Thanks so much for all your support Mimi! I received an email from the publisher saying they'd refunded my money. But until I see the figures in the bank, I'll reserve my joyful dance until then! Perhaps I just panicked about not hearing from them, but I'm not the kind of person who can tolerate being left hanging, not knowing what's going on. A character flaw, I know!
Do you know about Jane Friedman? Check out her website. She offers fabulous resources regarding all aspects of publishing and breaks down the differences among self, hybrid, and traditional (which you already know). Offers webinars, networking, etc. Good luck with it!
Thanks so much Deborah. Yes, I do know of Jane Friedman. She's incredible. I have taken so many of her webinars, and I've always found she is so professional. I might have another look at her website for what she offers, as I don't remember her offering networking. That might be good. Have you found it helpful for your would-be publishing journey?
Oh that's great that you know about her. Then you prob. know about Craft Talks and Writer's Bridge (Allison Williams and Sharla Yates). Do you know about the Binders Full of Memoirists Facebook page? That's where there's a lot of networking opportunities, maybe not so much Jane, although when I attend webinars, I try to make note of who's on the participant list and maybe reach out to them sometimes if they ask a question that I connect to. It's a journey to be sure! I enjoy the community part of it.
Oh yes Deborah, we are travelling the same internet paths through the woods! I don't know about Binders Full of Memories on Facebook though. I usually steer clear of Facebook, finding it difficult to find anything. But.... who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!! I'm glad I never followed the decluttering crowd, so I have enough old photos for my memoir. See, decluttering doesn't always work!
Rose...have you heard of "She Writes Press?" I worked with Brooke Warner of She Writes for a year on my manuscript...then health issues took me down...but I think they are solid and have tons of experience. They combine their knowledge of traditional (with all the channels) and independent publishing.
Thanks so much Linda. Everyone has been so supportive, it is very encouraging. I have just received an email today that the publisher has refunded my deposit. Once I see it in the bank, I'll do my happy dance then. Until I see it.... I have heard of She Writes Press, but hadn't investigated them. So good to have a recommendation! And I thank you for that. At the moment, I think the story does need a developmental edit, as the back story goes on too long until we get the "main event": my overeating. I'm just not sure how to weave it into the story as it goes along. The why of how I ended up in Australia, etc. I have at so many times thought I had the story figured out, only to discover that, no, that isn't the best way to tell it. Live and learn, I guess. Thanks again for your help and recommendation!
Oh. Rose. I’m so sorry to hear this and I completely understand why you’re feeling the way that you are. It’s such a tough world out there when trying to publish something.
When I published my collections of short stories and poetry, I used a company called Gold Wind Publishing (now known as Kindle Publishing, I think) and they were great. They format the book and upload it onto Amazon for a reasonable one-off fee.
Regarding the developmental edits, there are tons of excellent editors out there. Choose one who specialises in memoir. I think that should be your first step.
But if you want to park it and alleviate yourself of all the stress of banging your head against a brick wall, I would get that too.
Thanks so much Rosy. Yes, I do think that brick wall has a dent the size and shape of my head! But I think I may have been refunded my deposit, which I find very encouraging. But until I actually see the amount in the bank account, I'll reserve my celebrations. I know you too, have certainly had setbacks. Maybe that is just part of the game. The Universe keeps asking, "Are you sure you want to do this?!!" Only the most determined say yes. Or it could be we are just DRIVEN by some internal navigation system that won't leave us alone and let us NOT write. Who knows? Thank you for the recommendations. I will check them out, and I have to agree with you, an editor who specializes in memoir would be better than a general one. I suppose every editor has their own particular strengths. It has been lovely to receive so much support and encouragement from the Substack community. Onward from here!
Thanks Rosy. I guess us writers have to be determined individuals! Glad that you've recovered from your misfortunes with your publisher. It seems like your experience was much worse than mine. We will have to have a chat about the outcome of that someday soon!
Ah, thanks Beverley! Is there anyone sweeter than you? You are always so supportive. The second company had a "Green Flag" rating with the Alliance of Independent Authors, and a 4.5 on Trustpilot. The CEO had been in contact with me regularly since April, and had won over my trust, due to a couple of years of staying in touch. But his 3 day silence floored me. And then, the second agreement with no financial terms made me realize that I would have continual problems with this company, and we had not even started yet. So I pulled out. Now it comes to finding out if I can get my deposit back. Tiresome, yes. Probably just time for me to "lick my wounds" for a while before venturing forth again.
Ugh. I get this. So many great stories out there, but the system keeps them hidden in closets and thumb drives.
I wish I could provide advice for you, but I have not traveled this route. Just know that you have an excellent book that should be published.
Thinking all the happy thoughts for you. And for your deposit!
Thanks so much for all your support Mimi! I received an email from the publisher saying they'd refunded my money. But until I see the figures in the bank, I'll reserve my joyful dance until then! Perhaps I just panicked about not hearing from them, but I'm not the kind of person who can tolerate being left hanging, not knowing what's going on. A character flaw, I know!
