School Nurse Self Publishes

by Kathleen McElligott
(Orland Park, IL )

A self - published baby boomer learns the ropes

I chose not only to write and self-publish my first novel, but to create my own publishing company as well. I'm not a business genius, in fact, I'm a school nurse administrator. I got information on line about starting a small business in my state, Illinois.

First things first, however, you need to write the book, to have an actual manuscript in hand. I worked with an editor who proved to be extremely helpful, and I feel improved the quality of my finished product, "Mommy Machine," immensely. How did I find my editor? Through a writers group I belong to. I know her and worked with her before she became my editor, so I knew we would have a good working relationship. The writer/editor relationship becomes very intense; this is your creation, your baby, so to speak, and you have a vision of the finished product. The good thing about self-publishing and having your own company is that you have complete control over the finished product.

Another thing to think about is who your target audience will be, because lets face it, after you've sold copies to your friends and family, you will need to branch out. Mine is nurses, specifically school nurses. I have sold books at the National Association of School Nurses National Convention, and also at state nursing conventions.

One very important thing I have learned which will save you time, money, books and did I say money? is; don't bother sending copies for review. I sent approximately 20 copies hoping for a review, and didn't get 1 single response. What I am in the process of doing right now is entering book contests for self-published books. A book prize gives you immediate PR and marketability.

Would I do it again? Yes, I'm into my second book, which is actually a sequel. I've had such positive respone from the first one, I've decided to jump in and do it again.

Visit Kathleen McElligott's Mommy Machine