A Gutsy Girl

Heal your gut. Heal your life.

The Book Deal that Almost Was

Filed Under: Gut Healing, SIBO, Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

You know what I rarely do on this blog anymore? Write anything personal. But today I’m going to tell you about the book deal that almost was because it’s 100% relevant.

Grab some water, broth, or coffee, and join me while I share the story.

Sarah Kay Hoffman A Gutsy Girl The Book Deal that Almost Was agutsygirl.com #guthealth #gut #ibs #ibd #author coffee cup

Prior to January, 2019

If you don’t know by now, I am the original A Gutsy Girl. I first wrote The Gutsy Girl’s Bible around 2012/2013, and about a year ago, released the final version of it. This version is a 286-page e-book filled with all information around the gut and gut healing. You can learn more about it via the FAQ I put together HERE.

Ever since writing the e-book, I get asked (at least once per week), “Do you have a hard copy of the book?” And guess what? I get it. I love e-books because I can read them on my iPad, and have them saved as a digital file forever. But there is something very charming, tangible, and nostalgic even about touching a physical book.

Alas, I do not have a hard copy of the book. 

Early January, 2019

I began speaking my desires out loud and writing about them because I believe in the power of hard work mixed with manifesting our dreams. It really works! So I researched and found two publishers I was originally very interested in. 

Because I do not give up and I always go after exactly what I want, I connected with the CEO of one of the companies on LinkedIn. I shared with him agutsygirl.com, the Instagram community, and my e-book; I also expressed my desires for working with them on a “gut-focused” book. 

He wrote back almost immediately, nice as can be, and gave me direct contacts into the company. 

Note: At this point of the story, I’ll make it very clear that, as I signed NDA’s and I totally respect the publisher, I am not giving any personal names nor am I sharing anything about the book title that almost was. I know you’ll understand this privacy part.

End of January, 2019

I connected with the right person. We hit it off immediately, and she was super interested in our community and having me write this book. 

I had an initial call with her on January 31, 2019, and immediately after signed an NDA on the project. 

To say I was beaming with excitement would be an understatement. 

Why? Because the book is EXACTLY what you have been asking me to write for you for a very long time.

February, 2019

We had another call about the book, and then she asked if I could do a writing sample on the topic for the editor. I was not only a “yes” on that, but an excited “yes” at that, as I had to do research in order to produce the information which meant that I learned even more for Y’all.

Within a day, the piece was done and turned back to my contact. That was February 7, 2019. 

I was told within a week would be a good timeframe for an answer.

Sarah Kay Hoffman A Gutsy Girl The Book Deal that Almost Was agutsygirl.com #guthealth #gut #ibs #ibd #author books

March, 2019

I waited, and waited, and waited…..very patiently. By March, I figured they had just passed and after following up several times realized I might never hear again. While I wasn’t okay with it, I knew I’d have to accept it.

Until one Friday morning while at Expo West when I got an email – an apology one – stating that she was so sorry about the long lag and wondering if we could talk about the project. 

Yes! I thought it was for sure going to move forward…….until that following Monday night when we had our call.

She told me they all loved my voice and thought I was perfect to write the book, but just one thing……

The editor was concerned about my credentials. Somehow, everyone missed that I am not a doctor nor an RD or have any “nutrition” degree. 

I’ve always been 1,000% clear about what I do have…..Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota (in Marketing, English, and Mass Communications), and years of research, study, and real-life application (being on the patient side).

I told her that I never thought I’d write the book on my own. When people write books like this, clearly they are well-researched and cited. I had (have) the support of some pretty big medical names that I had every intention of using for the book. 

Because I had built such a strong rapport and relationship with my contact, she was willing to go back to the editor to recommend me co-authoring the book.

Sarah Kay Hoffman A Gutsy Girl The Book Deal that Almost Was agutsygirl.com #guthealth #gut #ibs #ibd #author

Final Answer

Last night I heard the final answer: No.

Thankfully, I had reached out to my contact earlier this week asking a very specific question about the project and my credentials. So when she gave me that final, “No,” I appreciated the additional thoughts.

In a nutshell, credentials were part of the issue, but apparently the editor there was really set on the idea of having an author who has worked with patients (as opposed to having been the patient). 

My Reaction and Thoughts

I haven’t even responded to her yet. I’m still letting the “No” simmer in my soul because I wanted this so badly. 

My first goal with writing a book is one for you. I must write this book all about the gut and healing – my story, journey, but also well-researched and cited medical information (on both sides of the fence). You’ve been asking for years (since I first published The Gutsy Girl’s Bible) for a meal plan. I have never given one, but it’s time – and I want to through a nationally published book.

(Side note: My passion book is the ultimate dream – A Thyme for Milk and Honey.)

