In 2005, I finally mustered the courage to send my poetry manuscript to a publishing company. I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was that I couldn’t put it off any longer. I had been so scared to share my work with anyone other than family. But it was time.
After three weeks, I received an email offering me a book contract. I paid a considerable amount of money and eight months later Heaven Knows Your Existence was in my hand.
For the next year, my publishing company arranged book signings and speaking engagements for me. Along the way, I connected with other authors, including self-published ones as they tried to encourage me along the indie route.
With my second collection, I decided to work with a vanity press because they were less expensive and the turn around time was only weeks compared to months. A couple of weeks into the process, I realized that an email had not been answered. I called and the number was disconnected. The website had been shut down. The money I paid them was gone.
It was hurtful to have this happen. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was going to do. After reaching out to other authors, they provided me with good advice but ultimately, I had to make this happen on my own.
So, taking to the Internet, I learned everything about the self-publishing process and put Joy Comes in the Morning out two months later. I never thought I could do it – I never wanted to do it! Looking back, I believe it’s what God always wanted from me in the first place. It took that situation and having my back against the wall to force me into it.
For years, I have met so many people who dream of being a published author and just don’t know what to do. Well, I have taken all that I’ve learned and packaged it in an eBook. It’s a step-by-step guide and workbook that walks you through how to self-publish your book.
Don’t put your dream of becoming a published author off any longer. You don't have to pay thousands of dollars or wait for almost a year. Publish your own work without the middle man. You can do this!
Publish Your Book goes on sale Tuesday, May 27.