ASU business management junior Carl Chu likes to talk a lot.
During his freshman year, he began a career as a motivational speaker, conducting high school workshops and graduation ceremonies.
Two years later, he began teaching UNI 101, a one-credit fall class designed to orient incoming freshman to ASU's large campus.
Today, his self-published book, "On Track to Success," a supplemental text for UNI 101, will make its debut on ASU Bookstore shelves.
"One of my high school teachers asked why I don't write a book to go along with my speaking career," he said. "It adds credibility."
Although available on Chu's Web site, CarlChu.com, and at his speaking engagements, today's book release at the bookstore is a new experience for the Illinois native. He said he's optimistic.
"That's the first place that's going to sell my book and I'm really excited," he said. "I think it will do pretty well."
Chu's interest in public speaking began with high school speech teams. At ASU, Chu used his speaking skills for another purpose: to find work.
"I canvassed every high school within a 50-mile radius trying to book engagements," he said. "After I went directly to the high schools, the colleges came knocking."
By his own account, Chu has sold somewhere between 700 and 1,000 copies of his book and said he hopes to see his book available at other bookstores.
"For the next year, I'd like to sell 1,500 copies, but my dream is to see this book go nationwide," he said.
Rob Meyers, textbook manager at the ASU Bookstore said Chu's book is a part of a larger commitment by ASU to help incoming students adjust.
"There's a real push to get ASU students to succeed," he said. "It's not just trying to get you in and then get you out."
Meyers added that the bookstore likes to see students write books.
"We're always excited about ASU promoting books by ASU students and teachers," he said. "And we have a lot of students and professors that write and collaborate on books."
Samantha Reed, a freshman psychology student, read Chu's book last semester for UNI 101.
"It was straight to the point and very informative," she said. "It has tips on how to study, deal with everything and not get overwhelmed."
Chu's book costs $10 and he hopes to release a sequel this summer.
Reach the reporter at christian.palmer@asu.edu.