Let me be very clear. This publisher is highly respected, and I highly respect everyone there that I had contact with. I’d still write a book with them in a heartbeat, given the chance.

So instead of blaming them for something I did not get, I took a very different route (because listen, talking a blame game gets you nowhere!). 

I started asking myself the question, “How can I become more credible? What do I need to do?”

Listen, ladies, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get you this d@#$ book.

Patient + Researcher or Practitioner View?

I want to know your honest opinion? PLEASE leave it for me in the comments below. 

Would you rather buy a book like this written from someone like me (patient + devout researcher) OR practitioner?

I’ll love you no matter the answer. 🙂

Anyways, I posted this on Instagram yesterday,

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

👩‍🎓 Can I be REALLY honest with y’all?! I’m tired. I’m really tired of not being taken as seriously as I know I deserve in all things gut. The final blow is currently happening. Instead of feeling mad or sad, I’m just going to do something about it. It’s not time to share yet. When it is, I’ll be shouting it. Stick with me. There can only be ☝️ ‘A Gutsy Girl.’ 💃💕✨⠀ .⠀ .⠀ Find hundreds of other gut healing posts via www.agutsygirl.com. (Make sure you’re following @agutsygirl and click “Turn on Post Notifications” in the upper right corner so you never miss a post).⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #agg #agutsygirl #lifestyleblogger #IBS #sibodiet #iin #guthealing #ibd #healthcoach #guthealth #leakygut #autoimmunediesease #colitis #ibsdiet #crohns #lowfodmap #gutfriendly #chronicfatigue #lowfodmapdiet #guthealing #glutenfree #aipdiet #Adrenalfatigue #aip #healthylifestyle #SIBOdiet #chronicfatigue⠀ ✨⠀ Photo credit @amy_hollenkamp_rd⠀ Reposted with @plannthat

A post shared by A Gutsy Girl | Gut Journalist (@agutsygirl) on


Here were some of the comments:

  • Instagram and forums have been far more instrumental for my health than most GPs who seem very dismissive of my any female related issues I have. Going on a low Fodmap diet however is not essentially a female issue. I like to do my research and then go see the GP. Having said all that, I am very happy with my male GP who listens to me.
  • I’ve been dealing with gut issues all my life from being on IV antibiotics since I was a kid. In all these years I’ve never found a better source of info than your website and posts. I bought your ebook, ordered Thrive and I’m looking forward to trying out your tips! Thank you for taking the time to help others!
  • When the patient is going to google for an answer, the problem is not the patient, it is indeed the outdated doctor… when there is a vacuum anywhere in the universe, it is filled.

Those are just some of them. Go read them all.

I respect the practitioner more than Y’all probably know. But I believe, deep down, that people suffering with gut issues are sort of over their approach via books. I can give many examples of books written by doctors who have meal plans that would have made me (and many of you) miserable. 

Doctor’s do know so much more than I do. I will be the first to admit that. But I think it comes down to context. How many doctors have spent 10+ years focused only on all things gut? Those who have are typically incredible yet many times lack the personal and practical experience. If they had any nutrition courses in school they might have been taught, “All the fiber to cleanse the colon.” This blanket approach just does not work for everyone.

And even still, no matter what I say, think, research, or do, I have come to realize that it will not matter until the credentials back me up. 

Going Back to School

In that Instagram post yesterday I stated,

Can I be REALLY honest with y’all?! I’m tired. I’m really tired of not being taken as seriously as I know I deserve in all things gut. The final blow is currently happening. Instead of feeling mad or sad, I’m just going to do something about it.

Don’t think I’m serious? I’ve already started researching programs and reaching out to admissions. 

I am desiring to get my Masters in Science (or Nutrition – depending on the program) or become an RD (I actually don’t want to go the RD route, but we’ll see how it all plays out).

So as to be fully transparent with Y’all, here are the programs and routes I’m in contact with:

  1. University of Western States: Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
  2. George Washington University: The Integrative Medicine Program (Masters of Science)
  3. The University of Minnesota: Nutrition Graduate Program
  4. Mankato State University: Nutrition Program – Masters of Science (or just completing some outstanding generals for the other programs) 

The Book Deal that Almost Was

First, am I scared to go back to school to do this? Um, heck-to-the-yes-x’s-infinity. Know what comes super natural to me? Marketing, English, and Mass Communications (my BA). All focused classes there through the University of Minnesota, I excelled in – never less than a 3.6 GPA. But I barely passed the Chemistry, Biology, and other like courses. 

Back then, though, I had no reason. It was part of the generals I had to do; no choice.

But now? Not only do I have a choice, but I have a desire and will that is stronger than anything. 

