This post is just an update on how my book publishing process has been going. Can you say ups and downs, frowns and smiles? Well, in my case there’s been more downs and frowns than anything.
Whew Chile!!! These past few weeks, I’ve just been in a trying to figure it all out, while trying to avoid a mental breakdown type of mood. I can’t lie, I’ve been so close, but I’ve been managing it to the best of my ability. A lot has taken place since my last post. A lot of trying times and trying moments that forced me to maintain my composure. As I stated before, I reached out to a publisher and sent over my manuscript for review and unfortunately, they rejected my proposal. At first, reading the denial email and seeing the words, “Unfortunately, our editors have determined that your book is not a good fit for us to publish right now”, definitely stirred up a lot of mixed feelings within me. I tried to see the silver lining and the blessing in disguise with this whole situation because I feared being accepted by a publisher would only result in losing creative control of “My Baby”. Yes, My Baby. The reality is, this is my baby. I’ve been pregnant with the idea of writing a book since 2014 and once I finally got over the fear and doubt, I allowed myself the permission to birth my book by writing it. I put a lot of thought in writing this book and designing the book cover too, so I really didn’t feel compelled to change it for anyone. PERIOD. However, I did have a moment where I doubted the greatness of my book because of that denial letter. So in the midst of pitching my book to publishers, I have also been waiting for my editor to finish the last portion of the editing for my manuscript, which I have patiently been waiting for almost two months. I’ve probably been too patient, seeing that I have paid my hard earned money that I barely could afford to make my book come to life. However, I chose to invest in self and what I’m passionate about, so I didn't mind spending what I could. At any rate, this process has definitely been nerve wrecking seeing that my freelancer hasn’t been the best communicator with updates and has been slow to finish my project. I blame my self because I allowed myself to be too patient and not set strict guidelines, which backfired. Now, I’m at a point where I may have to get a new editor and further push my book release day back. It kind of hurts knowing that this could potentially be my reality because this situation is just a reminder of the many times this has been my reality. Minor setbacks for a major comeback. The hurt definitely hit me a little different when yesterday, one of my fellow accountability group members reached out to me and told me that she has published her book and it’s now out for purchase. I was happy for her and thankful for her encouragement, but I was hurt because I’ve been on a temporary pause with my goals, yet I’m still trying to keep the hope alive, literally. It definitely left me feeling like the harder I fought, the harder the battle seemed, but I had to tell myself, “This Too Shall Pass”. I’m also here to tell you, “This Too Shall Past”, but you can’t give up even when the punches hit harder than Mike Tyson. You just gotta pick yourself up and keep on fighting even in the midst of experiencing hurt, pain, betrayal, setbacks, hopelessness, fear, brokenness and whatever else you're experiencing. KEEP FIGHTING SIS, YOU SEE I’M STILL IN THE RING!!!!
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Whew Chile!!! I know that it has really been a minute since I blessed you beautiful people with some encouraging words. But if I’m keeping it 100, over these past weeks I've been struggling with feeling low on motivation myself. So, that is why I decided to step back, clear my mind and focus on my vacation and celebrating my birthday with my family in California.
Of course, my fingers were itching to type and my mind was full with thoughts and I wanted to work on my blog, but I told myself, “Chick, You Need A Mental Break”. So, I made a choice to chill until I made it back to Chicago and I was going to hit the ground running. Whatever that means. Anyway, so I thought I would give you guys an update on my book, although I took a break, the grind wasn't going to stop. I just know as a human, I sometimes get weary and I lose motivation to. It happens to the best of us. That is why I encourage you to take a step back and clear your head, don’t overwhelm yourself because even the earth wasn’t made in a day by the most powerful creator, so CHILL. Now that I dropped that little gem on you, I want to update you on the status of my book. Before I went on vacation, I gave my final draft to my editor for her to finish the editing process. I also decided that I would try to pitch my book to a few publishing companies just to see it would be more beneficial than self-publishing. So over my vacation, I reached out to a publisher and sent over my manuscript to be considered for publishing. Hands crossed. Now, I’m just waiting for a response, but in the meantime, I am researching other companies to send my manuscript to as well. I’m still considering self publishing because it would be easier for me to do that on my own, but I’m also entertaining the idea of traditional publishing. So, I haven’t completely checked out, I just felt it was best for me to take a step back and enjoy life without feeling overwhelmed. Therefore I can allow myself to come back and think on a clearer mind. It’s important to give yourself a mental rest, just as much as you rest that body of yours. Your mind is just as important if not more important because once it’s wasted, it could affect your entire existence. I’m hear to tell you, it is okay sis and bro to step back and get your mind together because what is FOR YOU IS FOR YOU, BELOVED!!!! You won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor if you are all burnt out and stressed out. |
Verlisa is a writer who has a passion for encouraging others through her story.
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