No analogy fits better than”giving birth” where writing and publishing a book is concerned.
First you conceive an idea. Then, over time, it gestates, becomes more organized and complex. Eventually it takes on a unique identity of its own, but is still dependent upon you for nourishment and a safe place to develop. Finally it “comes out” as a full-blown manuscript.
But this is just the beginning of its physical life. It now needs to be “dressed” properly–both in content and cover. Then comes the formal announcement of its arrival–the press release and publicity;the only way others will come to know of its existence. Finally, it needs to be distributed and well-stocked when and where it is expected to be available.
As the “mother” of my new book, Karma: How To View it, Use It, and Lose It, I’ve done my job. Its formal release date was yesterday, 2/2/12. Now its up to readers interested in the subject of my work to seek it out–AND–most importantly, it is up to my publisher to make sure it is where its supposed to be when they do. Let’s see how things go…
