It's Been Rewarding and Painful....

by Angela Holzer
(Palo Alto, CA, USA)

Gooey Gummy Geese: 'Speak With Me Books' series

Here’s my story

I believe I've found a niche that hasn't been published before. (That's what we all hope anyways).

Everyone I've talked to says, "You have to write these books"! (I'm sure everyone hears that).

So, I ventured off a year ago to self-publish my books because I wanted to get these books out there sooner than 3 years (which is what they tell you it'll take once a big publisher accepts your manuscript).

And now, here I sit only one month away from printing 2 out of the 6 books in my series. I already have pre-orders in from public libraries, but it's been a new adventure knowing that I have to contact everyone directly. I did figure that once I finished the books, and got my website up and running people would click on the 'Purchase Now' link and I'd be able to pay my bills:).

Here's my website link, Speak With Me Books - Children's Books for speech development, and then I'll tell you a little about my last years experience.

Yes, I self-published (which means I started my own publishing company, Good Sound Publishing)

Yes, it's been a longer road then I ever thought it would be (I was hoping to simply print this summer, but the illustrators needed longer than 3 months to complete the illustrations).

Yes, I believe I've found 2 amazing illustrators at a reasonable price.

No, I don't know if I would have taken on such a large job if I would have known it was so much work.

Yes, it's been fulfilling for me throughout the entire process. I really do enjoy learning that in order to be considered 'self-published', you need more than your own barcodes. (Which, by the way, means I needed to start my own publishing company...so I did:)

Yes, it's been frustrating knowing that I wish someone else would have walked me through the process of what was needed to get where I wanted to be right now. (feel free to ask me:)..i'll give you a timeline)

Yes, I'm printing 4,000 books up front.

No, I'm not using an on-line printing press (print on demand). I found a local printer I liked and trusted. That way I have a working relationship with them for the future, and I can tell them how I want the book to exactly look.

Now the marketing....

Every library I've contacted directly has pre-ordered the books because they tell me there isn't anything out there focusing on speech development in a children's book. So, I continue to contact everyone directly. I wish I could find a way to get the word out without paying all my income to advertising. And that's the truth of it.
Ultimately, I want to be on Oprah:)! Anyone have contacts there:)?

I hope this is helpful for anyone thinking about self-publishing. Honestly though, I have been blessed to financially sustain myself throughout this entire process. I'm not sure I could have gotten this far if I wasn't able to support myself this last year.

Just food for thought.