In this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journey. The following blog is from Mary Sharon Bailey, author of “Given Up.” For more information on the author visit her website. To begin your self-publishing journey, get a free WestBow Press publishing guide today.
My Story
Given Up is an autobiographical account of my adoption at the age of 6 weeks and then the search for and finding my birth family when I was 30. I am now 69 and knew that it was the time to get my story in print because of the fact that there is just so much in the media these days concerning adoption and finds.
Many people who have read the book have been extremely encouraged by stating that it was a book that they could not put down until finished. As it is a quick read of only 135 pages, it is good that to be able to read the whole story in one sitting in order to keep it flowing well. Otherwise, some might have the need to re-read some parts to understand the whole process of my search again.
Spreading My Story
As the author of the book Given Up, I have been on quite the journey of talking and book signing at different events. As my book is classified as Christian, I have been doing many talks in church within a 200-kilometer radius of my home. I set up all of the talks myself by doing cold calls to churches and also libraries. As the Christmas season of 2017 ended, I reflected on all of the craft shows that I signed up for and attended also. I have discovered that in order to sell my book, I need to personally be out in the public constantly advertising my book. A very big task that any self-publishing author needs to be aware of if they wish to have their book go worldwide such as what I have intended regarding my book from the start.
If there is anyone reading this blog that may have some questions, I would be more than happy to answer what I can. My domain page concerning the book is www.msharonbailey.com if there is interest to learn more.
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books are invited to do so through the Blog Guidelines Page. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation, and length.