Despair

Following the first flush of success, despair soon sets in. I have discovered to my horror that writing a book and getting it published are the easy part. Selling it is the hard part, or more precisely, being accepted in the mainstream of the book business when you have self published. No-one wants to know, no reviews, no articles and I couldn't even get a PR company to take my money and campaign on my behalf. There seems to be a stigma associated with self publishing. This needs to change. Talent abounds in the masses, and many a good tale will never see the light of day without the self publishing facilities. It is tough getting into the business, I have even now approached a mainstream agent to see if I can't switch to a traditional publisher. The chances that I'll get a respose of any sort are slim, but I'll keep you posted.

Cover Problems

It seems that my desires for a cover do not fall into the normal realm of the Cover Designer. My requirements, it seems, are Bespoke. I've contacted the Art department and asked whetrher this will be possible. Watch this space!

Michael John

Not much reponse so far

Not getting much interest in my journey so far. Still have progressed most of my publishers mails and am moving towards getting the fist draft print blocks published for my book of poems, 'The View Through My Spectacles'. I have yet to see any suggestions for the cover, any output in that direction promises to be interesting. I submitted three of my poems to the designer so that she could get a feel for the book. With luck, the book will be ready for my Birthday in early February. I look forward to sharing the details with you then.

Bon Voyage ... Michael John

Happy New Year

Another week has come and gone. Xmas and New Year have taken their toll, but I march ever onwards. Had to replace my partners car which had decided that it would present us with a fault that no-one could fix but would mean failing it's MOT. Had to spend even more money I don't have. Still little movement on my novel. No reviews yet; this I believe is a real problem. The book in the pipeline is stalled awaiting information from me to the publisher. I never seem to have the time; three children take it all up even though I have no job. No job, no money what next?

We'll see, can't get much tougher.

Still, happy new year to everyone... Michael John