April, 2019, is the very last month I do any sort of 1-on-1 health coaching. The decision is not because I don’t care about your individual success, but because there are millions of women out there with IBS and IBD who are desperate for a place to start. I believe with all my heart that my book will be LIFE CHANGING for them……and for you.

Today I am not dwelling on the book deal that almost was. If we stop to look back or keep our feet planted firmly where we’re at today, progress can never be made. 

Instead, I am seeking out that “big, fancy” Master’s title. I’ll put in the time, money, energy, effort, and hard work. Gaining any and all new knowledge will be icing on the cake for everything I’ve already done.

But at the end of the day, mark my word, even when I have the education and title, I WILL NOT CHANGE. My position and stance WILL NOT CHANGE. I will still be A Gutsy Girl who lived and breathed gut healing, who now lives to inspire the same in your life.

Any warm thoughts and wishes appreciated as I apply and attempt to get into these programs. Of course I’ll keep you posted. Transparency always.

Sarah Kay Hoffman A Gutsy Girl agutsygirl.com My Story gut

Xox,
SKH

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah, thank you for your vulnerability! I too have been struggling to understand how we fix the broken system we currently have. I’ve thought about going into epidemiology to advance the field, but that only helps if the research makes it to the med schools and doctors!

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  2. I am here with my coffee and picking my mouth off of the floor. I saw your post on instagram and liked it to the 5th power because I have encountered providers that thought they knew better than me; even though I lived in my condition longer than some were practicing. I would buy your book in a heartbeat because you have lived it and possess the experience. I understand where the publisher is coming from but a piece of paper or some letters behind a name does not always equate to crediblilty. On a positive note: you gaining those creditials will be adding the presents to the cake because you already have the icing 🙂 I will be sending prayers your way because the thought of more school gives me a headache! LOL but I see your passion and want all that for you and I know you will continue to bless others.

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    • Oh my God…..all the tears on this, “On a positive note: you gaining those creditials will be adding the presents to the cake because you already have the icing.” You are so good and kind, Sherri. Thank you! xox

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  3. I had posted a comment (or so I thought) but it disappeared, ugh! I saw your instagram post and agreed wholeheartedly. Some providers think they know more than their patients and refuse to listen. Letters behind one’s name does not always equate to credibility. Positive note: You adding those letters will be adding bringing the presents/people to the party because your cake is iced and the house is decorated:) I will be sending many prayers your way on this endeavor because the thought of more school gives me a massive headache, LOL! I would buy your book NOW…but it seems I will have to wait 🙂

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  4. I would have bought that book. There are PLENTY of books people write who have no credentials. Almost every self help book came out of someone who helped themselves and just wants to share that joy with others. Tim Ferris and Ben Greenfield are two people I can name right off the top of my head as people who have made it HUGE in the health industry without any credentials. I follow them both with or without credentials. Maybe it’s because their men no one blinks twice? Who knows. There must be another publisher willing to work with you. I can’t imagine that in the age where every celebrity has a book without even a college degree you can’t get a book deal with well researched topics. I could go on and on because I am quite upset reading this post. In my journey with ulcerative colitis doctors have helped me the least. Formus and blogs like this have helped me more. There’s nothing wrong with taking control of your own health. In fact your post on LDN got me out of one of my flares. I am sorry that happened to you. I’m sure you were very excited. The fact that they didn’t do your due dilligence is worse than anything else.

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    • Thank you so much for weighing in. I love hearing this, though I know not everyone would agree. Don’t worry – I WILL write this book – just might take some time, and in the meantime, I’ll be writing, researching – and probably back in school 🙂 Xox

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  5. I would rather read a book that was written by the patient, one who has experienced it for herself, one who has dealt with doctors, one who knows firsthand! I say keep trying to find the right publisher for you. There has to be a publisher out there, somewhere! Do not accept this publisher’s “no”.

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  6. Oh my gosh, if I see one more book that a doctor wrote, I’m going to scream. After all the crap I went through with doctors concerning my Crohn’s Disease I never want to hear about their ‘expert’ opinions for the rest of my damn life. I want to read a patient’s story that includes what worked for you and what didn’t. That’s why I read so many blogs! Word of mouth works wonders. It’s how I found my nutritionist that allowed me to fire allllll the doctor/’experts’. Write your book. You WILL find a publisher who will publish! I respect that they are looking for a specific writer, so you need to find the publisher that wants YOU specifically. 🙂 Good luck!

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  8. Do you know about Page Two Publishing?

    Also, I’m ALL ABOUT buying a book from someone who has intimate experience with the subject. Working with experts in the field also, with citations, even MORE so!

    Makes for a more interesting read, while also providing cred. There are a ton of books written by experts sitting in their ivory towers and, while there’s always a place for those kind of books, the BEAUTY of books is accessibility to all points of view.

