When I mustered the courage to begin the journey of penning my memoir, a sense of invincibility overcame me. I had reached a point in my life where sharing my story felt essential, perhaps as a means to find a deeper sense of healing.
It took me five months to translate my memories into what we refer to as a sh***y first draft. During this phase, I refrained from editing, screening, or filtering; I poured my experiences onto the pages.
After completing this initial draft, I set it aside for nearly four months, diverting my attention to other aspects of my life. When I eventually revisited my manuscript—written by hand in notebooks—I held it in my hands, signaling the start of the next phase in my journey toward publishing.
Then, I realized the true magnitude of the work ahead; the real labor was only beginning.
These two notebooks hold a lifetime of memories, growth, failures, and successes. My memoir manuscript.
As an English teacher, I grasped the importance of rereading, organizing, and editing. Now, it was time for me to practice what I preached.
Engaging in the editing process was a source of joy in some ways. Witnessing the transformation of my initial ideas into more refined and lyrical thoughts was fulfilling. The editing journey was challenging, yet I never questioned its value.
I was determined to publish my personal story only when I believed it had reached a level of worthiness that resonated with my standards.
Then came the third phase: publishing. I enthusiastically sensed that my memoir, Tumbled, desired to be independently published. It wasn’t about deeming one approach right and the other wrong, but rather a desire for creative control over my vulnerable narrative.
Indie publishing felt akin to embarking on a foreign adventure, navigating twists, turns, and unknowns between the starting and ending points.
This journey proved to be difficult and painful. Technical challenges loomed large, leaving me frustrated and shedding tears over issues I couldn’t resolve. I grappled with aspects I didn’t fully comprehend, and, truthfully, the conclusion felt anti-climactic for something so sacred.
Running across a picture of my manuscript and a bottle of Ibuprofen tells a whole story.
There was no turning back; it was a journey of step-by-step problem-solving, minute by minute, in pursuit of my dream of becoming a published author.
While I don’t regret this challenging path, it has taught me some crucial lessons. Writing a book is an intensely personal endeavor, and we strive to ensure only the best for our creations. Encountering bureaucratic obstacles feels disheartening for something we hold as beautiful.
Through this experience, my belief in authors retaining as much creative power as possible over their creations has only strengthened. As an unplanned result, I now offer custom publishing services to help fellow creatives prepare their manuscripts for publication.
Though the red tape monsters persist, my understanding of the process and the problem-solving measures available allows me to support authors who want to share their books with the world.
While I may not claim expertise in traditional publishing, having never ventured into that realm, I am here to confidently share the array of services offered when working with a custom indie publisher like Hezzie Mae.
My goal is to empower creatives with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about the best path to bring their book into the hands of eager readers.
By providing valuable information, my aim is to assist authors in choosing the approach that aligns most effectively with their vision and goals for their literary work.
Creative Freedom
Custom, indie publishing empowers authors with creative control over every aspect of their book. From cover design to formatting and early marketing strategies, authors have the freedom to make decisions that align with their vision and goals for the project.
Guided Steps to Publication
Navigating the intricacies of getting a manuscript ready for publication involves various crucial steps, and with Hezzie Mae’s custom publishing services, we’ve got it all covered.
From meticulous manuscript preparation to expert book formatting and from captivating cover design to selecting the optimal distribution channels, our comprehensive approach ensures a seamless publishing process. With a dedicated team of professionals ready to assist, Hezzie Mae is committed to providing the support needed to bring your manuscript to its fullest potential and successfully launch it into the hands of readers.
Financial Control
Authors can manage costs effectively and retain financial control with custom, indie publishing. Hezzie Mae goes beyond by providing authors with higher royalty rates than traditional publishers. Recognizing that your creativity drives your work, we believe you should keep as much profit as possible. Our commitment is to empower authors in the creative process and reap the rewards of their literary endeavors. Choose financial freedom and creative control with Hezzie Mae.
Marketing Strategies for Indie Authors
Hezzie Mae offers a comprehensive roadmap of strategies for authors to self-promote their new books. Our services include providing insights into crafting a robust book launch plan and assisting in determining the most suitable promotional strategies for each author. We understand that the magic ticket for successful marketing is finding what feels right for YOU!
Whether it involves building a strong online presence, utilizing the power of social media, leveraging book reviews, or implementing referral-based marketing, Hezzie Mae encourages new authors to discover the formula that aligns best with their unique style and goals.
We aim to empower authors with personalized strategies that resonate with their vision for promoting their literary work.
Your Partner in Overcoming Indie Publishing Challenges and Cultivating Author Resilience
At Hezzie Mae, we recognize that the most valuable resource for indie authors is the ability to address common challenges and provide effective solutions. We work tirelessly on your behalf, understanding and navigating the red-tape scenarios that often accompany the publishing process.
Beyond the technicalities, we foster a relationship with you to address interpersonal challenges such as dealing with self-doubt and handling negative reviews.
We firmly believe that your book is worth it, and you are worth it. Our mission is to encourage resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles along the indie publishing journey.
With Hezzie Mae by your side, you can confidently navigate challenges, knowing that you have a dedicated partner supporting you every step of the way.
I am an author, indie-publisher, blogger, artist, and trauma survivor. Visit HezzieMae.com for a sea change paradigm shift in author mentoring, publishing & living.
Tumbled, A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth & Magical Transformation
Pig Tales and Popcorn: Patricia’s Memoir
