So the galleys are here...and Thanksgiving is over...and now the final editing begins.
Seems like a long process, doesn't it? That's because it is! The writing of the book, sometimes, is the easiest part. But the editing takes the most time and then getting the book into a format, and also creating a book cover; front, back, and the spine. Also in this particular book, I have lots of photos, some are family photos and others we created to accompany the memory. All of this, and so much more, is what is involved when you self-publish. You are responsible for every stage of creating a book to get it available for publication.
There is also the ISBN number that you have to buy. And then you have to register the book with the library of congress. If you are fortunate enough to have one of the 'big publishers' take on your book, you can sit back. Mostly. There is also the marketing of your book. Now, some publishers will get your book into the big book stores like Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million. Of course, as a self-publisher you have to set up your own account and add your book to Amazon. If you want your book available at a reduced cost you can have it put into Kindle format. But that is more work for you, also.
And let's not forget the really fun part. Telling everyone you know about your new book and that it is available for sale. I did a few Book Shows where everyone who had written a book (or two or more) could pay for a table and hope readers would show up looking to purchase their book. It helps if you have a following but that takes a lot of time and commitment to getting your name out there and reminding people that you are writing and your latest book will be available soon.
As you can see, writing the book takes the least amount of time when you are a self-publisher.
And of course, I couldn't have done everything, after the writing of the book, without the help of my fabulous editor (and husband), Jim Fontaine. So a special thank you to him for all his help with this and every book I have written so far.