Re-Launch Day: A Dream Reborn
I fell in love with books at an early age. My father is a reader. My mother is a reader. My maternal grandmother reportedly read a book a night at the kitchen table.
I didn’t know how, when or why I would write my own book, but the desire always burned inside me.
When the story couldn’t contain itself any longer, Is This All There Is? was born. It was a long, hard four years of labor.
Self-publishing taught me countless lessons. I forged deep connections with fellow authors.
The past year has been one of unimaginable discovery. Conversations with readers about my unusual take on the age-old story of marital infidelity have been the most rewarding part of the journey.
I worked hard. I rode the highs of good reviews and favorable blog posts. Self-doubt consumed me and tears flowed when words were unkind.
Ultimately, I considered the experience a success and decided to take a break from it all. I planned to focus on my family and my work more, maybe even relax a little, for once.
But then I received an email from Jesse James Freeman, VP of Community Management for Booktrope, a cutting-edge hybrid publishing company. He said they wanted to talk with me about the possibility of publishing my book.
I did my research and asked fellow authors about Booktrope and came to find that not only were they legitimate, but that someone in my position would be crazy to turn them down. You can read more about Booktrope’s innovative team publishing model in this article on Forbes.com: http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidvinjamuri/2014/01/08/how-hybrid-publishers-innovate-to-succeed/
So, I decided to set aside thoughts about relaxing and dive in all over again, this time with a good deal more help and support.
My book manager, Sárka-Jonae Miller, has been incredibly helpful and patient with me. I kind of like how hard she pushes all her authors too, but don’t tell her I said that, okay?
My cover designer, Loretta Matson, did a beautiful job, making exactly the changes we wanted.
Having the book professionally proofread was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I’m in complete awe of Lydia Johnson’s eagle eyes.
Today is the big day. Re-launch day. It’s official. The new version of Is This All There Is? has been released by Booktrope Publishing.
Even more important, I’ve decided that I’m in this game for the long haul. I’m writing a chapter a week of the sequel and I’m also working on a medical drama that I’m writing with my mom, who has the most riveting stories from over thirty years of being a nurse.
I hope you’ll stick with me on this wild journey. I’d love to share it with you. Also, if you’re willing to read just a little more, please take an extra minute to take a look at my original launch day post. I wrote it in a fit of fear in the middle of the night on a hotel bathroom floor, and I think it’s some of my most painfully honest non-fiction writing. It’s all about how I wrote Is This All There Is? for you: For You
Here are the new book links and the new cover:
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Patricia
19 Comments
Oh Patricia, I’m SO happy for you. Your writing in these two–very different but equally captivating–blog posts is enough to make me want to read your book immediately. Thank you for being so honest and for sharing your story. This gave me shivers.
Mary, you are too kind! I feel the same way about your writing! Thank you so much for your kind words. So happy to have found you in our wonderful Booktrope family.
I am so incredibly happy for you, Patricia! I wish you every success with your re-release and with all your future books. So glad to have you as part of the Booktrope publishing family. We share the same cover artist as well – Loretta is amazing, isn’t she?
Congratulations! Sounds like a great read. This is a very exciting day for you and for your readers.
Thank you so much, Meredith! Hopefully someday I’ll have as many great books and as big a following of fans as you do! Yes, Loretta is incredible. I feel so lucky she wanted to work on my cover.
Thank you too, Claudia. Very exciting indeed! I so appreciate your support.
I am so happy for you Patricia! This sounds like such an amazing read and I cannot wait to dig in. Congrats! Enjoy this crazy ride!
Congratulations!!! I am so excited for you! And I would like to thank you for giving me another book to add to my reading list. 🙂
I totally won’t tell Sarka 🙂
Thank you, Brandy and Glynis! I can’t wait to read your books too!
Sarka, You’re the best!
Congrats on the re-release! I wish you every success and am eagerly awaiting the sequel. 🙂
Started reading your book last night. You have totally hooked me. I have to run now because I want to find out what Beth is going to do in the next chapter.
Best of luck with your re-launch!
Congratulations on the re-lease and your future books! This is exciting! I loved reading about you and wish you every success! Thanks for following my blog and for your lovely comments! I will keep up with you and future books through your blog 🙂
Thank you, Shelly! I’m eagerly awaiting your next book as well! 🙂
Laura, that made my day! So happy you’re enjoying the book. You may not agree with what Beth does, but I hope you get a kick out of reading it! 😉
Thanks, Eleanor! I look forward to keeping up with your blog as well. Your writing is exquisite! 🙂
Congratulations on the launch of your book Patricia! I’m so pleased for you that Booktrope pulled you back into the world of books and wish you all the very best. Is This all There Is? looks fantastic – I’ve got it on my kindle ready to read. We also share the same cover designer!
Thanks so much, Ruth! Wow, Loretta is busy with lots of Booktrope authors. Your cover is stunning, as is your book! Hope lots of people read my spotlight on it here: http://www.patriciamann.me/book-feature-swimming-upstream/