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Eighteen months ago I learned that Wiley, the For Dummies publisher, was exploring the idea of a book on green careers. Thanks to that tip from a fellow For Dummies author who passed on the option, I made a call to my agent to ask her to explore the situation. Six months after the initial conversation we started negotiating. By mid-April 2009 I signed the contract and started writing! Finally! Four deadlines, 360 pages, and six months later I finished writing and editing the book in mid-October 2009.

Now, I'm thrilled to announce that Green Careers for Dummies book is available online and in your local bookstore. As part of our book launch, I wanted to give you a sneak peek of what's inside the book.

Here's a short excerpt from each part of Green Careers for Dummies and a list of the corresponding chapter titles. Enjoy the tour of the book.

Part 1 -- Discovering the Green Frontier

"This is a very exciting time. We're in the earliest stages of a new economy era, and the first paths into this future are just beginning to be defined. Many more paths will emerge as new industries take form over time. To risk a metaphor, it's a bit like the Old West, with nascent opportunities beckoning to those with the courage to strike out for them. Think of yourself as a pioneer in the first wave of many who will take this journey. As with any frontier situation, you must keep your wits about you as you find the right path through uncertainty to your chosen destination.

Welcome, then, to the new Wild West of the career world. To understand why this world is different from the one you're familiar with, let's look at where we've been and how we got to where we are."

(Excerpt from page 1)

• Chapter 1: The New World of Green Careers

Part 2 -- Finding Your Green Focus

"Opportunities within the green economy are so numerous you can't possibly investigate each and every one. The key to success is to identify the part of the green economy that best fits your skills, interests, experience, and education. In this part, you discover how to identify your green focus. With your green direction in mind, all parts of your green career search become more streamlined and effective."

(Excerpt from page 42)

• Chapter 4: Pursuing Your Interests: Finding Green Topics That Engage You

Part 3 -- Exploring Careers in Green Industries

"One of the most challenging aspects of the green economy is knowing what green careers actually exist. In this part you find seven chapters filled to the brim with profiles of the most advanced green industries. Scan the different industry categories in the table of contents to decide which chapters you're most drawn to explore. Then review each industry profile to identify the industries you want to target."

"The industry profiles can serve as a starting point for your own research. Use the industry description and current and future trends to get a sense of the industry. Then explore the associations, resources, and sample job functions to discover what you might want to do in the field."

(Excerpt from page 4)

Part 4 -- Using Green Job Search 2.0 Techniques

"Whether you launched your last job search a year ago or more than a decade ago, in this part you discover up-to-the minute strategies to structure your job search. Discover online and in-person methods for gaining valuable information about your target industry and build a strong, responsive network. Explore the most effective ways to strengthen your knowledge and skills in the green/sustainability world. Bring all your discoveries together as you prepare your resume to articulate your value to green employers."

(Excerpt from page 5)

Part 5 -- Activating Your Green Job Search

"After setting the stage for your green job search, it's time to take action! In this part you develop strategies to identify target companies that fit your career goal and job openings that match your talents. In addition, you discover strategies you can use in your new green job to prepare for your next career step."

(Excerpt from page 268)

Part 6 -- Parts of Ten

The last part of every For Dummies book includes a couple of chapters with ten resources or tips.

Ten Great Green Career Resources (Chapter 21) -- Being on top of the issues, trends, and innovations is the name of the game in the green economy. The more you know, the more you shine and the more valuable you become to potential employers. In researching this book I identified far more than ten great green resources. To pass these gems on to you, I've placed the links into ten categories. Just scan the heading to find materials that can help you with your green career.

(Excerpt from page 309)

Ten Ways to Green Your Current Job (Chapter 22) -- Making a green stand with your work doesn't necessarily mean you must change careers immediately. Greening the job you have now is a great place to start. In the process of making your job more sustainable, you deepen your connection with coworkers who share your values and green your resume. Use the strategies in this chapter to find ways to help your company become more sustainable. Some tips are actions you can take on your own. Others are strategies for stepping into a leadership role in transforming your company.

(Excerpt from page 317)

Ready to purchase your copy of Green Careers For Dummies? It's easy!