42 amateur writers launch inspirational book in under 24 hours
By Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 January 2008 1926 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE: Life coach Kelvin Lim brought together 42 amateur writers to compile their personal inspirational stories into an e-book in 24 hours and sell 10,000 copies of it in another 24 hours.

This race against the clock was all for a good cause. And they did much more than just meeting the target, at least as far as the deadline is concerned.

Executive Coach International's founder Kelvin Lim said, "I thought they were amazing. The part about... producing a book (in 24 hours) was difficult, but doable.

"And what was actually more amazing was that after they (passed) the 24-hour deadline, they actually worked on a second edition of the book. By the time we came to this (marketing) blitz, there was a third edition."

"The book became a very symbolic representation, evidence of them being able to do this, to show people "Hey, look world, this is our story," he added.

The writers are between 20 and 66 years old and come from all walks of life.

They took up the challenge to complete what sounded like an impossible task to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with terminal illnesses.

The team is now marketing the book and has sold close to 140 copies. Although this is far short of the target of 10,000 books, the group is undaunted.

"It's an experience you can't find anywhere else out there. Nobody would put you in a room and say, 'Work with 30 other people, and produce a book in 24 hours, and then sell 10,000 copies in the next 24 hours.' I don't think there's anybody who would do that. And that is more important for me," said participant Tan Li Lin.

The group will publish hardcopy version of the book within the next 72 hours, and donate 60 per cent of all sales proceeds to the charity.

To buy this book, log on to http://www.pickmeupbook.org. - CNA/ac