After the sixth revision of the manuscript of my debut memoir I Asked the Blue Heron was finished, I made the decision to not wait until an agent “discovered” me to publish my work. I knew I was in for the ride of my life, and a solo ride at that. I am the writer, the editing department, the agent, the event organizer, and distributor of my book. Although the release itself took all I had, it’s the distribution that tests my ability to make I Asked the Blue Heron: A Memoir a successful book.
Using my project management skills, I set up a date and the scope of my project. From March to November of 2017, I worked daily and gave everything I had to execute the project meeting every milestone with anticipation and joy. Each day, I checked the work breakdown diligently. I paid ISBN, copyrights, bought an image, created a cover, downloaded copy, formatted, revised, proofread for the hundredth time. I worked with a consultant to create this site, and start a marketing campaign to create buzz. When the last editing was done, I entered into critical path, the crucial activities to make the book show up at bookstores. Downloading and formatting the last version into the printing site and making sure the global distribution setting kicked in. Finally, I organized the launching as an event. After releasing I Asked the Blue Heron on Nov 4, 2017, I felt I had just given birth to the most adorable 15-pound baby without anesthesia.
The first rush came in. I sold books everywhere from the comfort of my home. I walked daily the mile and half path to the local post office to send my freshly printed memoir to Canada, Switzerland, Chile, Colombia, Spain, and to many readers locally.
Then, the reality of self-publication hit me. I understood that to sell more than a couple hundred copies of my book, I needed to set up effective distribution and marketing tools.
So I took a break, and thought about it, and here I am again. Starting a new project, the distribution and direct sales of my first book, I Asked the Blue Heron: A Memoir. I have to start from scratch: set up my scope, write my work breakdown structure, set up a budget, and hit the road, being mindful that I have a day job, and I am still a writer needing time for creativity and submissions.
I am gonna do this one too, as I always do.
Stay tune: I will be offering discounts soon.
