I Did It!

There are a handful of you guys who have been reading this blog for quite a while.  You know I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I wish I would write a book.  I sort of launched this blog (over two years ago) in lieu of writing a book.  For years, the various rescue stories had tinkered around in my brain, and I knew I needed to get them in writing.  The thought of sitting down to that task seemed overwhelming.  When I started blogging, I was able to get the stories written down a small chunk at a time.  During that first year of blogging, I was so glad to finally be telling the stories.  During my second year of blogging, as I constantly tried to think of ways to bring in dollars, I wished to myself that I would turn that first year of blogging into a book.  When I would consider the task, it would paralyze me.  Could I even do it?  Even if I could, how in the world does a person get a book published?  I bought a couple of books about self-publishing.  They were great except that they were WAY over my head.  I really don’t think I  could have worked my way through that process.  I knew a book would probably never actually happen, but still I wished I would do it.

Then about six months ago, I started putting my first year of posts into a form on WordPerfect that I could play around with.  I chipped away at this new project during the Fall and into the holiday season.  The more I worked on turning my stories into a book, the more I wanted to go for it.  But I was still at a loss as to how to get a book published.  About three months ago, as I was surfing around trying to figure out how to do this, I discovered some companies that take on books that obviously WON’T be taken by the mainstream publishing companies.  I investigated some of these, and I was able to speak live to a person at the Xlibris company.  This sounded like everything I needed.  Over the course of a few weeks, I learned more and more, kept working on the book, and all of a sudden I was signing a contract. 

Well.  That meant deadlines.  And thank goodness for those.  Even though I was burning the candle at both ends for weeks during this phase, it was because of those deadlines that I worked and worked and worked . . . .    and finished.  Yep.  I finished the book. 

All of you know that I am constantly trying to find ways to bring in dollars.  I realize that writing a book and selling a book are two different things.  But honestly, I am sort of still in shock that I actually accomplished the writing part.  I did it.  I wrote a book.  It still seems weird.

So that’s the announcement.  I’m announcing that I wrote a book and that it is for sale.  It is a book with the same title as my blog because it IS the first year of my blogging life.  It’s a BIG book.  When I got my copy in the mail (this week), I was really surprised at how big the book is.  It’s hard to know how a book will look and feel until you have it in your hands.  I wrote a book.  A big, thick one. 

My publishing company tells me that in this day and age, you can’t sell a book unless you have a website or a blog.  We live in an age which requires that books have homes where people can visit.  So I have put a link to my book in my sidebar.  This takes a person to the publishing company.  They sell the book directly from there - each sale earns me over $4.  I am told that the book is also available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble online store - each sale from sellers other than Xlibris earns me $2. 

Once again, I'm asking for your help.  Would you spread the word?  Tweet?  Facebook?  Share It?  As I said, I'm always looking for ways to bring in income.  Thanks.

If this book should somehow actually sell, I will absolutely have to do another book someday.  During my first year of blogging, I was just discovering all the wonderful people in the blogosphere.  I have met SO many additional wonderful people since that first year.  There are only a couple of adoptions in the current book.  There have been so many more since then. . .





Tomorrow, some updates.

Comments

[Random Felines]

OMG!!! THAT IS SO COOL!!!! I am in (as soon as I get paid next Friday....LOL)

[Cat's Cats]

YAY Chrystal...I bought a copy!!!!

[Teri and the cats of Curlz and Swirlz]

Super! Glad you did it, instead of, like me, just thinking about it! And it'll help the kitties, too!

[The Poupountte]

I just put in my order with amazon france! They say the book is temporarily out of stock but they should have it soon. Can't wait! Congratulations, Chrystal!

[Madeline Runion]

I knew you could do it, I am so proud and thrilled
for you.
I am already spreading the word.
Remember everyone this would make great birthday and Christmas presents!!!!!!!!!!!!

[candace nagle]

Dear Chrystal, I cannot begin to tell you how IMMMENSELY HAPPY this news makes me! That is fabulous! You are amazing to be doing all that you do; caring for human and animal family, providing respite for lost animal souls, and now...WRITING A BOOK! I am so pleased and can't wait to read it. This book will make a great present for friends and family. I have a feeling it is going to sell very well.

