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Another chapter in the journey

 Dear Reader, 

For the next chapter in my journey, I decided to do some more research. I already knew that Connecticut Publishers and Authors Association highly recommended self-publishing for reasons that I previously stated. I did know a couple of people who had self-published, and I saw that many of the CAPA members did it repeatedly. 

I decided to contact one of my friends who published a children's book. We met for coffee, and she spoke freely about her experience, the time, the money, basically all the blood, sweat and tears. I was encouraged and discouraged at the same time. At the end she said, "I will never, ever do it again." Ouch. Stabbing words that I didn't want to hear. Yet, I decided to keep researching.

I noticed a children's book author who was selling locally and decided to contact her and ask her about her journey. She was quite willing to share her experiences. She was trying to promote this book as Covid was first upon us and that really slowed up potential selling opportunities, but she talked about "next time" she published a book and that was encouraging. One of the "next times" she mentioned was Purple Diamond Press.

For those who don't know much about self-publishing, I would say finding a publisher is kind of like walking in a mine field. There are those who some refer to as "vanity" publishers who will publish anything as long as you pay them. They don't do much more than that--some I don't even think proofread. Then there are those who offer the whole sha-bang, editing, marketing, website design and so much more, in various packages and different price ranges. Some authors publish themselves via Amazon online. I was intimidated by the formatting process just from rumors. I also talked to one person who just went to the local printers but that seemed quite costly. There was so much to think about.

On the recommendation of the local author, I checked out Purple Diamond Press and contacted them. I also contacted one of their authors to ask her about her experience with them and was glad to hear it was a positive experience. I wanted to do a good job on my homework before making a decision.

For this publishing company, it was a two-way street. Purple Diamond Press will not publish anything that doesn't fit within their standards. They publish books that make a difference. I was pleased that they were willing to publish "A Fish in a Tree". They provided so many services that I did not have the knowledge to do on my own--layout and formatting the book, creating a website, obtaining ISBN, book and marketing plan. It all was so overwhelming that I thought the price was quite reasonable. Not only did they do all that for me, but they are also still holding my hand as I navigate the waters of marketing. 

You know how this story ends, with a published book (well that's also another beginning), but there were still many steps yet to get published which I will tell you about next time.

As Always,

Debbie


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