Scott Klososky had an idea for a book—a culmination of several experts’ knowledge and insight—that would utilize emerging technologies and crowdsourcing to create a collaborative project. After researching his options, he decided that the best way to get his project from idea to retail store was to partner with a publisher whose flexible model and author-centric approach allowed him to create the project he wanted while utilizing the knowledge and experience of some of the publishing industry’s best experts.

1. Innovation and Collabor ation
in the Publishing Industry
Crowdsourcing Content and Leveraging
Technology to Create Marketable Material

2. Abstr act
Scott Klososky had an idea for a book—a culmination of several experts’
knowledge and insight—that would utilize emerging technologies and
crowdsourcing to create a collaborative project. After researching his
options, he decided that the best way to get his project from idea to
retail store was to partner with a publisher whose flexible model and
author-centric approach allowed him to create the project he wanted
while utilizing the knowledge and experience of some of the publishing
industry’s best experts.
Introduction
Technology and business guru Scott Klososky keeps an befits his innovative persona, Klososky decided that sim-
eye to the future, frequently taking advantage of trends ply writing a book would not take advantage of the emerg-
long before most are aware of them. After many years as ing technologies affecting publishing. He knew he wanted
a successful business owner, speaker, and consultant, he to make the project a collaboration, something reflective
decided it was time to take his ideas even further. “A book of the integrated and social nature of the technologies
is a method for extending my reach, allowing me to ‘talk’ available, and something that would allow him to utilize
to millions instead of thousands,” he said. the intellectual capital and know-how of some of tech-
nology’s top thought-leaders. Says Klososky, “I think the
Aware that a book was the best way to solidify his exper-
publishing industry is going through, and will go through,
tise so he could influence a profound number of people,
more changes. You really have a situation that calls for
Klososky started researching his publishing options. As
experimentation.”
2 Greenleaf Book Group: Klososky Case Study

3. “I love the hybrid model of being
able to retain the rights and control
many aspects of the book.”
A Partner That Could Meet the
Challenge
Traditional publishing has been slow to take advantage
of new technologies, not just for printing and distribut-
ing books, but for writing and producing them as well.
Klososky searched for a publisher that would allow him
to experiment with these technologies and would give
him the rights and creative freedom he’s long enjoyed as
an entrepreneur. That’s why Klososky chose Greenleaf
Book Group.
“I love the hybrid model of being able to retain the rights
and control many aspects of the book, while also get-
ting the distribution help,” says Klososky. “I believed that
Greenleaf would do a good job helping me produce a
world-class book while giving me the flexibility I wanted.”
In March, Klososky started working on two titles with
Greenleaf, Enterprise Social Technology and The Velocity
“Greenleaf works as if they are on my
Manifesto. When asked what his experience has been so
far, Klososky says, “In a word, great! I have been really
side, where as a traditional publisher
happy with the quality of the work done, with the ideas works as if I am a talent they are try-
added, and with the support. The editors have been great ing to leverage.”
at asking me to change critical pieces of the text, while
—Scott Klososky
taking my input in other areas. The cover design was solid
and the rest of the process has gone smoothly.”
His books will not publish until January 2011, but Klo-
sosky says, “My overall impression has been that the
team is very professional and easy to work with.” He has
high hopes for the work the marketing team will do, and is
excited to see his ideas come to fruition.
Greenleaf Book Group: Klososky Case Study 3

4. When asked what advice he would give to another expert ***
considering writing or collaborating on a book, Klososky Greenleaf Book Group LLC is a publisher and distributor
had the following to say: “I would have them really make best known for its innovative business model, distribution
sure they understand the business model and the pro- power, and award-winning designs. Named one of Inc.
cess of constructing a book. Then have them compare magazine’s 500 fastest growing companies in the United
traditional publishing with the Greenleaf hybrid model. States, they have represented more than 1,000 titles,
There is more financial risk on the front end with Greenleaf, including four that hit the New York Times, Wall Street
but more control of the project and a higher return on the Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists.
back end. Klososky adds, “Greenleaf works as if they are
on my side, where as a traditional publisher works as if I For more information about Greenleaf Book Group
am a talent they are trying to leverage.” or to schedule an interview with chairman and CEO
Clint Greenleaf, contact Tanya Hall at 512-891-6100 or
*** tanya@greenleafbookgroup.com.
Scott Klososky is a speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur.
He coaches Fortune 500 companies on how to lever-
age emerging technologies to connect with customers,
streamline processes, and widen the gap between them
and their competitors. Learn more at www.klososky.com
4 Greenleaf Book Group: Klososky Case Study