About Book Publishing, that is.

I am sitting in the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) airport watching people go by, knowing each has a story. Not too far from here, some of our nation’s greatest moments in history are immortalized; I.e. Fort McHenry where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner. I hear in my head the words from Ben Franklin: Write something worth reading or live a life worth writing about and I wonder if I will ever accomplish either. In a recent exchange with my publisher I have finally retained the rights to my first book. Part of the issue was the non-marketing of my book as promised. This was just about where I was this time last year when I began my book publishing journey. In the process of the last year I have learned the following things:

• My mom will always read my writing and brag on it, no matter how good or bad it is. Thanks, Mom.
• Not everyone will want it. Not everyone will read it. It is not for everyone.
• The whole process is harder than you think, but it is worth it.
• Some people want your book, but won’t read it. I wonder if they are just being polite.
• Some people want your book if they don’t have to pay for it.
• You can write a book, but it doesn’t mean others will read it.
• Be thankful for those who do read the book and are honest with you.
• If you have to pay anything for the publishing of your book, it is self-publishing.
• Be thick skinned.
• My publisher is really not as interested in my success as much as I am.
• Find a good editor.
• Get a marketing plan.
• Stick to one project at a time, if you can and finish them.
• Never stop learning.
• The follow up can be daunting.
• Those who really liked your book will ask when the next one is coming out. That said, I think I have one true fan. Thanks, Mike. Hopefully, the sequel will be released next year.
• Don’t give up, no matter how you feel. It’s not about feelings.
• I published two books. That is more than most of the population can say. That in itself is a success.
• I am responsible for the production, content, and marketing of my work.
• My dream is worthy of the process.

I also realized that I need to write because I love doing it. Because I have a million ideas and stories in my head and it drives me nuts if I just keep them there. I hope to live a life worth writing about as well as writing something worth reading. With that, thanks for reading this.