My Norwich University Experience : My Next Project: Writing a Book

Welcome to Online Education and Distance Learning Discussion Forums & Blogs Sign in | Join | Help

College search for 1000+ online degrees, online colleges & online universities

Home

Blogs

Forums

Downloads

Site Navigation

Home Page
- Online Degrees
- Online Programs
- Online Courses
- Online Colleges
- Campus Programs
- eLearners Advisor
- Articles & Resources
- Blogs & Forums
  - Home
  - Blogs
  - Forums
  - Downloads
- Site Help

Online Education Blogs

Distance Learning Discussion Forums

Search Blogs & Forums

My Norwich University Experience

My Next Project: Writing a Book

I’ve been thinking about a new “project” to work on. After much thought, I’ve decided to try writing a book about my distance education experience.

When I am done with my MBA, I will have been in school online for six years with no break. I will have experienced almost 50 different professors, dealt with student loans, family issues, and all the challenges that come with being an online student. I think my experiences qualify me to speak intelligently on this topic.

I already have the forward written and I will soon begin writing the first chapters. I intend to start out with “my story” which will outline my background and how everything that has happened to me since 1990 has led to a semi-career in distance education. I have much of the book written in my head, but putting it on paper is a different story. Organizing all the thoughts that I have will be time consuming. In the end, I believe it will be worth it. If I can shed some light for anyone looking to start school again, I will have done my job.

I have found an online publisher and will more than likely make the book available in a PDF file that anyone can buy and download as well as a normal 6” x 9” book that people can order. It will be very affordable. I am not looking to get rich from this. It’s more of a project for me where I hope I can educate people.

I am hoping I can write a chapter every week or two. I am doing this in addition to my MBA classes, work, and everything else. I just love a challenge.

So I will post more as things happen. If you would like to contribute to the book in the form of an interview, let me know. When I get to that point, I will want to talk to different people so I have input from as many angles as possible.

If everything comes together like I want it to, it will be a best seller. But we all know how that goes.

Do you have any questions about distance education
or anything in this post? Feel free to contact Scott anytime!

Add to:

Published Friday, September 19, 2008 9:58 AM by WheelCipher

Filed under: MBA, Commentary, Research

Comments

Cajun said:

Get in line ;). I had the same idea myself. I think Terry is going to do the same thing. You have time for this and your coursework?

September 19, 2008 4:30 PM

tcord1964 said:

Hi Scott,

I work for a publishing company, so I can give you a bit of insight on the process of getting published.

I'm not sure what you mean by "online publisher". Perhaps you mean a self-publishing company? There is nothing wrong with self-publishing. For some authors, that is just fine...depending upon what it is they want to accomplish. Do you want your books available for order through bookstores and online book sellers? Do you want distribution for your book? Do you want assistance with marketing your book? If so, self-publishing is not the way to go. Many bookstores will not do book signing events with self-published authors, for various reasons.

As for a book becoming a "best seller", I hate to burst your bubble but the chances of that happening are slim. There are more than 400,000 titles released each year, and becoming a bestselling author is like winning the lottery. It is possible to sell a few thousand books and make a tidy sum, however. There are a number of options out there depending upon what you hope to accomplish. If you PM me I can go into more detail.

Cajun is right, I actually do have an idea for a book about distance learning, but it won't be about my personal experiences.

September 19, 2008 10:11 PM

Anonymous comments are disabled

About WheelCipher

Scott is a strategic consultant in the customer care industry and an avid amateur photographer.

You can see his work at http://gallery.scottdavis.info

He has experience in the high-technology industry in management, engineering, and support positions with Time Warner Cable, Dell Computer Corporation, UUNET Technologies, Wayport and others.

Scott started his degree program in 2003, and had no prior college credit before jumping into the distance learning environment. He graduated in October 2007 having attained an A.A.S. in Information Technology and a B.S. in Management from Kaplan University.

In 2009, he graduated with his MBA from Norwich University and is now a student at Gonzaga University.

Scott LOVES fan mail. You can e-mail him any questions about distance learning at sdavis@wheelcipher.net

Norwich University

Norwich's unique case study system provides its students with practical experience and a curriculum tailored to your field. When you become part of Norwich University, you become part of something very old, very deep, and very proud.

WheelCipher