Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (KJV)
I have been keeping a little secret from you all. One of the reasons I have been so distracted lately is because after six years of letting it sit in my computer, I am finally publishing Eliza’s Story! Long time readers may remember than in 2007, I wrote a novel about Terra Ceia’s first settlers. I posted one chapter a week for a while until the story really started unfolding and then, the chapters came fast and furiously. It was as though Eliza, once born on paper, was eager to grow up. I spent two more years showing the book to friends and family, drastically editing it to cut out much of the beginning and rewriting it to change from third person, past tense to first person, present tense. I sent two chapters; all they would allow, to one publisher, a regional Florida history publisher, who sent me a rejection letter with no explanation as to why they did not want it. I discovered what thin skin I have, got my feelings hurt and shoved Eliza back into the computer until this year when I sat down to write my life goals. One of the first things I realized I wanted to do was publish my book and two more that will finish Eliza’s story. Publishing these days is a hard profession to break into. The more I read, the more I realized that I did not have the time to send off query letters to agents, wait three months for a reply and then, look for another one. I also learned that many first time authors are self publishing in order to break into the market. Occasionally a self published novel that gets a lot of attention is picked up by the mainstream market, but not always. As I sat down to figure out my goals, I realized that while I would love to have a bestseller, it is only because that would mean more readers who would hear Eliza’s message. With the right marketing, publication in paperback and eBook, I think I can achieve my goal of finding a wide audience through self publishing. But, what company to use? I spent hours talking to representatives from self publishing companies. Some were like used car salesmen, promising a lot, but only at a price. They gave me the creeps even though we were only talking on the phone. Some were very kind, listening to my desires, encouraging me to follow my dreams. I came close to signing on the dotted line and sending my life savings away. But, before I did, I googled “Mark Batterson, self publishing” since I read that Mark Batterson, the author of The Circle Maker who started me on the life goal list making process, had self published his first book. I believe it was an answer to prayer that my google search of those four words led me not to a self publishing company but to Cherie Hill who helps authors self publish their own work through Amazon. Not only does Cherie help to edit and prepare the book for publication including cover design, but Cherie tutors “her authors” in marketing their books. In mid February, I sent my manuscript to Cherie for editing and formatting. We bounced around cover designs and tonight I received what is close to the final design. I am so excited! The book should be available in early April and can be purchased on Amazon as a paperback or an eBook. I will let you all know when it is ready. In the meantime, I will leave you with the quote that Cherie has on her website. The one that God and Google believed I needed to hear by Mark Batterson. “Every book sold, is a prayer answered.”
How exciting!!!! A dream almost realized. I'm so happy for you – and I WILL buy your book. I love the way you write and I'm interested to read Eliza's story. Keep us posted!!!
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! When I scanned my blog list and saw 'Letting You In On A Secret!' my first thought was of your book, but never imagined I was right on the money!!! I am so excited for you! And for all of us – and all your future readers! I'll be camping out at Amazon's doorsteps come April! Now don't go gittin' uppity on us. LOL!
Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^
I forgot to mention how much I LOVE your cover photo! 8-]