“May you always see the world through the eyes of a child.” —C.J. Heck
Getting a book published is one of the greatest feelings you’ll ever have. The day I returned the signed contract, I thought I could never be happier. I had worked for years writing the book, another six months sending out my manuscripts, and with each rejection (there were so so many!) I wondered:
Was it even good enough to get published? Was I just spinning my wheels over what should remain a nice little hobby, something to do in my spare time?
I was glad I didn’t give up. When it finally happened in 2000, I went to work setting up my first Author book tour and notified my publisher that I would be needing a lot of books:
Bookstore book signings - in case they run out of books
TV, Radio, and Newspaper interviews - complimentary signed books
Speaking to PTA groups of parents and teachers
Library presentations -autographed book sales
Paid Author school visits - autographed book sales - preordered
Poetry workshops - autographed book sales - preordered
Young author conferences - autographed book sales
But the greatest joy was getting that box of books from my publisher to start the book tour —it was like being a child on Christmas morning.
The delivery was made at 7:00 a.m. and I was so excited, I didn’t even get dressed. I just dumped the books on the floor and sat down in them.
Be persistent! You have to want it so badly you can taste it! If you get a rejection, send it right out again to another publisher. Don’t quit!
Remember, it only takes ONE “yes” and you are published! Good Luck!