Interview with Lori Sweeney

Author of Goodbye Fatness, Hello Gorgeous!

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Linden, NJ and now live in Hillsborough, NJ.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I have lived in New Jersey all of my life! My goal is to live in Florida someday! I love the weather and the people. I make fast friends there and have amazing experiences!

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

After losing 125 pounds and keeping it off, I made it my mission to write a book to share experiences, tips and tricks on how to stay on the healthy eating track. I did not want people to suffer (or continue to suffer) as I did when I was obese. Decreasing the pounds helped alleviate some of the physical and emotional hardships that plagued me daily. I also had more freedom to physically do more things. If there are ideas and methods to improve life, I love to share.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My book has a little of everything, something for everyone. It highlights my journey of struggles and hardships as a shy, obese person, from childhood to adulthood. It also shows how I went from shy to outgoing, from negative to positive, from overweight to healthy weight. My book shows how to work on the mindset in order to achieve goals – not just weight loss. If we do not build a strong, positive spirit, we cannot reach goals. The book also includes valuable tips and tricks on how to handle obstacles that get us off the healthy eating track: stress eating, business traveling, holidays, vacations, restaurants, food pushers, parties, and other factors. The title “Goodbye Fatness, Hello Gorgeous!” means that I am saying goodbye to the old person I was and am saying hello to the new person who has changed both inside and out.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

My book connects to a broad audience. It is not a “weight loss” book. “Goodbye Fatness, Hello Gorgeous!” appeals to those who want to read an inspiring story. It is also for those who what to stay on the healthy eating track.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

What was surprising to me was how tough it was to get a literary agent. I tried to go the “normal route.” It was tough to break through. However, I wanted my voice, stories, tips, and tricks to be read and shared, so I self-published and am glad I did. However, for my next book, a cookbook, I am seeking the traditional route once again. A cookbook requires lots of pictures and that is a huge cost when self-publishing.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

I would tell my past self to push forward without letting the words of naysayers have impact. No one is an expert of what will work in your life, what you can and cannot do. No one can state your worth and be accurate about it. People’s words, unless encouraging, should not impact your life and prevent you from doing things.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would like to help as many as possible. There are millions of people who want to learn how to stay on the healthy eating track and/or lose weight. Millions also enjoy true stories of struggle and perseverance. My book captures these aspects and more!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest challenge and frustration deals with getting the cookbook launched. Because of the recipe pictures, it is difficult to self-publish and would like to go through the traditional route. True I could publish online, but I would like to give readers a physical cookbook in their hands. It is also frustrating to receive lots of solicitations from scam marketing agencies who want to charge a fortune that I will never recapture in book sales. They also have ideas for marketing that would never work for the type of book I am trying to sell. So I would have to pay an exorbitant amount for poor marketing tactics.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strengths deal with writing and marketing. I write in a way that speaks to the reader. One woman described my book as if I was having coffee with the reader. She felt I was directly communicating to her and she said I reached her. Many have been in my shoes, whether it dealt with bullying, being overweight, or both. I write in a way that reaches people. One of my strengths is being brutally honest and my readers enjoy that aspect. I am also good at marketing. I was able to do a TEDx talk and market my book within this presentation. Major magazines I approached gave me feature stories. One put me on their cover and the other titled me “The Biggest Winner.” I managed to be featured in articles from the U.S. to the U.K. and am proud of that!

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness would be in the publishing area. I am looking for a publishing company to invest in this cookbook and the journey has not been easy.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

My next book is ready to launch. It has recipes that are high in taste but low in calories and fat. I was a formulation chemist and I brought my formulation skills into the kitchen. Recipes of all kinds, from all cultures are ready to go. It just needs someone to believe in it and back it up. If someone did, they would get a hard worker who will toil in all aspect of making the book a success. Though these words are easily said, my goals will help me fulfill such promises. I am striving to help others, including one who needs urgent medical care and does not have the funds for diagnoses and treatment. With these major factors, working hard is guaranteed!

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self published and hope to find a traditional publisher for the future cookbook. I am ready to work and inspire!