    That is my long-winded way of saying that I would absolutely buy a book from you. Good on you for making the decision to go back to school to delve even deeper into your education.

    Reply

    • Aw. Thanks for stopping by Tina, and for the great thoughts. And no, I have never heard of Page Two Publishing. I do believe, from the bottom of my heart, that whoever takes the “chance” on me won’t regret it. I mean, I will make them NOT regret it 🙂

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  10. I sat and cried as I read your almost book deal post today. You see, I have been struggling with horrible abdominal pain and other GI symptoms for almost a year now (I know, not long compared to most) and in the last 3 months I have seen two separate GI doctors who both performed colonoscopies and an endoscopy on me. After ruling out every other thing it could be that’s causing my pain and being misdiagnosed with Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome in December, my doctor looked at me yesterday and told me it’s “just” IBS. And I know it could be so much worse, but I am so tired of constantly being in pain. He threw a prescription at me for Bentyl and that was that. I can’t even take it because I am still nursing my 16 month old, but even if I could, I want to get to the root of the problem, not take something that is just going to treat the symptoms short term. I have felt so lost during all this until I found your website. I have so so much to learn about how to help myself and I am already looking for a functional medicine doctor who might be able to help me. But I just wanted to tell you thank you. Thank you for the resources you’ve provided. For everything you’ve put into the Gutsy Girl. And for the record, I would much rather read a book written by you, the patient who has been through it all and has researched up and down everything there is to know about gut healing. My first GI dr told me nutrition would play no part in my healing and I would never feel like my previous self (luckily I knew that wasn’t true and already had a list of foods I couldn’t eat!). But drs…they are so smart…book smart…but not worldly smart if that makes sense.
    Anyway, I am rooting for you to get the degree you need to get this hard copy book out to all of us ❤️

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  11. Sarah!!! You are a woman after my own heart. I hope this all works out for you. You’re determined, so I have a feeling it will. I definitely think someone who has practical experience is someone worth listening to. It’s a shame that a title and a degree means more than life experience, but I feel like that’s shifting. At least I hope it is. Sharing our stories and what’s worked, and what hasn’t, is the best way I know to help others in similar situations. Keep up all the good work and keep fighting for your voice. It’s worth hearing.

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  12. My two cents: I’d rather get information from someone who has gone through the things I have and has practical knowledge to share. Finding your website and buying your ebook have put me on a road to better health. I actually feel good. My gut is no longer bloated. I don’t look like I’m due to go into labor any day now. I lost 10 pounds that I have struggled to lose for years. I can’t thank you enough. If you choose to get your master’s degree do it for the right reasons. Education is never wasted but it is expensive. I’m sure you will be a phenomenal RD. Maybe it’s time. (I live in Iowa so I appreciate the store names and brands only a Midwesterner would recognize).

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    • Awwww….thank you, Deb. And **hi** to a fellow lovely Midwesterner. You are SO right about the education piece, too, which is something I’ve been really digging deep on. I’m excited to keep you guys all posted what I decide!

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  13. Do not give up! One door closing may open several more for you! Try another publisher!!
    Have you heard of the book by Janie Bowthorpe called Stop the Thyroid Madness: A Patient Revolution Against Decades of Inferior Thyroid Treatment? Janie’s book and blog were a life saver for me 15 years ago. I learned so much from her about the disease.
    Now I’m working on some gut issues that I have ignored for far too long. I did my research and found your IG and website. So far you have provided so much helpful information! A book would be awesome.

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  15. Hi Sarah! Thank you for all of the information you share. Have you ever heard of on-demand publishing? It skips through all of the publishing company stuff. From what ai understand, you post a book on the publishing website (would have to research which ones are out there) and when someone buys it, the book gets printed and shipped, so no big up-front investments from the publisher. I don’t know if the quality of the book would be equivalent to a publisher’s version, but I’d imagine it would be better than the printed-at-home version. May be worth looking into (just until you get that awesome book deal 😉). I hope that helps.

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  16. More schooling if done to fulfill you and no one else is never a bad idea. You sound like the kinda girl that doesn’t let one no get you down. For those of us suffering from SIBO having that book sooner than later would be nice.

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  17. HI Sarah!! I would have purchased the book!! Do you follow Rachel Hollis? She shares about her book writing journey and now super successful NY Best seller books! Don’t let anyone discourage you!
    Also, I know how you feel about people “not taking you seriously” as just a couch. I’m in the same boat and looking into some of those same programs. Good Luck to you in whichever program you choose. I know you will be successful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the hard work you put into helping educate people! XOXO

    Reply

    • Thanks, Vanessa! I’ve been told the correlation to Rachel Hollis, but I think the difference is the “medical” component. Regardless, knowing more and learning everything I can for the community will never hurt 🙂 Thanks again for the thoughts…

      Reply

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