Journey to Getting Published

For as long as I can remember, I have loved writing. I process well through writing things out -- which was a big reason why I started ye ole blog. Then I had two babies in a year and lost my way with getting some writing done everyday.

I mentioned last fall that I really felt the calling again to finish my book and try to get it published. I felt the calling so strongly that I even sent an initial couple of chapters over to a self publisher.

They LOVED it, and even felt my writing was strong enough that I could actually edit the book myself -- although -- I would never try that. I've always known that when you're *THISCLOSE* to your story, you need fresh eyes on it to help weed out anything that isn't necessary. An editor can also help you find the spots that need a bit more flushing out because it isn't clear.

Anyway -- they sent me their recommendations and to say that I was FLOORED at the amount of money they wanted to publish my book would be an understatement. I mean sure, I *could* make it back and turn a profit eventually... it was a tough pill to swallow.

I mean we are talking $$ that I've never seen in my bank account at one time except maybe twice when we sold our house in Memphis or when John gets a good bonus at the same time as our tax refund comes in... it's A LOT.

Where does that leave me? Well, I could sign with them if money fell out of the sky... or I keep writing and praying that God will show me a different path. I've got plenty of work to do with writing still -- so I'm working on that end, but the process of finding an agent or a publishing company that might be interested in my book proposal seems daunting.

I'm not giving up -- and don't get me wrong. It was incredibly rewarding knowing that a publishing company thinks my work is good enough to publish under both of their brands, but at the same time -- it's a little disappointing to hear that they want a huge amount of money to get your book going. (Especially when it's money that you just flat do not have access to)

I do have a goal of polishing and finishing a chapter or two a month this year and hopefully if I can do two a month -- I'll be able to look for an agent or publisher later this year. I know that as long as I keep plugging along writing for God's glory -- he will help me fill in the gaps in His time.