Little's Life

Little's Life

Friday, September 9, 2011

If I were published in a book...

would ya'll buy it?  I want some honest opinions here.  I have the opportunity to snag a co-author spot (along with about 40 others) in Misty VanderWeele's newest book, Saving Our Sons & Daughters 2.  It's a collaboration of short stories and poems by people who have been affected by Duchenne.  Misty was quite successful with her first edition, Saving Our Sons - one story at a time and so I have no doubt about how well she will put together this one.  

What I would need to do is reserve my spot by paying my share (about $200) and submit my story of 1500 words or less all by October 31.  Short timeline, I know....it kinda worries me.  I wish the deadline was a few months out so I could have more time to pick and choose the theme of my entry.  Also, is it too early for me to weigh in?  Little's only been diagnosed for 6 weeks - am I going to offend "veterans" by having the audacity to speak on something I've barely been introduced to? 

The $200 fee is to help cover publishing costs, formatting, editing, etc.  She is allowing 1 picture per submission, which drives up publishing cost, too.  Mister's first objection was over the cost, but I understand why Misty needs to charge.  We can't expect her to front all the cost herself!  I, unfortunately, have to put the fee in the "con" side of the page.  $197 is a LOT of money for this household.  As all of you military fams know, money is not free flowing in this lifestyle.  The fee also gives the writers the option to participate in the affiliate writer selling program - meaning I would get 50% of the profit for every book I sold.  So *IF* I chose to do it and *IF* ya'll actually bought a copy, I could gain back my share fee and put all the rest of the profits toward Duchenne research or set it aside to start saving for Andrew's future medical needs.  For all I know the profit margin is around a nickle a book - I mean hopefully we're closer to dollarS a book, but I honestly have no idea.  I just came across this last night, so it's all new to me.

So.......what do ya'll think?  It's no secret that I'd like to be published one day and that eventually this blog will be turned into some kind of book in Andrew's memory, but should I start now?  Is it too early?  Is this the right project to start with?  Would ya'll actually buy the finished book?  Spill, please.  I don't have a whole lot of time to make my decision!

8 comments:

  1. Katherine, I think it would be great for you to be a part of this book. I bet the vast majority of people that will initially be reading this book are those that have recently found out, and they are struggling with their own vast array of personal emotions. The Veteran stories are extremely important, but so are stories just like Andrew's. Knowing, and understanding your journey thus far may give others strength, and/or the courage to make it through the initial steps. Just my thoughts...and I would definitely buy the book, and encourage those around me to do so as well.

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  2. katherine, i think it is a great idea. i know the cost is an issue, but you could recoop the expenses and possible raise a significant amount of money towards andrew's future needs. the fact that you have only known for 6 wks could be a great addition to the book. it could show readers what it feels like from the beginning. then, later, when you publish a book of your own, readers can see how you have adapted to this "new" life. good luck, friend!

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  3. and, yes.. i would definitely buy a copy!

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  4. I say go for it! I think you have a lot to offer by your story. It could be very helpful for readers to get a glimpse of a life of someone who just found out and are still dealing with the beginning stages of it. Best of luck! :)

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  5. I, too, would buy a copy and possibly give some to my pediatric students (or encourage them to purchase a copy!)

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  6. I think your experiences, your wisdom and your walk with this daily will be something people can glean from, learn from and those affected directly can say "someone gets me". so yes I'd say go for it!!

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  7. Good for you Katherine! I think this would be great therapy!

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  8. I would absolutely buy a copy!! I think you have gained an incredible amount of knowledge on this diagnosis in the time you have had so far and have a lot to offer in your experiences so far. I do understand the cost though; However if for nothing other then getting your story out there and hoping it touches one person, that would be reason enough for me to go for it and hope for the best! I believe your family has a lot to offer in knowledge and experience and any reader would benefit from what you have to say!

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