Last week I reached out to publishing coach, Dr. Kent Gustavson for his counsel regarding a book project that I’m pursuing. Although we’ve never met in person, I’ve known Kent virtually for the past two years.
During that time, he’s provided me with several hours of his time over email and the phone as well as sharing eight hours of his audio seminars free of charge. Kent is fluent in the industry and has advised me on topics ranging from book proposals to traditional and independent publishing options.
Since I haven’t paid him a nickel for his advice to date, I thought I should offer to pay something for this latest round of advice. So, in my email message I asked for both his availability to speak and rates for personal coaching.
Here’s his response:
Steve,
I would look forward to chatting with you & coaching you about this project. I think it can get some serious exposure, but the key is to do it the “right” way…
If you want to just have a couple of sessions with me, you can pay what you can afford, but my standard rate is $150/hour-long session… We can also just chat informally about things, if you prefer…
Good to hear from you, and I’ll have Amber follow up – or send me some times that might work for you!
Kent Gustavson, PhD
Blooming Twig Books
How refreshing! Kent’s hourly rate ranges from zero to $150, depending on my ability to pay. It brought to mind something I read in the book, The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki.
In the book, Kawasaki describes why some people succeed in business and others fail. He asserts, “Those who succeed set out to make meaning, not money.” And he cautions, “Those who set out to make money, will not make meaning or money.”
Dr. Gustavson is clearly out to make meaning—to shepherd aspiring authors and influence writing that will make a difference. And his style, approach, and billing practices reflect this motivation.
(And to prove that Kawasaki’s assertion is correct, I sent Kent a check for the full $150.)
