We are all capable of telling a story, sharing information and creating ditties. The first draft of any genre is easy. It’s what we do with them in the end that makes the difference. The ensuing work can make the choice of turning it into a book not all it’s cracked up to be.
My inner spirit was compelled to write a book. No, it wasn’t a bucket list item, it was a need. A call out to the creative soul that had simmered since childhood. So, let’s rewind the film and take a look at the books, one book at a time.
Thinking the book publishing process through, and wanting to get a book published in the shortest time period, with the least amount of cost, equals e-book format. However, regardless of genre, the preparation, in my opinion, takes more time for electronic books versus a manuscript destined for a publisher. Once the idea topic has hatched from the egg, it still needs due diligence. Correctness, flow, eye catching presentation, plus conforming with guidelines set out by the publisher. The crux is you are writer, editor, cover designer and publisher. The bonus, and it is a huge attraction to most, is the lack of an exorbitant outlay of dollars. An e-book is not hard on the bank balance, but it can suck the time bank dry!
My inner spirit was compelled to write a book. No, it wasn’t a bucket list item, it was a need. A call out to the creative soul that had simmered since childhood. So, let’s rewind the film and take a look at the books, one book at a time.
Thinking the book publishing process through, and wanting to get a book published in the shortest time period, with the least amount of cost, equals e-book format. However, regardless of genre, the preparation, in my opinion, takes more time for electronic books versus a manuscript destined for a publisher. Once the idea topic has hatched from the egg, it still needs due diligence. Correctness, flow, eye catching presentation, plus conforming with guidelines set out by the publisher. The crux is you are writer, editor, cover designer and publisher. The bonus, and it is a huge attraction to most, is the lack of an exorbitant outlay of dollars. An e-book is not hard on the bank balance, but it can suck the time bank dry!
 | Six months of writing, kitchen testing, picture taking and rewrites. All resulted in the first of two e-cookbooks, From Our Home To Yours: Cookies, live on Amazon. Two months later, From Our Home To Yours: Cakes & Squares made its debut. |  |
The writing was now on the wall. The hook had been set. The bait taken, and the challenge of what was to become referred to as a ‘real book’ started to take life. Moon Rising: An Eclectic Collection of Works was a relatively easy book to produce. Archived and newly written vignettes, short stories and poems cuddled together to for my first taste of a publisher’s world.
It also gave me a penchant for what was to unfold, a novel; and, not just one novel, but three. Each storyline with their own set of characters. In essence, three different books about three different topics, in the fire at the same time. All in a race to see which would boil to a finish first.
Whoa! When the light came on as to what I was doing, the decision wasn't even debated. Finish The Quiet Spirits first and let the other two simmer in the back ground. Having them to fall back on when the stagnant times hit was great. I drifted between the other two. Penning a chapter or more until I found my ground again to return to the book destined to be the next to go to a publisher.
I am not surprised by the amount of time it took to write the first draft, complete edits and rewrites (so far) for The Quiet Spirits. It is a novel, after all. But once submitted to the publisher the process seems to drag and be lengthy. Patience plays a big part in the publishing waiting game. Will there be more suggestions and/or will the nod come that we are onto the next steps? Still on track for release by the fall of this year.
I am not surprised by the amount of time it took to write the first draft, complete edits and rewrites (so far) for The Quiet Spirits. It is a novel, after all. But once submitted to the publisher the process seems to drag and be lengthy. Patience plays a big part in the publishing waiting game. Will there be more suggestions and/or will the nod come that we are onto the next steps? Still on track for release by the fall of this year.
| The time and money it takes to publish bound books, is limitless. Independent Publishing, or Indie Publishing as it is commonly know, requires homework and research to find the right fit for publishing needs. As with a trade publisher, the manuscript should be submitted for review. And, in the majority of cases, when accepted, the author is in charge of the process from start to finish. I have written e-books and like the simplicity of their production for sharing information and short stories. I have written a compilation of varying genres, only to tap into a simmering passion to write in more detail. The emotional adventure writing a novel has taken me on is an experience I would not trade. |  |
I have written e-books and like the simplicity of their production for sharing information and short stories. I have written a compilation of varying genres, only to tap into a simmering passion to write in more detail. The emotional adventure writing a novel has taken me on is an experience I would not trade.
 | And, it would be stretching the truth if I didn’t acknowledge the thrill at the end. The boxes arriving filled with the cherished volumes. Opening the packages, seeing your work, feeling the silky pages and the smell. Oh the smell of a bound book is exhilarating, especially when you know it’s yours! But, let’s not forget the search on Amazon and finding your e-book baby for the first time. The gratification is great, but not before the hours of toil |
Regardless of the style, the story, the sharing of information, or the format, I look forward to the future of my writing. Short term to way, way out there. Embracing the compositions that fill the pages.
How do you support Indie Writers - ebooks or real books?
Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
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