My forthcoming book “Dancing Queens & Kings” is calling for participation (Dancing Queens & Kings: Call for Participation (4)). The only requirement is that you have competed at the USDC or OSB (2023 inclusive). Below is the timeline:
- 11/30/2023: 1 page highlighting your compelling story in pro/am ballroom dancing.
- 12/31/2023: 8-page full story.
- 3/31/2024: Book review by Sam Sodano and Wayne Eng.
- 5/31/2024: Publication at Amazon.
I am looking for 50 participants and will accept up to 60 submissions of 1 page (1st come, 1st accepted). After your 1-page is accepted, your 8-page is almost guaranteed to be included in the book unless it is so poorly written that it is totally unsalvageable.
In this post, I will answer some FAQs (frequently asked questions).
1. Why do you write such a book?
As a direct response to the reality TV show: “Dancing Queens”!
For more, read Ballroom Dancing: Reality Show vs. Reality.
2. How can this book be successful?
It requires (1) your participation and (2) a “genius” to put it all together.
- Who can participate? Anybody with an interesting story to tell, after meeting the simple requirement of having competed at the USDC or OSB (2023 inclusive)!
- Am I that “genius”? You be the judge – Aside from the “blind trust” from Sam Sodano and Wayne Eng, here is my life story: My American Dream Story.
3. Why the USDC or OSB?
Aside from the fact that I personally regard these two competitions to be the most successful and prestigious in America, look at the cover of the book!
Bottom line: A line must be drawn somewhere. This is the line I drew for this book from the start.
4. Who owns the book?
I do, including every word in it!
Specifically, as the editor, I own 50% outright. The rest will be divided among the participants. For example, if we end up with 50 participants, each will have 1%. Since I am also a participant, I am the majority owner.
Every participant, after a successful 1-page, will write her/his own chapter (limited to 8 pages), based on the guidelines I set out for the book. She/he is responsible for the contents (e.g., “She won Open Latin at OSB 2022”), while I will go through every word with editorial changes as necessary. She/he will finally approve the chapter, of course.
Every 1-page participant so far will have hopefully appreciated the power of my penmanship.
5. Will you profit from the book?
No (or “highly unlikely”)! Two main reasons:
- Book publishing is like pro/pro ballroom dancing: the path to success is so narrow that 99% do not make it, especially in terms of profits (or making a living for a pro/pro couple).
- Anybody who thinks “yes” has, most likely, never published a book, let alone profitably!
For more, read Section 10 below.
6. Do I become a co-author if I participate?
Yes, you do, proudly, hopefully!
7. Do I have much control over the book?
No, you do not, other than your own chapter.
8. When can I commit or withdraw?
Your participation is 100% voluntary. You commit by completing your 1-page, and you may withdraw any time before your 8-page is finalized. However, once your 8-page is finalized, you are a part of the book, and you cannot withdraw.
9. Should I trust the quality of this book?
Yes, you should, if you trust Sam Sodano and Wayne Eng, two iconic leaders in this industry!
10. Will you write about pro/pro or am/am?
No!
Why not?
There is no market for it!
Ballroom dancing is a niche, and pro/am is where money is, thus the gravity of the industry. Unfortunately, a big piece of a niche is a niche even smaller. So, this book on pro/am may sell 2,000 copies – Do not do it for money!
11. Why do you write this book, anyway?
I like to write, just as you like ballroom dancing, which I also like. So, writing a book on ballroom dancing for me is God-given, although my niche in writing involves the U.S., China, and their relations.
As a matter of fact, I have been publishing weekly since May 2011, without missing a single week so far. As a result, I have published more than 900 articles and four books (all available at Amazon), with the fifth due 3/2025, as highlighted below. This book on ballroom dancing is merely a minor detour …
12. What is so special about this book?
There has never been a book like this, nor will there be in the foreseeable future. So, seize the opportunity to make history along with the industry’s “who is who” – No guts, no glory!
Like all my writings, this book strives to be intellectually rigorous. For example, nobody in the book claims to be a U.S. champion, let alone a world champion. Instead, state “she won at USDC 2023 or OSB 2023”.
Like all my writings, this book strives to be time-testable. For example, twenty years from now, you would be very happy to read this book again, recalling your brilliant past …
13. Closing
Together, let us make the ballroom dancing industry better, faster!
