My first borrow

Posted on July 6, 2014 by karenevoss

A week ago, I discovered that That’s All I Got made the list of availability at three separate libraries. On Wednesday, July 2nd, I had a hunch to check the Milwaukee Public Library website and look at the book listing. Boom! There you go! The first borrow checked out of the Cudahy Family Library on what seems like the day before, Tuesday, July 1st (you can borrow a book for three weeks which is how I figured out the date from July 22nd.

I wonder…did someone spot it in the New Books area? Did they read about the library availability on Facebook. LinkedIn, or Twitter? Did someone wait until it had a home in the library to borrow the book instead of purchasing a copy? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that someone borrowed it to read and that person can share with someone else. What matters is that for some reason that book found a hand to hold; a journey of discovery that may help someone or inspire or even lead someone on their own journey of inspiration, peace, hope, or guidance. That’s what matters.

Available for borrowing!

Posted on June 26, 2014 by karenevoss

It’s been a week since I stepped inside the Cudahy Family Library to donate a copy of That’s All I Got. I admit that I’m eager to see when it’s available for borrowing. I went online today to see the progress at either this library or the two purchased from the Milwaukee Public Library System for two separate libraries.

Lo’ and behold I discovered these two entries:

regular catalog That’s All I Got – Karen E Voss

classic catalog That’s All I Got – Karen E Voss

Another step forward on this journey and I’m excited to see how things progress from here.

Living in the Library

Posted on June 7, 2014 by karenevoss

One step at a time the journey expands onwards and upwards. Healing, discovering, sharing, leading, helping, inspiring. Step by Step. -K.E.Voss

Some time ago, my uncle purchased a book to have me donate to the library of my choice. I selected the Bay View library, which is part of the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) System. When I went in to donate the book, I spoke to the librarian who asked if I wrote it and if it’s my first book. I told him I am and it is. He informed me that chances were the book probably wouldn’t get into circulation by donating. He did give me the phone number to the Acquisitions Department at Central Library. Not only did I leave with a piece of useful information, but with two books by Maya Angelou who passed away two days prior. Inspiration for inspiration.

I left a message for the person in the Acquisition Department on Friday, May 31st and spoke to her on Monday, June 2nd. I supplied the necessary information that would make its way to the appropriate selectors. The time frame given to me spanned 4-6+ weeks. I had two bonuses with me: I’m a Milwaukee author and they’ve worked with my publisher before. She told me that I would only know if the MPL system purchased by book is to see it online or if my publisher told me.

The next day, Tuesday, June 3rd, I received an email response from my publisher on another matter and she kindly informed me that the Milwaukee Public Library System just ordered two books! A very quick response to a request. I’m looking forward to seeing the books in circulation!

In two months…

Posted on May 26, 2014 by karenevoss

In the last two months, my book has slowly found its way into the world. That’s All I Got can be sold online through Henschel Haus Books as a paperback and Amazon.com as a paperback and e-book in Kindle format. I’ve also sold them personally as paperbacks.

I’ve held book signings during a Higher Brain Living meetup, at my friends’ house, twice at my local YMCA, and twice during monthly church dinners. I’ve sold single copies to my neighbors and a few friends. In a way, I’ve partnered with Udana Yoga and Wellness to sell a few copies there (I’ll be having a book signing event here in the near future). I’ve gifted a copy to my cousin at a funeral home. More recently, I sold a copy at the cemetery on my husband’s 45th birthday (this is and isn’t the unlikeliest spot to reacquaint with an old friend & finding out she hadn’t found a way yet to buy the book.

These opportunities mark only the beginning. A couple of places (and soon more): Barnes & Noble Corporate Offices and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) have been sent review copies to review and approve. Once approved, opportunities follow. Barnes & Noble can then carry the paperback in stores (you can already order it online). I’m waiting on AFSP to approve so I can possibly have the book used a resource for various programs related to suicide and bereavement (relative to suicide or tragedy). This way the book can reach more people and help more lives…either to inspire or heal.

Reaching for milestones

Posted on May 3, 2014 by karenevoss

Two days this week of book milestones!

Wednesday night, April 30th, at a YMCA book signing, I sold my 50th copy and 9 more. On Thursday, May 1st, I sold the 60th copy to my godfather who lives in Minnesota plus one more that he purchased for me to donate to the library of my choice.

On Thursday, May 1st, the mail revealed an envelope from my publisher. It only took me a minute to realize what it contained; my first royalty check. Whoo Hoo! My first royalty check! I took a look and grinned ear to ear. I made a copy of the check before I took it to the bank today.

