After I was done writing, I decided to take the next steps. My head was spinning with everything that needed to be done. So, I did something that I'm good at. I wrote a list. I checked it more than twice. I found that most things on that list were more naughty than nice...especially to my bank account. I had to find an editor. I had to find someone to design m book cover, then I found out that I needed someone to design the art for the book cover. I needed to buy ISBN numbers (basically, that's the book's social security number...but the book isn't subject to identity fraud, so it just flashes it to everyone who looks at it...the hussy.) I needed not one, but two ISBN's because I plan to have it in print and as an ebook. I also needed a barcode since I plan on selling print copies.
As I looked at the list and researched, I realized that the ISBN numbers were, by far, the most expensive thing to get in order. Thanks to a donation by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, I was able to purchase these! Love you!!
In the meantime, I jumped on over to Fiverr. If you haven't found this site yet, GO DO IT!! It's pretty simple. You type in the services that you are looking for and it will bring up all kinds of people who are willing to do it. A basic gig can start at $5. There are more expensive (and better) gigs that are more expensive. I found my editor and my cover art designer here. I also found someone who had templates of the formatted files. I just had to copy and paste into the document. I paid more than $5, but I didn't pay anywhere near what some people pay. I will also be looking at this site to run some promotions once my book has gone live (August 30, by the way. I know you were dying to know.)
Once everything was bought and edited and formatted, it was time for someone to work their magic with the cover. The person I had contacted before never answered my message. I sent a couple more messages to others, but never heard anything back. Then, someone mentioned that a friend of mine from high school might be able to help. He's an amazing artist, but I didn't know that he did digital work. He did! So, he put my cover together...and it looks AMAZING.
Once everything was in order, I was able to complete the publishing process. All I have to do is push a button on CreateSpace and Nook to make it go live. It's available for pre-order on Amazon now. The title is The Cursed Princess by Chrissy White (that's me!)
I have heard all kinds of praise for my accomplishment. I've even had someone tell me that I've inspired him to finish his writing. I think that is the best compliment I have ever received. To be an inspiration to someone. So, if anyone wants some words of advice, here they are...
1. This is the most important thing. NEVER give up on your dream. Never. You can delay, you can postpone, but never give up.
2. The best things in life require work. You're not going to accomplish anything just by sitting on your butt, watching TV. You need to work for what you want. Don't expect someone to just hand it over to you. Besides, it feels so good at the end of the day to say, "Hey, that's all mine! I made that!"
3. Don't listen to other people who are trying to bring you down. They're jealous. Plain and simple.
4. Surround yourself with people who will be honest with you. I have an aunt who I know will not sugarcoat anything. She's awesome. I asked her to read this book before I was even finished. She gave me honest opinions and I took everything she said to heart. I didn't change everything she suggested (prisoner funk forever!) But, I took what she suggested and, most of the time, listened.
5. It's ok if it takes you longer than you hoped. It took me 15 months to write this book. There were times where I didn't write at all for weeks. Life happens. I have 2 small kids. They need me. They are the most important thing to me. If there is a choice between writing and doing something for them or with them, I will choose them most of the time (sometimes, they need to spend time with just their dad.)
6. One foot in front of the other, the expression goes. Don't rush yourself, don't get ahead of yourself. Let the creativity flow as it is meant to flow. You'll get there. It can be hard, thinking of all of the things that you have to do after you're done. None of it will help you until you get to the point where you need to do all of that.
7. Nothing will beat the feeling of holding your work in your hands when all is said and done...well, except maybe holding your babies in your arms, but not everyone wants to take that route in life. However, it feels pretty damn good to be holding your life's dream in your hands. The feeling of accomplishment is just pure amazing.
8. Know that you have a cheerleader on your side. I may not know you, or maybe I do, but I believe that you can do it. Tell your story to the world. We need to hear it.
9. It takes guts to do it. You are putting yourself out there to the world. That's some pretty scary stuff. You're opening up your soul to everyone to pick apart as they seem fit. It takes some real courage to do that.
10. Not everyone is going to like your story...and that's ok. You see, part of what makes this world so great is that we're all different. Not everyone is going to be kind either. That's not your problem. It's their's. This is why it takes courage to put yourself out there. People can be mean. They can be harsh. Some people love to just rip you to shreds. For what? Their own personal entertainment. Is it right? Is it fair? Is it kind? Nope. Nope. Nope. But, this is the way of the world. You have to take the good with the bad. Don't let some keyboard warrior dull your sparkle. Let the rest of us see you shine!
Now, if you would like to pre-order my book, it is up on Amazon for the Kindle. It will go live on August 30, 2016. I would appreciate it if you did.
https://www.amazon.com/Cursed-Princess-Book-Eumetadotos-ebook/dp/B01JDV68HU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469936723&sr=1-1&keywords=chrissy+white#nav-subnav
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