The Road To Publication

Hello everyone,

Thought I’d give you an update on what is going on in terms of my publishing journey.

For those of you who don’t know, Business Unusual released on June 25th. As an independent, debut author I have worked hard to present the best project I could. Getting to this point was a challenge. A challenge in terms of what others insisted I ‘must’ do in order to be considered a viable author. Those suggestions came more than I cared to hear and at times, laced with a measure of arrogance.

My decision to publish independently did not come without a great amount of prayer. Once the decision was made we moved ahead with what needed to be done. Long story short – the book is out. Soooo, that means all is well. Well, let’s see.

Initially the book was listed in online stores as unavailable. Following that snafu it was listed as available, but deliverable within four to six weeks. After three weeks we had the online availability under control. Sooo, that means all is well. Well, let’s see.

The book was online and selling. Independent stores in the Seattle, Tacoma and Portland area had them on the shelves. Requests from libraries in places I didn’t even know existed were in my inbox and mailbox. Relatives were selling to friends and co-workers. Requests for print reviews, newspaper and television interviews were coming in. Sooo, was everything okay? Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

I began to receive emails from potential customers stating that when the asked for the book at national chain stores (you all know who they are) they were told it was not in the system. At this point my vision was beginning to blur.

One thing I made sure to do was to connect with the two main distributors that those bookstores order from. So what was up? A variety of reasons were given by my distributor. Rather than speculate I went on a fact-finding mission. Now here’s where home training comes in. Your mother always tells you to be nice. The Golden rule tells us to do unto others… You get the picture. Long story short, I found that there was a major problem with how the book was listed in the system. The assistant manager took care of that.

He also took the time to tell what a nice product I had (of course I had handed him a copy as he updated his computer). He even spoke to the fact that my publisher (our company On Assignment/big cheese grin) had done a great job of setting up what most independent authors miss.

After extending an apology for the inconvenience, he ordered books for not only his store, but several others as well as the opportunity to host a book signing.

I said all of this to say this, regardless of what avenue you take to publication, you must know your business. I don’t profess to know it all, but I am striving to do my best.

Thanks for listening. Be blessed and don’t forget to visit us and pick up your copy of Business Unusual.

Linda!
Remember -- there is no such thing as an unacceptable loss in God's Kingdom!

www.lindabeed.com
www.myspace.com/lindabeed
lindaonassignment@yahoo.com