[candace nagle]

p.s I love the cover!

[Fuzzy Tales]

Wow, this is BIG! Really BIG. Congratulations!!!

Is it available from Amazon.ca? I'll check.

Kudos, Chrystal! Wow!

[Fuzzy Tales]

P.S. For those in Canada, Amazon.ca does list it (cool), but it's not available. Not sure when it will be. But it's great it will sell via the Canadian site, because shipping charges from the US usually are very high.

[Goldie Goodwin]

Big Big News! Obviously this was meant to be. I am very happy for you. Congratulations!

[Nerissa's Life]

CONGRATULATIONS on this wonderful achievement! My peep and I wish you all the best for this and FUTURE endeavors!!!

[Ginny & The Fur Family]

lOVE THE BOOK -LOVE THE TITLE AND THE COLOR OF THE COVER. - I will order my copy tonight - I am sure this will sell. It is true life adventures. Every page of this book has something that will make us laugh and make us cry. It will show the real heart of the family and friends whose real life adventures are recorded between the covers of this book. This wonderful family gives their time and money to help the animals in need to thrive and find loving forever homes. . They are really friends of the furries. At last we can show then how much we care about what they have accomplished. We can buy a book and tell everyone about how great the stories are. Pass the word along to your friends, so all will know what a remarkable calling this family has to save every furry they can.... Ginny & The Fur Family

[Ginny & The Fur Family]

I just clicked on the web sight and it put me to the web page of XLiberis - and there it did not work - I never got the screen to come up for a place to pay - I got the info page but the submit did not do its thing. I called the number on the bottom of the page and got some where else who called me back and they put me thought to some where else - I am not one to give up so I hung in there with a guy who spoke with an accent and he was very kind and knowledgeable and got my order through -post haste - My copy will be here soon - I am writing this so you wont give up if you have this experience - I told them the trouble with the web page submitt and they are working on it as we speak - I am so excited and love the picture of Winnie on the front cover. I can just feel her smiling from over the rainbow... Have a great day - Ginny & The Fur Family

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Oh I cannot wait to read it!! I'm putting my order in as soon as possible!! I love it love it love it! I'm so happy for you!
Now there's even more ways to help! Adopt, and please do, donate, and please do, buy bricks next time she puts them up, and please do, and now buy a book!! And please please do!
Wow, just think of all the ways we all have to be involved, actively involved in the rescue and saving of animals, kitties and doggies! Yay!!

[pam and the califurrrrrnia5]

Mine is on the way! This is a huge step for you. I am so glad you have been able to realize your dream. I've always said that you should be a writer and now you officially are!

[Connie]

OK seriously, how does Amazon already have "used" copies of it..

but that aside, this is wonderful!! Congratulations, I hope you sell out right quick.

[Mary Wiesner]

Congratulations!! This is a great accomplishment! I just ordered a copy. I primarily read ebooks but knowing you wouldn't get as much profit from that I ordered the printed version instead. :)

[Katie Isabella]

I am very very happy for you and I want the book to be ultra sucessful. xox

[Nikita and Elvira Mistress of Felinity]

Concatufreakinlations!!!

Your success is well deserved! :-D

[MelanieJ]

Congratulations! Your blog is such a delight to read that I'm sure the book will be too. I ordered one immediately after reading this post a couple of days ago. (I just couldn't tell you because I was reading it on my teeny tiny phone which does not lend itself to typing very easily!)

I can't wait to receive it!

[meowmeowmans]

Oh Chrystal! This is so cool! Congratulations, my friend. I will have to order a copy for sure. :)

[Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom)]

I only just saw this post (as have taken a blogging break) and I am so thrilled and excited. Congratulations to you ~ what wonderful news. xx

[Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom)]

OK ~ I have just bought my copy, posted to FB, and to the CB on FB ~ and will do a post on the blog later this week to promote book. So thrilled. xx

[Vennie Anderson]

Just ordered my copy--and I'd love it if you would sign it!