by Foster Winans

Oct. 29, 2008--Like politicians, independent financial advisers know that a book is the ultimate marketing tool, the brochure that no one throws out. Without their books: Suze Orman would be just another financial planner; Jim Cramer would be just another gonzo hedge fund manager; and Robert Kiyosaki (of Rich Dad, Poor Dad fame) would be just another marketing huckster.

I've worked with several financial advisers to get their books written and published, and I've seen how easily these projects can go off the track, both in the writing and the expense. Before I suggest some dos and don'ts for advisers--or any other trust-based professionals--thinking about writing and producing their own books, here's a case study that turned out the way it was supposed to. [Read the whole article]