Last week, I gifted a book to my cousin after another cousin referenced in my book passed away in Heaven so technically that book made #50. While my cousin isn’t physically here, she’s here with me while I write and in the memories I hold in my heart.

PUBLISHED!

Posted on March 28, 2014 by karenevoss

I AM AN AUTHOR!

That’s All I Got
Thrival: A Widow’s Journey After Suicide
by Karen E Voss

After many hours, weeks, and months of writing, editing, and revising, the day has arrived where I can hold the finished book in my hands. I received the first copy gift wrapped, it’s a present after all, a dream that has come true.

Published Author

First Copy

Anticipation!

Posted on March 27, 2014 by karenevoss

The day has arrived for my books to arrive! Earlier today I received an email saying that they have arrived. I knew it would be today at some point, but I didn’t know what time of day. While I’m unable to actually touch them until Friday morning at 9am due to scheduling, I’m psyched!

When I read the email, my eyes began to water before a few tears shed. The tears represented happiness, accomplishment, and achieving a dream. I am an author!

En route!

Posted on March 25, 2014 by karenevoss

Earlier today, I received an email from my Kira from my publisher, Henschel Haus Publishing, with this exact wording, “Books have shipped – I’ll keep you posted as to when they arrive … YAY!” Could I have gotten more excited, oh yes I could and can and did. My response included, “Oh goody goody gumdrops!! ”

My excitement of course, couldn’t be contained so I shared the news with a few people. I also updated my Facebook status to read, “The first run of books are en route to Milwaukee!”

I hope work is busy for the next couple days so my mind isn’t entirely focused on receiving word that the books are here.

Excitement builds.

Full Speed Ahead!

Posted on March 17, 2014 by karenevoss

Following months of proofs and corrections, there’s light at the end of this tunnel. As like the synopsis of the book, editing can take on its dark days, but there’s hope that things will turn out right.

Last Friday, I sent in the last of the corrections. The next stage included having the electronic book turn electronic, in other words converted to an eBook format for Kindle. Then on schedule having the electronic copy sent off to the printer, for you guessed it, book printing!

Over the weekend, I worked on home projects while trying to keep my mind from wondering if the electronic copy got submitted to the printer. I figured it wouldn’t be until today, however, excitement hides logic. I learned this afternoon that indeed, the book became suitable for Kindle and that the book headed to the printer this afternoon. I also found out that a few minor errors received correcting. I guess they didn’t cease upon my approval.

Now I wait for less than two weeks. During this time, I have plenty to keep my mind occupied including completing the Iron Idleman month long competition at my YMCA and working on other projects at home. I plan to start gearing up for my first book signing events. I do know, my excitement hasn’t stopped building and very soon I can say that I’m a published author.

Decisions, decisions

Posted on January 9, 2014 by karenevoss

Who knew that when publishing a book, there’d be lots of decisions? From deciding on a book cover to choosing photos that require involvement in the book and that’s just now. First I had to decide if I liked the layout and fonts, chosen specifically for this book (or maybe not). It’s not just the design and layout.

While I’m working through my editing phase, I note that I have to choose chapter titles so they aren’t the generic chapter 1, chapter 2, etc. I’ll have to idea generate as I read through the chapters to decide on what to write.

For months and I mean many months, ideas on where to take my book once published keep arriving in my mind or through others. From bookstores to various cities for example, Big Rapids, MI where I went to school, are on the list. That’s All I Got has a home in Milwaukee, WI and the list of ideas grows monthly. Pretty cool, but then my brain tells me how much work this might be, but do I let it discourage me? Nope.

I had to choose people to review the book before it’s published. Each person I asked plays a different position in my journeys course and each one knows different parts of my progress, though none of them know the entire story. I’m thankful that each person excitedly agreed to read the book ahead of time and give a short review that will appear on the back cover.

A task given to me involved searching and choosing photos from our engagement, wedding, and honeymoon. The suggestion was six photos so I have nine. I had to decide which head shot photo to use. I had four retouched and from there I chose one for the book and the others for the blog and Facebook pages.

Lots of decisions made and more to come as the book progresses forward. Each detail has numerous pieces and each part has numerous ideas. I’m sure the most fun involves marketing and promoting. Keeping it simple, real, and cost-effective even though it could prove challenging. I’m up for the difficult tasks that arise.

That's All I Got!

Thrival: A Widow's Journey After Suicide

Category Archives: publishing