The Journey To Publishing

Putting one's self out there is a brave act.  Subjecting yourself to criticism that may or may not be desired is nothing short of character building.  I happen to be unafraid of just about anyone's opinion of me.  Frequently, that mentality has placed me in a stereotype of cocky or just plain conceited.  Truth be told, it when I make the choice to put myself out there, a certain level of self esteem is necessary in order to survive.
Singing in bands, karaoke, or even auditioning for various talent shows, I've built a wall of self assuredness that isn't concrete, but nevertheless solid.  I've written blogs upon blogs varying in topic.  The blogs that open a window to my inner most thoughts and deepest emotional turmoil have been obviously the most revealing.  All in all, the overall reception of said blogs has been positive.
Despite my tendency to write about deeper subject matter, I have written several poems and a handful of children's style stories.  It has been my dream since I was a little girl to see my book on the shelf of a book store or library.  I never put much stock into what the kind of book it would be that would satisfy my dream.  Lately, the dream has taken shape and for the first time since the books' conception, I feel like I'm getting to a place where this is actually going to happen.
Too long I have placed the progress of this book on the shoulders of others.  For 10 years I've had a collection of stories that are to put it mildly, FANTASTIC, on a shelf in my personal library.  I lack the ability to illustrate.  I've needed someone to mold my idea into a tangible material.  Finally, I've been able to push that progress along.  My little sister has an uncanny artistic ability that I have longed to marry to these books.  Now that I've been able to obtain the information I've needed in order to get this published, I have a renewed sense of self and determination.  I am encouraged that my infectious enthusiasm has somewhat gone viral.
I've been on the phone and email all this week talking to companies about publishing my book.  I don't know why I haven't pursued this before now.  Frankly it's annoying.  But, I am harvesting information so fast I don't have the silo to contain it all.  I am actually using software to keep track of it all.  The opportunities are so immense it's going to take some time to process and select the most profitable and feasible company.  Just writing that makes me a little teary eyed.

There are so many different companies out there willing to support publishing.  Everything from self publishing, to Print On Demand (POD), to getting contracted with a company is at my disposal.  Today I found out just how insanely affordable this can be.  The risk involved is substantial.  Anytime you put money up front to engage is scary.  How much will I get back?  How long will it take to see a return?  The questions are infinite.  Today, I was able to put some ease to the litany of unknowns.  Of course I would be an idiot to believe this is going to make me a millionaire.  I've got wits about me.  What I'm only hoping for is the opportunity to fail or succeed.  Success is actually getting a book available for someone, anyone to buy.  Whether I sell 10 or 5,000 it doesn't matter.  But after talking to this company today, I'm seeing the likelihood of selling books by the thousands becoming more and more realistic.  The core of my soul is trembling.  The thrill of this finally taking off is impossible for me to articulate.

I don't know how to dream any other way than grand.  The concept I have has inspired so many different forms of revenue the list is reaching pages of ideas.  I can't stop thinking about what I have right now.  It doesn't help that I spend a significant amount of my day watching Nick Jr. and seeing the fruits of similar minded folks' labor.  I want to be one of those minds.  I am done wishing and hoping and dreaming.  I am ready to set this rocket on fire and see where it goes.  The sky is quite literally the limit.  There is absolutely no one to blame any more for this being merely a thought.  My time is when ever I make it.  My time is now.