Do you know about Jane Friedman? Check out her website. She offers fabulous resources regarding all aspects of publishing and breaks down the differences among self, hybrid, and traditional (which you already know). Offers webinars, networking, etc. Good luck with it!
Thanks so much Deborah. Yes, I do know of Jane Friedman. She's incredible. I have taken so many of her webinars, and I've always found she is so professional. I might have another look at her website for what she offers, as I don't remember her offering networking. That might be good. Have you found it helpful for your would-be publishing journey?
Oh that's great that you know about her. Then you prob. know about Craft Talks and Writer's Bridge (Allison Williams and Sharla Yates). Do you know about the Binders Full of Memoirists Facebook page? That's where there's a lot of networking opportunities, maybe not so much Jane, although when I attend webinars, I try to make note of who's on the participant list and maybe reach out to them sometimes if they ask a question that I connect to. It's a journey to be sure! I enjoy the community part of it.
Oh yes Deborah, we are travelling the same internet paths through the woods! I don't know about Binders Full of Memories on Facebook though. I usually steer clear of Facebook, finding it difficult to find anything. But.... who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!! I'm glad I never followed the decluttering crowd, so I have enough old photos for my memoir. See, decluttering doesn't always work!
Rose...have you heard of "She Writes Press?" I worked with Brooke Warner of She Writes for a year on my manuscript...then health issues took me down...but I think they are solid and have tons of experience. They combine their knowledge of traditional (with all the channels) and independent publishing.
Thanks so much Linda. Everyone has been so supportive, it is very encouraging. I have just received an email today that the publisher has refunded my deposit. Once I see it in the bank, I'll do my happy dance then. Until I see it.... I have heard of She Writes Press, but hadn't investigated them. So good to have a recommendation! And I thank you for that. At the moment, I think the story does need a developmental edit, as the back story goes on too long until we get the "main event": my overeating. I'm just not sure how to weave it into the story as it goes along. The why of how I ended up in Australia, etc. I have at so many times thought I had the story figured out, only to discover that, no, that isn't the best way to tell it. Live and learn, I guess. Thanks again for your help and recommendation!
Oh. Rose. I’m so sorry to hear this and I completely understand why you’re feeling the way that you are. It’s such a tough world out there when trying to publish something.
When I published my collections of short stories and poetry, I used a company called Gold Wind Publishing (now known as Kindle Publishing, I think) and they were great. They format the book and upload it onto Amazon for a reasonable one-off fee.
Regarding the developmental edits, there are tons of excellent editors out there. Choose one who specialises in memoir. I think that should be your first step.
But if you want to park it and alleviate yourself of all the stress of banging your head against a brick wall, I would get that too.
Good luck with whatever you decide. 😊
Thanks so much Rosy. Yes, I do think that brick wall has a dent the size and shape of my head! But I think I may have been refunded my deposit, which I find very encouraging. But until I actually see the amount in the bank account, I'll reserve my celebrations. I know you too, have certainly had setbacks. Maybe that is just part of the game. The Universe keeps asking, "Are you sure you want to do this?!!" Only the most determined say yes. Or it could be we are just DRIVEN by some internal navigation system that won't leave us alone and let us NOT write. Who knows? Thank you for the recommendations. I will check them out, and I have to agree with you, an editor who specializes in memoir would be better than a general one. I suppose every editor has their own particular strengths. It has been lovely to receive so much support and encouragement from the Substack community. Onward from here!
That’s the spirit. I have picked myself up, dusted myself down and onward from here it is! 💪👏💕
Thanks Rosy. I guess us writers have to be determined individuals! Glad that you've recovered from your misfortunes with your publisher. It seems like your experience was much worse than mine. We will have to have a chat about the outcome of that someday soon!
So sorry Rose. This is tough. I wish I knew of a way through this or that there was more on line advice for writers. There are some reviews.
The work you have put in so far is amazing.
And it's good that you are asking questions of these companies.
They do need that.
Is there a way of having it on line as my daughter reads books that way?
But perhaps getting paid is tricky then.
You have almost created a new book of, getting published, with sharing your journey here.
We are in a time of flux. It's hugely frustrating.
Our literary world needs to put out a hand to you.
I'm sure you are far from alone in this.
I do hope you don't give up and a solution is found. Keep asking you do deserve success Rose.
Ah, thanks Beverley! Is there anyone sweeter than you? You are always so supportive. The second company had a "Green Flag" rating with the Alliance of Independent Authors, and a 4.5 on Trustpilot. The CEO had been in contact with me regularly since April, and had won over my trust, due to a couple of years of staying in touch. But his 3 day silence floored me. And then, the second agreement with no financial terms made me realize that I would have continual problems with this company, and we had not even started yet. So I pulled out. Now it comes to finding out if I can get my deposit back. Tiresome, yes. Probably just time for me to "lick my wounds" for a while before venturing forth again.
Oh Rose, it’s a tortured road to publishing! I’m so sorry you have had such a time with it all.
Thanks Lindsey. You're so great to be so supportive. I think I just need to "lick my wounds" for a while.