The opportunity finally arrived. February 15 I received a reply that the publisher was interested in my children’s picture book! Of course I was excited, but I was aware that it was not simply a matter of them publishing my book.
It would mean some expense for me, so I needed more information. During a very informative telephone conversation with a very pleasant publisher, we discussed many things about the process involved. I learned that I would have a major say in the layout, illustrating and publishing of my book, and I also learned how much it would cost me. Besides the money it would mean a lot of time promoting and selling my book to get my money back and then begin making a profit. But … she will not publish a book she does not believe will sell … and she believed in my book. What to do?
After much thought, discussion with my husband, prayer, talking with writers who have much more experience than I, and looking at all the angles, I made my decision.
I listened to my husband. I said no thank you. Was it painful you might ask? Yes, very, but as disappointing as it was I know it was the right decision for me. Why was it right for me? Because I know myself well enough to foresee that it would be a difficult thing to self promote and sell my books. I would lose. I would be discouraged. That is not the path I want to take.
How delighted I would be — a published author of children’s books! But it is not yet the time for me. So, I have decided that I need to take more time to practice my writing, to connect with other writers, to learn, learn, learn. My time will come, I believe that, when it is the right time and the right path for me.
So now I’m asking: How about you, have you ever self published?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
Polilla Writes 