"...everything in life is writable...if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."..... Sylvia Plath

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

It finally happened

 I received an email yesterday that just may change my life. It was from a publishing company that wants to publish my first memoir, Operatic Divas and Naked Irishmen: An innkeeper's tale. It's taken me four years to finally submit to the right place. In that time, I've done a lot of editing and three or four re-writes. I decided to go with an Indie publisher who would give me more input into the project.

So far, they have been extremely transparent and helpful. I am beginning the project with a thorough copy edit, something I have not done before. I've had lots of readers and a little editing here and there, but have relied mostly on myself to do the editing.

One of the parts of this process is somewhat off-putting to me. That being, the publicity part. I am now 85 years old and do not have the energy to carry on a proper publicity campaign on my own. Nor, do I have the money to hire a professional publicist. I am willing to set up a book-signing event (there's a great bookstore nearby), construct an author's page, and update my blog. Also, I can get a list of potential buyers together. But anything more than that, may be a problem.

The publisher is willing to do some work on this but, generally speaking, they really want their authors to become involved. It's probably a good idea all the way around, but it will certainly be
hard for me.

I am in hopes that I can resurrect this site and bring back the loyal following I had, with the promise that they can experience along with me the excitement and fulfillment in my journey to authorship. This certainly a great way to start the new year!


if you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment

14 comments:

  1. That's wonderful news. When you were kind enough to let me read some of your book, I was very impressed. Congratulations. Maybe you can rope in some writer friends to help with the publicity.

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    1. Fi,
      Thanks for the comments and the suggestion. Don't know if you have the extra time available, but if so I would love to have you give me a little expert help....maybe write a review, etc.???
      Nancy

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  2. I think one way to market the book is the have a book trailer. That would do a lot of the marketing for you. Also, why not pitch the idea of your book to someone who posts book images on Instagram. A lot of people now a days can sell books without going on a book tour. Your story can travel on its own.

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    1. Julia,
      Thanks for the great suggestions. This is very helpful. Maybe the publicity won't be as overwhelming as I thought. Can you send me more info about the Instagram idea. I know very little about it.
      Nancy

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    2. I have reviewed books on my blog and did sneak peaks of images on Instagram. If you want you can send me an image and tags(keywords) you would like me to post, and I would be happy to do it. Otherwise, you can always sign up for Instagram by downloading the app to your smartphone, but I would be happy to share images and blurbs on my profile for you. If you think it would help.

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    3. This is a great idea. Thanks. Anything you can do for me would be greatly appreciated. I've never used instagram. I just download3ed it this morning. Let's stay in touch about this.
      Nancy

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  3. Wow, Nancy. Congrats and kudos. That's great Not only am I looking forward to reading the book, I'll definitely be following along with your blog to see how the publicity saga unfolds. Bet it will be more fun than you think

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    1. Roberta,
      I hope you're right about the fun of all this (i.e. the publicity). Right now, it's sort of looming towards me as an insurmountable task.I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have. Right now I'm focused on the copy writing, which I actually enjoy. Thanks for commenting.
      Nancy

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  4. Nancy,
    When your book is ready for sale, I would like to buy a copy so let me know what to do to make that happen. Even though I'm still living in Mexico, I could have it shipped to my address in Texas. Thanks and I'm so glad you were able to relocate in beautiful but cold Vermont. Buddy

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    1. Buddy,
      So happy to hear from you. You have been so supportive through this whole process. The publishing will probably take some time, at least 6 months, including the copy editing. The book will be for sale at Amazon and Barnes and Nobel. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, I will be posting my progress on a new author's page,here on my blog,and on social media.Please check in and make a comment now and then.
      Thanks, Nancy

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  5. Wow, sure am excited with you. Hope it all goes smooth. Best wishes for this wonderful beginning to a new year!

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    1. Hi CS,
      Thanks so much for your comments and support.I will be posting my progress on a new author's page,here on my blog,and on social media.Please check in and make a comment now and then.
      Nancy

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  6. Congrats!!! So exciting! And you know I'm perfectly happy to give you a blurb/ review, whatever you need!

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  7. Teresa, thanks so much for the support. You're one of the first people I thought of when this happened. I remember what you went through when you were getting your first book published and how we helped each other by reading all those pages. Congrats on your second book. I would love to have you write a review or blurb. I'll let you know when I get that far. Right now We're doing final copy edits.

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