Self Publishing Autobiography
by Padme Nina Livingstone
(Rochester, NY)
Let's Not Call it Meditation
Self-publishing became a simple decision for me after exploring traditional publishing houses. I joyfully discovered a family connection with a successful literary agent in my field. The agent was happy to hear from me because of the family connection, and kindly requested a first draft book proposal. She enjoyed my writing style and the message, but turned it down anyway.
The agent told me that she hoped I would self-publish because she was sure many people could benefit from my book, but there were "too many books about meditation" for her to get behind it. I was still completely engaged in the actual writing so I focused on my writing. I didn't want to invest my time/energy promoting a work-in-progress and decided to self-publish when the book was ready. I also trusted my clarity and felt it important that I have the last word on the final manuscript and book cover. And finding a publisher could always happen on later.
I published the hardcover book through lulu.com because it was easy. Two gifted, generous, and artistic friends helped with the interior artwork and cover. I worked with a professional editor for the first year. Then my husband, Bill, became my taskmaster as we refined the message and language again and again in the second year of work.
As soon as it was ready, I sent out five letters to publishers with a copy of the book. I received form rejection letters from three. One sent back the book unopened and I realized it must be a publisher that only worked with agents. I never heard from the last. I occasionally think someone from that publishing house may discover it in a pile of unread books on the floor next to their desk (maybe tripping over the pile?), and want to publish it.
After a year or so with Lulu, and no sales from their website, I realized my hardcover book's exposure was limited at Lulu because I couldn't take advantage of their distribution package they offered only for paperbacks. I heard good things about another publishing company online at www.lightningsource.com and printed/published through them as well. There are some upfront fees at Lightning Source, but you pay a reasonable amount for excellent person-to-person service. Lightning Source directly connected to Ingram Book Group, which offers a larger distribution network than lulu.com for both hardcover and paperback editions. Your book gets listed in their catalog that goes to all bookstores here in the United States and in England. Both the hardcover and paperback editions of my book are now available and selling on amazon and barnesandnoble.com as well as through independent bookstores' online sites.
The post-publishing process has been an interesting journey for me. Around three hundred copies have sold in my hometown, through my website, classes and workshops, and through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, etc. I had thought I would have continually engaged energy to promote my book. Rather, the energy comes in spurts, and I enjoy the rhythm of it in my life. I have learned that marketing requires not only personal dedication but also sufficient funds to get out the word quickly and continually. We all need to come to terms with our financial priorities. For me, maintaining my meditation classes and personal guidance work, as well as my website, are my priorities.
The book has its own life now. Sales trickle in from the web and local booksellers. I recommend it openly to clients and class participants when appropriate. I occasionally get invited to do book readings. I blog, write articles, and link to other appropriate websites. When the selling seems slow, I remember that word of mouth is highly effective over time. That is good enough for me right now.
Naturally, I hope Let's Not Call It Meditation turns out to be a well-read book that helps many people understand the potential of a meditation practice. I also recognize that it may continue to fall into the hands of a few, rather than the many. Mostly, I appreciate that this book has been one part of my life adventure...acknowledging that it's been a key element and remains so. Yet, the book is no longer the main focus of my journey. I'm curious to see what's in store for my book and me as the journey continues...
Visit Padme Nina's site.
