The die is cast.
The deed is done.
The word is written.
OK, enough of the hackneyed phrases. Let’s just say that after 10 months of collating newspaper columns, scanning them into my computer, editing out grammar gaffes and a few dangling participles, my book is off to Createspace for publication of a final proof copy. When I receive that in a few days and if it meets with my approval, all I have to do is hit the “Publish my book” button on the Createspace website and the deed will be done. “Counting Crows” will be available for purchase.
What an ordeal. What a triumph of patience and persistence. I never imagined how difficult getting a book into print could be. Several writers told me to expect multiple delays and headaches. They were manifestly correct. A friend of mine also said he was so sick of the process that he would never try to publish a book again.
While my first-ever publishing venture has taken much longer than I imagined — yes, I had hoped the book would be printed by late spring, — it’s been rewarding. I’m very pleased with the final product. Yes, it sounds like I’m manufacturing something for consumption. And that’s not far from the truth. As Mark Twain once opined, you don’t write a book; you make a book. It takes constant rewriting, reaching a point when you finally have to step away from the keyboard and say, “I can’t take this anymore. I’m done.”
Now comes the task of marketing the book. I have already pre-sold about 170 books. That’s thanks to putting out the word on Facebook and giving special readings to my Yakima Kiwanis Club, Zonta Club members and cancer survivors at Memorial Hospital’s NorthStar Lodge. I’m also planning to do book signings at Inklings Bookstore and several wineries, including Kana and Naches Heights. Starbucks at 72nd Avenue in Yakima has also expressed an interest in a special event. From vino to espresso, not a bad combination.
It’s going to be fun. Yes, a bit tiring but what’s the point of being a writer if you don’t publish anything. I still have more than 150 other columns that are on the bookshelf, just waiting to be put between the covers of a book.
But first things first (there I go again with another hackneyed phrase). Let’s see how “Counting Crows” does before I consider another publishing venture.
And with that, my initial blog entry comes to a not-so dramatic end. I guess they all can’t be best sellers.
The deed is done.
The word is written.
OK, enough of the hackneyed phrases. Let’s just say that after 10 months of collating newspaper columns, scanning them into my computer, editing out grammar gaffes and a few dangling participles, my book is off to Createspace for publication of a final proof copy. When I receive that in a few days and if it meets with my approval, all I have to do is hit the “Publish my book” button on the Createspace website and the deed will be done. “Counting Crows” will be available for purchase.
What an ordeal. What a triumph of patience and persistence. I never imagined how difficult getting a book into print could be. Several writers told me to expect multiple delays and headaches. They were manifestly correct. A friend of mine also said he was so sick of the process that he would never try to publish a book again.
While my first-ever publishing venture has taken much longer than I imagined — yes, I had hoped the book would be printed by late spring, — it’s been rewarding. I’m very pleased with the final product. Yes, it sounds like I’m manufacturing something for consumption. And that’s not far from the truth. As Mark Twain once opined, you don’t write a book; you make a book. It takes constant rewriting, reaching a point when you finally have to step away from the keyboard and say, “I can’t take this anymore. I’m done.”
Now comes the task of marketing the book. I have already pre-sold about 170 books. That’s thanks to putting out the word on Facebook and giving special readings to my Yakima Kiwanis Club, Zonta Club members and cancer survivors at Memorial Hospital’s NorthStar Lodge. I’m also planning to do book signings at Inklings Bookstore and several wineries, including Kana and Naches Heights. Starbucks at 72nd Avenue in Yakima has also expressed an interest in a special event. From vino to espresso, not a bad combination.
It’s going to be fun. Yes, a bit tiring but what’s the point of being a writer if you don’t publish anything. I still have more than 150 other columns that are on the bookshelf, just waiting to be put between the covers of a book.
But first things first (there I go again with another hackneyed phrase). Let’s see how “Counting Crows” does before I consider another publishing venture.
And with that, my initial blog entry comes to a not-so dramatic end. I guess they all can’t be best sellers.
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