I wrote a book. I had people read it. People said I ought to publish. I Googled “how to publish”… I got overwhelmed. I was once-removed from people who had published. I looked up their publisher. Send a Query letter they said. I tried. It didn’t work (more about that in another story). I looked up “self-publish”… I was even more overwhelmed. I did send out some inquiries as to how much it would cost. As I don’t have my own income I felt it was too much. I left it for years. (See story; “1st one to make it to print“)
So now I have decided that I am going to publish, but how? With whom? There are a LOT of ways to publish now. Not all of them are good, or should I say above board, and it is hard to make any kind of chose. I did have an in, I had talked with an old family friends whose partner was an editor. She put me in touch with someone who was working on publishing with Friesen Press. That was a Canadian Company that I had started looking into. Their prices seemed on par, and their website looked transparent. So I emailed and set up a time to have a consultation.
I will admit that I did have some issues with my “consultant”. I do believe he was new and didn’t actually have all the answer. There was some miscommunication as to when I wanted to start and how to go about doing that. It wasn’t horrible and I am glad that we muddled through. I don’t know if I got the best package for what I needed, although I am fairly sure I still saved money buying a package. Not the biggest one, the mid-range one on sale that got me some ‘extras’, as always when purchasing some things… “but wait there’s more!” kinda thing. Knowing what I know now, I still couldn’t tell you if I would have gone a different route. So there is that.
One of the things that I bought, before I committed to the package, was then in my package (so had a credit), was an ‘Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation’. That was the best thing ever! I don’t know who my editor was, they wouldn’t give me their name (I guess not everyone gets a glowing response), I just know that their guidance was invaluable. They had told me something about my story that no one else had picked up on. Not that it was bad, but it wasn’t good. I had to change it. That change made my story better. (So when I see posts about editors I am always a YES you need one. If only for someone to tell you the honest truth and read your story with an open unincumbered mind.) I also know that when I comes time for me to publish again I will be asking for them.
When my account was settled and I really was on the path to publishing I got my Publishing Specialist – Lucien. He was amazing! We worked so well together. He was kind, courteous and answered all of my questions and not once did he make me feel like I ought to know any of the answers or that he hadn’t’ heard them all a thousand times. He gave me quotes on things he knew I wouldn’t get, but gave me the choice. He counselled me on what was to come, how to go about what I needed to do and what the timeline looked like. The only thing he did wrong… my publishing date. When we started I was told to expect my book to be ready for publishing in August 2026 (for those paying attention… it’s not even August yet!). I guess it really isn’t his fault. When he gave me two to three weeks to do something, I got it back to him in three to four days. When they had to do something Lucien was very good at telling me how long it would take. Usually in weeks. It never was. I think the longest thing was the type facing. Which I am to understand takes time. Therefore, my six months to publication took about three.
When “Through Their Eyes” was close to be ready to publish I was introduced to my Promotion Specialist – Justin. His job was to help me get ready to do my own marketing and promotion. He took some time to get to know me and my book and gave me a full and detailed Promotional Plan. There was a LOT of information, even the different steps to take in relation to what I wanted to achieve. Be it, sell a few copies or become an Author. It was/is very involved and I still haven’t digested all the information that he gave me. As part of his job we did have a phone consultation and I was able to ask any questions. (He is the reason for; “Sometimes you just need to know you’re not doing it wrong…” post.)
I feel confident in what I need to do to self promote. I also feel like if I had to, I could call Lucien or Justin. They made me feel like I could do this. My editor gave me confidence that my book was worth publishing, with the knowledge that if it weren’t ready they would have said so. I do not feel in anyway that Friesen Press just took my money. I believe that they believe in me. I am not saying that they are not in it to make money, of course they are, and there may be somethings that are over priced. However, if you live in Canada (or anywhere) and want a helping hand in self publishing, Friesen Press is there. I know I am going back.
