Today guest blogger Donald
Dempsey, author of Betty’s Child, shares his experience with publishing.
He first self published his memoir and later published with an indie press. Following
are his thoughts on each of those processes.
When I decided to write my book the thought of publishing it
wasn't a consideration. I thought it would wind up like most of my other
projects, either a pile of notes or a few chapters sitting in a folder
gathering dust. Unlike previous attempts to put my thoughts or ideas into
words, my memoir poured out of me. I've often said this story virtually wrote
itself. Often, I reread something I’d written and found myself surprised by the
content.
After I finished Betty’s Child, I had no idea what to do
with it. My wife and some close friends urged me to try and get it published. I
put together query letters and submitted them to agents and publishers, rarely
hearing back from them. The closest I came to tradition publishing success was
garnering some interest from an agent who was about to retire, but she couldn't
get anyone else to take on the book due to a downsizing of publishers and
agents. Eventually, I gave up.
I don’t remember who first suggested it or how self-publishing
became an option, but somehow I became involved with a self publishing company.
From the very beginning, it was a very unpleasant experience. I never worked
with the same person, and there was always another fee to take the next
unexpected step. Undisclosed charges were frequent. If I paid for this service,
it would increase my chances of attracting a publisher. If I agreed to pay more
money for certain packages or services, my book would be available to a wider
market. There was always one reason or another to pay more money.
My frustration mounted. It wasn’t very long before I wished I had
just left my book in the drawer where I’d tossed it. Nothing they promised me
was ever delivered. Betty’s Child sold a few copies now and then, but
not much else happened. Even though I felt the book was meaningful and had a
message worth putting out, I soon gave up again. I stopped answering calls from
the self publishing company. Months passed. I threw all the extra copies in a
box in my office and forgot about the book altogether.
And then, out of the blue, Mike O’Mary from Dream of Things called
me and asked to take a look at my book. He liked what some of the reviewers
said. I sent him a copy and everything moved pretty quickly after that. Mike
has been a publisher, editor, marketer, valuable source of information, and a
friend. His belief in Betty’s Child rekindled my own. Mike’s knowledge
of the ebook market opened up windows of opportunity I didn’t know existed.
Without him, there wouldn’t be a Betty’s Child, so I find myself often
saying the book is just as much his as mine.
Of course, the irony here is that Dream of Things never would have
noticed Betty’s Child if I hadn’t put myself through the torture of self
publishing. And I’ve heard of some very successful authors getting their start
after first working with companies like the one I did. For me, self publishing
was a very stressful experience. I tend to like things straightforward and
forthright. So I’d hate to dissuade someone from chasing their dream of
publication. My personal experiences may not reflect the norm.
About the Author:Don Dempsey experienced childhood abuse and neglect first hand, but went on to have a fulfilling family life as an adult and to own his own business. "If you're lucky, you make it to adulthood in one piece," says Don. "But there's no guarantee the rest of your life is going to be any better. Abused kids are often plagued by fear and insecurity. They battle depression and have trouble with relationships. In the worst cases, abused children perpetuate the cycle." But Don is living proof that you can overcome a childhood of abuse and neglect. "You start by letting go of as much of the guilt (yes, abused kids feel guilty) and as many of the bad memories as possible. At the same time, you hold on to the things that helped you survive. For me, it was the belief that you can make life better by working at it and earning it. It helps to have a sense of humor, too."
Find out more about the author by visiting him online:
Betty’s Child website: www.BettysChild.com
Donald Dempsey Facebook: www.facebook.com/donald.dempsey.3
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