Finding My Niche - Part 2

The mid-1990's (when I began this journey) was an era when companies were down-sizing, women like me were starting their own businesses, and business "how to" books were selling briskly. I decided to tap into that market. My plan was to write and self-publish biographies of late 19th century American women who made their mark in business. Each book would offer both inspiration and business lessons to the woman entrepreneur. 

In studying the business of nonfiction publishing, I discovered that authors made more money from seminars at which their books were distributed in bulk than from retail book sales. No problem! Give me a microphone and a chance to speak on a topic I'm passionate about and I'm ready to go.

But first I had to write a book that women would want to buy.

What's every woman's #1 interest, regardless of marital status, political leanings, ethnicity, or age? Food! 

My first book would bring together short biographies of three 19th century women who started food businesses that are household names today. Why three women? If a potential buyer isn't particularly interested in one of the subjects, she's bound to be interested in one of the others. And the book could include a few recipes, for those so inclined.

Next stop: Out of the Kitchen, Into the Boardroom