works, how it affects our everyday lives, and how we can take steps to protect it for our children and grandchildren.
How can people find out more about your book?
Click: Essentials of the Environment to be directed to Amazon.
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