R Steve introduced R Liesje who stepped up last minute to share some tips and knowledge to publish your story. R Liesje is a dynamic new Rotarian that the rest of us can follow if we dare.
Liesje shared some of the secrets of the world of publishing.
You may be offered deal to at first sounds good, they will cover marketing your book ($20,000 they say) and your costs are $3,000 for which they take a cut. But their numbers super inflated, they are spinning their own story.
R Liesje has been interested in writing and arts since her early 20's. She has taken many courses.
Publishers don't want your full and final manuscript. They want an overview and maybe couple chapters. They want input and control.
The primary thing you need is an Editor. They are to find and correct mistakes. Very important.
From the earlier offer, the real costs are borne by author. The big promises are empty. You bare the load after your blood sweat and tears went into the manuscript.
Liesje selected a false name for anonymity. Tina Assanti.
You can find a reasonably priced but talented cover designer (few hundred dollars) and interior book designer. Most important is an Editor. You can upload to Amazon for nothing. To publish you need bar code (free) and submit to Library of America (also free). But to get in books stores you need a distributor. Total cost couple thousand dollars.
Everyone has story to tell and R Liesje believes these stories need to be told, to be shared. Liesje wants to help and will help women tell their story. She has recently published her mother's story. It was her third book.
Check out Tina Assanti's blog.