Friday, November 07, 2008

An (Amazing) Update on Publishing a Book

I've been writing for a few years now. Several years ago I began by holing up in Provincetown for most of a summer, free of my paid job and mostly in the company of my dog. Every morning she and I would walk one block to the bay and stroll along the sand and seaweed. I was working on a book on happiness then--who is, who isn't, and why--and I was falling into one day after another writing, reading, walking and dreaming. It was a luxury I had never had before.
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I found an agent for the happiness book, but a half dozen revisions of the book proposal later, I had to face that the subject was too dear to me to shop around without more experience. The agent wanted the book to be lighter--a kind of Loretta LaRoche "Ten Easy Steps"-- and that was not what I wanted.
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I've spent the last two years writing often. This blog has been a total joy. I wrote a first draft novel through National Novel Writing Month, polished up the bones of a career book called "Good Work if You Can Get It," wrote dozens of poems inspired and supported by deep abiding love, finished a couple of short stories, and today--now--am preparing to publish and release my first novel: the story of Alex and Lily, titled "The Light Stays On."
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It was naive and gutsy for me to decide to self publish. I just decided to take matters into my own hands. I knew that if I waited for a publisher to pick me up, it would take another 1-2 years for the book to hit the stands.
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So I've started an entity called Chihuahua Press. That wasn't hard. I thought up a name, arranged for a separate bank account, and ordered a IBSN number--required for every book publication in every continent. I asked a few special people for endorsements, gratefully accepted feedback and suggestions, arranged for the page layout and cover design, and just this week--selected the printer and distributor. I've finished the budget: I will be investing $ 2000 of my own $$$ with the hope that I will break even within 3-6 months. I've had to learn how the publishing industry works--its margins and profits and markups and discounts. I've had to learn how one book travels from the printer to the seller to the buyer.
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In less than a month, the book will be released--probably just after Thanksgiving. If all goes well, it will be available on-line through Amazon and Barnes & Noble,and can be ordered through any bookstore (or through me). To get it on the shelves of local bookstores and into libraries, I'm developing a marketing plan that includes public book readings, book signings, email blasts, a five city mini-tour, media interviews, canvassing of independent bookstores and specialty groups, contacting libraries, and a few dozen other steps.
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I'll be sending copies to book reviewers and to the actress Jody Foster, who I think would play a great Lily in a movie version of "The Light Stays On."
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Mostly, I'll be investing the time I have outside of my paid work to promote this, my first novel, as joyfully and fully as I can. And, like Lily, I'll be looking upward saying thank you, thank you, thank you.

19 comments:

  1. You're really getting close, aren't you? Yay!!!

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  2. cs, yup. it's unbelievable. i can't wait to unveil the cover with valgal's original painting on it. you've been an incredible support, cs. i think of you when my confidence sinks, which is often. thank you.

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  3. Awesome, awesome, awesome! I'm honored that I've seen this book happen from its very start to now ... and soon ... on the shelves!! Good luck, my friend, I'm right behind you cheering. :)

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  4. melissa, you also of incredible support fame. oh, the magic of writing and reading together. we will be so glad to see you all in january. the porch awaits...

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  5. congrats kj!!! i can't wait to get my hands on a copy!!
    ~audra

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  6. That is such a dream come true!

    Well done you!

    I wish you every success :D

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  7. kj I have a blogger super friend, possibly the best friend I've never met who writes teen fiction and is having a devil of a time being picked up by largely British publishers, I wish she had your conviction to have a go at doing it herself. It's much cheaper by the sounds of it to self publish in the US but good on you. Please let me know when you're on Amazon and I'll pick up a copy. I may mail it back to you for a signature however! As for my friend . . well I'll give her your hot tips because she is a fantastic writer. *sulking cos can't come to writer's meeting in January - can't write but would like to be there *

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  8. yay!!! I wish you great success with the book! I think there's a way for you to get listed on Amazon and other like places. Try Lulu.com. I'm not sure if they're the right site or not, but I do know there are sites out there to help you publicize your book.
    I can't wait to see Val's cover! (And to read the book!)

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  9. I so admire your total committment and determination - oh, whoa! I was admiring your word choice for hollyhocks - now Ive got a word for you...

    indefatigable!!!

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  10. That is great news!
    I hope your book will fly out of the shelves!
    Congrats!

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  11. I'm so proud of you and thrilled for you and know that this will be a great adventure. I can't wait to see it in a printed format and read it in it's intended form. It is awesome that you have invested in yourself in all the most important ways!

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  12. audra, thank you thank you

    miladysa, it is a dream come true. it has been fascinating to learn about the publishing business. and so much more to learn ahead.

    baino, i had a partner once who said to me, "kj, let's not worry about succeeding--let's just agree to try". that is how i am pushing forward. i hope your friend pushes when and how she wishes. if you want, you can email me your address and order the book directly from me and i will sign it as you wish. it would be my pleasure and honor.

    studio lolo, yes, the book will be available through amazon and barnes and noble. val's painting is unbelievable. i can hardly wait to post it!

    thank you so much,lavender. another saying i think of is: "a ship in harbor is safe but it doesn't see anything" :)

    sidney, i hope someday to hold a book of your beloved second homeland in my hands.

    dearest val, an adventure indeed. thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming along for the ride. xo

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  13. WOW I am so very very impressed and thrilled for you.Congrats and I wish you every success! I am also so inspired by your words and encouragement.Thanks so much. When I decided to join in with nanowrimo, I didn't quite know what would 'come out' of me. It is turning into a very difficult book about my childhood and who knows, may some day even get published. You Go GIRL!and i for one will be buying your new book.

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  14. soulbrush, i am always surprised by what comes out of me. i think that's the magic of writing. so glad you are doing this!

    debra kay, your support along the way has been so appreciated.

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  15. Its amazing the work you have done. Despite the long hours of writing to be able to publish yourself is wonderful. How can we (your blogging groupies) support this effort? Writing on line reviews? Recommending to friends or simply buying the book.
    What is the advantage of publishing it yourself vs. going with a book publisher?

    Will you put out an announcement as to the publication date? I want to read this book again from start to end (and have a good cry again).

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  16. I am so excited and happy for you and in awe of how powerful your spirit is! This is such fabulous news!!!! Kudos! Brava! You Rock!

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  17. I remeber being here and leaving a comment. Congratulations!

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  18. You are awesome! Congrats on all of your hard word.

    "kj, let's not worry about succeeding--let's just agree to try".

    That's a great mantra to live by.

    One humble suggestion: if you're not on Facebook, set up an account and connect to friends, other writers, and potential readers.

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