For the longest time, I only wanted to publish my book through a traditional publisher. I was under the impression that I could only make a real difference if I did everything by the book (pun intended)! Then after several hints that I should publish my own work, and after watching a webinar on some best practice steps to take, I decided to use Kindle Direct Publishing to get my second book out into the world. Now my guidebook on solo travel and tips for getting out into the world is born: Solivagant (which essentially means to wander alone).
When I work for hours on the format, I don’t like the details of making my book look amazing, but I definitely like the results. It makes me proud of the time I spent, in the long run. As I tweak different fonts or add a picture within a page, I discover that have the freedom to make my book look exactly how I want it to look — both a scary and exhilarating concept!
I love designing my own covers. Even though these don’t look like a traditional book cover, I hope that it becomes my style. It’s wonderful to take what I imagine and put it to the page.
Another advantage is that I have the ability to tell my friends or anybody who asks me when I’m out and about where they can get my book! This doesn’t sound like a lot when I just say it like that, but in my mind, having one of my books published for someone to read is better than allowing a book that I wrote sit on my computer for seven years (here’s a behind-the-scenes preview: My next book, Reserved, sat on my computer for seven years and it is finally seeing the light in November).
In other news, I have a virtual book signing coming up! On July 26-27, 2024, you can visit my homepage at hannahmarieartwork.blog or the Books tab and purchase a signed copy of Solivagant. The page already has information about the signing and details about my book, which you can click on for a sneak peek. In order to receive a signed author’s copy, you will need to order it through my website directly, for a limited time. The form will become available on Friday and Saturday only. If you’d prefer an e-book (unsigned), you can find that link on my website as well.
Since I’ve decided to take several months to focus on creating, I’ve had the opportunity to look back at projects I haven’t opened in several years. I can now begin a deep dive into my manuscripts that have been sitting on my computer for years! I’m excited to see the progress and to discover what these stories blossom into over the next half a year.
Until next time,
Hannah Marie.
