Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Book Update, Part 2


Now that we had decided not to pursue traditional publishing for the upheaval it would bring to our lives, it was time to start seriously looking into self-publishing options.

I had a very specific vision for my book - easy to write in {preferably spiral bound or lay flat binding} and including color photos.

And, yes, I did consider options like Shutterfly, Blurb, etc... but just wasn't settled on that either.

I narrowed it down to three:
1. Amazon/Create Space
2. West Bow Press {a division of Thomas Nelson}
3. Nyree Press

Each company has a different set up in terms of how they offer publishing packages and what their process is. I studied their websites and looked up books they had published.

First, I looked at Amazon. It was recommended by a friend who has written several books and let's face it, we all think of Amazon when we think of books!

Honestly, I found their website very confusing. It was hard to get a bottom line picture of the cost and process because there are so many options and they are all offered a la carte. I was also concerned about my content as my book is a Bible Study, journal, Christian book and I really wanted to work with a Christian publisher for maintaining the spiritual integrity of the content.

There were no specialty binding options and color photos were an option but pricey.

So, I actually marked that one off my list. From what I could tell, this was also probably my most expensive option.

Option 2: West Bow Press; I had initially not looked very seriously into this one because of cost. It seemed like I'd really be paying for the name and being associated with Thomas Nelson. But after speaking with one of their representatives, I realized it was more affordable that I'd initially thought. The edit is where things can get expensive really fast when you are thinking that all this cost is on you.

There were no specialty binding options and color photos were not an option.

I took lots of notes during this call and learned a lot of great information, but ultimately decided this was not the right decision for us after talking to Option 3.

Option 3: Nyree Press - ok, I'm going to back up a bit here. Last summer, I ordered the book 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer and I love this book. As I mentioned I've been studying the inside of all books I pick up for publisher/agent info and this book was self-published through Nyree Press. At the time I looked at their website and studied it thoroughly. I'm going to admit it was my number one choice even before we decided to pursue self-publishing.

Nyree Press President caught the vision for my book and the heart behind it quickly. This is the most affordable self-publishing option I have come across and we're going to be able to do full color photos and I get to help design the cover! Plus, I love that it supports a small Christian self-publisher.

I am grateful to be able to move forward after months of research and decision making!

With all that said, we are hoping/aiming for a Mother's Day release!

Ideas is something I haven't run out of yet! The first thing I'm working on with a friend is a big Mother/Daughter Craft Day in early April. This will be a fundraising even to fund the cost of self-publishing! Book sales will probably not cover my costs just because the author gets such a tiny portion of the publish price in royalties.

I'm dreaming up a book launch party! And, a Mother's Day gift set that will include the book plus some handmade goodies to support creative makers!

I know that sometimes I have wanted to love a book based on either some personal connection to the author or topic. I also know that not everyone who reads this book will love it. Writing a book is scary in putting this out there for others to read/critique.

Also, some of this book is going to sound very similar to what you read here. Let's face it - the same person writes both! But, I can tell you there is more than I've posted on my blog and it will all be in one place where you can work through the Bible Study and journaling portions right in the book. It will include photos that I hope will contribute to the overall slow.

Several of you have offered help and that means the world to me. Right now, pray! That all will go smoothly, that God will prepare the way for this to be exactly what He wants it to be, that it will glorify Him. And, thank you so much for all of the support and encouragement you've been dishing out - you are a blessing!

20 comments:

Chas said...

Monica... What an inspiration you are to me! I'm a long time reader and implementer of your ideas. I am going to keep you in my prayers and I look forward to what God has in store for this project. I've blogged for a long time as well and have had some of the same thoughts as to home and family, but really putting it down and taking on that SLOW approach has been something I have been thinking of more and more lately... especially as things seem to want to take such a faster approach to life. Thank you. May God bless you, your family and this new endeavor.

Stephanie said...

How exciting! I can't wait to see - and get a copy of the finished product!!

Lisa said...

Praying for a blessed 2016 for you and that things go smoothly with your book. Looking forward to buying a copy!

Kelli said...

So excited for you! I Can not wait for Mothers Day....
I will be praying for you..

Christy Stanton said...

Congratulations Monica!: ) I will pray all goes well and He will be glorified! I can't wait to have a copy!

Sherry said...

Congratulations, Monica, in laying aside fear and pursuing a dream with courage! I also hope to write a book one day so it is encouraging to read about your journey in the process. I look forward to hearing more about it.

And speaking of books....I did not see a comment thread on your post of your book list but just thought I'd share that I have a "favorite reads" post on my blog.

angie said...

Thank you for going forward with this endeavor, despite so many hurdles that could stop you in your tracks. I will pray that His plan will be carried out to fruition.
I appreciate that you are choosing pricier printing formats (spiral and full color) in order to provide your readers with the best experience possible.
Oh, how I wish I could support you by attending the craft event or book launch party! Perhaps your readers from afar could support you with some sort of online purchase or viral event.

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Wow!! This is so awesome! I certainly be praying for you... and I cannot wait until May!! :)
Somehow I have a feeling that wait will feel S.L.O.W. -lol!!!

Lauren said...

Sounds like God led you right to the publisher you needed! I LOVE the fact that it will have color photos. I have to say with cookbooks if they don't contain color photos I am not interested. I think SLOW will be wonderful with photos included! So excited for you!!!!
As for another fund raising idea could you possibly go to a few homeschool conferences and set up a booth?

Mrs. Chrissy T said...

Monica,

I took a few days off blog reading. I decided to check in on yours. I am so excited. I will pray for sure. How excited I am for you!!! Plus, I am excited to own a copy!!!!

Kristin said...

This is very exciting Monica! You have really been busy and it looks like your efforts will be rewarded as you get to see this all come together. I'm sure it will be a big encouragement to many. Looking forward to it myself!

Ellie said...

I am beyond thrilled to hear this!!! I am so excited!!! Praying for you!

Shelby said...

So happy for you friend. Can't wait for my copy, praying for you and super excited you took a leap of faith and can't wait to see the Lords work on your behalf. We are routing for you and praying along side of you sister.

*carrie* said...

Hooray! Very cool to see a shot of the publishing agreement. Press on!

Sarah said...

I was thrilled to read his post Monica. I am so happy for you, and I am so excited to read your book!

Monica Wilkinson said...

@lauren: that is a good idea, yet one that requires the book to be available in print to implement! Have to get to that point first!!! <3

Anne said...

Thank you for sharing your heart in this. I've so appreciated your blog for a very long time. Prayers and blessings to you as you take this next step!

~katie~ said...

So excited for you, Monica!!! :) I always knew you could/should write a book! This is delightful news, and I know it will be a blessing to so many. :) Looking forward to the book launch ~ praying and dreaming with you!

Blessings to you and your family,
Katie

Debbie Wright said...

So excited and happy for you, Monica. Thanks for sharing the journey with us! I cannot wait to have my copy - and hope for a Mother's Day release, as I know exactly what my Mother will be getting for her special day :)

Keeping you in my prayers as you move forward!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful good news!!!! Congratulations and i very much look forward to your book!!! :-) YEA!!! ~tammy