Whatever It Takes

This book will change the way you think about success.

Producer of television’s iconic Degrassi franchise Stephen Stohn tells stories from behind the scenes and of making it in the music and television world in this star-studded, rock ’n’ roll trip through a Canadian show business explosion. Stohn, who has been at the heart of the entertainment industry for over forty years, shares a lifetime of experience and unique insights into how dreams are turned into reality.

“Whatever It Takes” — both a mantra and Degrassi’ s theme song — has been heard millions of times all over the world. It embodies a philosophy of struggle and self-belief leading to accomplishment, as well as the story of an exploring mind, an adventurous pursuit of experience, ringing failures, and the willingness to see things in a different way.

“A breezy read with a very appropriate title, Stephen Stohn’s Whatever It Takes brings us on the adventure of his lifetime and tells us all the secrets behind the insanely popular Degrassi franchise and the twisting turns of an ever-changing music business. It’s a must-read for anybody who is thinking about getting into a life in entertainment as a career: Stephen did it first, so his book is like a treasure map.” —Kevin Smith, Filmmaker, Podcaster, and Author   

“One of the best books about the industry that I’ve ever read. Inspiring and brutally honest." —Shane Dawson, YouTube star   

“I found this book riveting; an extraordinary mix of documentary-style, ground floor moments in Canadian entertainment history, and beautiful life lessons garnered from years of tough experience. Funny, engaging and poignant, you’ll feel like you’re being personally mentored by one of Canada’s most influential producers and creators!” —Jake Epstein   

“I couldn’t put it down … a fascinating look at the entertainment world, and a humbling reminder that success is driven by what we learn through our failures.” — Kary Bowser, Radio Producer and Internet Blogger   

“This book will motivate you … just as Stephen Stohn has motivated me.” — “Maestro Fresh” Wes Williams, rapper, actor, and motivational speaker   

“Who knew that mild-mannered Stephen Stohn is the Hunter S. Thompson of Canadian entertainment lawyers?” — Ivan Fecan 

"I thought I knew everything about Stephen Stohn (And Degrassi), but after reading Whatever It Takes I was proven wrong.  After 15 plus years of working with Stephen I am floored at how much knowledge there is to be attained from him. Insightful, humorous and full of heart, Whatever It Takes is not only a must-read for anyone in show business but a great learning tool for those looking to make a break into the field.  Oh, and it’s a hella fun read as well!" — Stefan Brogren, Actor and Director 

“From his escapades as a young hippie, dharma bum and aspiring musician with buddy Christopher Ward in the late 60s to becoming a young music lawyer, then one of the top entertainment lawyers in the most formative period in Canadian music cultural history and onward to Degrassi Street, executive production and more, Stephen has done, seen and been a big part of a lot of stuff. Filled with tons of stories and anecdotes Whatever It Takes is a surprisingly fascinating, interesting and candid read to be authored by a lawyer (they can be dry) although anybody that knows Stephen would know better than to say that” — Tom Cochrane 

“This book is amazing chronicle of the history of Stephen and the Canadian music industry.  Stephen has always been a force pushing and developing Canadian music, film, TV and entertainment to the world.  He is one of our greatest ambassadors and this book really is a great read and ride through many decades of the Canadian scene.  It's a must read for everyone so get a copy and get ready for a compelling and informative read like you haven't had in a long time. “ — Randy Bachman 

“Boy genius Stephen Stohn shows us that respect, grace, love, and honour trump the bitchy loudmouth tactics so common inside the dream factory of music and motion pictures. This book is essential reading for future moguls and those planning to go all the way. The man is a prince.” — Bruce McDonald, Filmmaker 

“The honest, insightful and highly entertaining stories here form a sort of sourcebook for those of us who want to work on becoming better human beings. It’s kind of a Zen manual for self-awareness disguised as a great entertainment memoir. And that’s why you should read it. You’ll not only enjoy yourself, you’ll be inspired by it too.” — Bob Ezrin, Record Producer 

“A must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur.” — Marc Kielburger, Co-Founder, WE   

“Stephen’s insights into the inner workings of our idiosyncratic television industry should be required reading for anyone who wants to turn their dreams of making TV into a reality.” — Ben Mulroney, TV Anchor 

“As a fan of Degrassi and the incredible musical artists mentioned in this book, I enjoyed the behind the scenes stories. As an improviser, I related to the impact of working with the right people, keeping positive, and always remembering that failure is a step to success, not a barrier. Read this book for fun and life lessons — you’re welcome!”  — Colin Mochrie, Comedian 

“The frontier days of the Canadian music and television industry are not so distant in our past. This book tells a great tale of some of the formative events: early boundary-breaking artists like the Cowboy Junkies and k.d. lang to the huge episodic TV success with the Degrassi series. When we met Stephen Stohn during our first contract time with Warner Music he was a gentle, sweet, and very proper looking lawyer. Had I known he was once a hippie songwriting vagabond, travelling across Europe with only his wits as currency, I would have trusted him more.”   — Jim Cuddy, Musician 

A delightful romp… I laughed out loud and was inspired… the book filled me with trips down memory lane as well as fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets I never knew.” — Miriam McDonald, Actor

ADVERTISING

Consumer, trade, and library wholesaler advertising campaign

MARKETING MATERIALS

Postcards

EVENTS

Event promotion: posters, evites

Trade shows, school and library conferences

Launch event, Toronto

DIGITAL MARKETING

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Dundurn.com campaigns

Social media contest

Cover and sample chapter reveal

Guest Post on Dundurn Blog

Digital Reader Copies available: NetGalley, Edelweiss

Consumer, library, bookseller, and author newsletters

SPECIAL OUTREACH

Niche marketing to associations and interest groups

Bookseller mailing, enhanced packaging

PUBLICITY

Targeted media and blogger review mailings

TV, Radio, national news campaign

MERCHANDISING

Shelf Talkers

Book hashtag: #WhateverItTakes

Stephen Stohn Twitter:  @stephenstohn

Stephen Stohn Facebook: StephenStohnOfficial

Stephen Stohn Instagram: stephenstohn

Christopher Ward Author Website:  www.christopherward.ca

Christopher Ward Author Twitter: @wardworks1

Christopher Ward Facebook: MuchMemories

Christopher Ward Author Instagram: wardworks1