Hello again;
When people told me that I would feel differently about my book when I finally held a copy of it in my hands, I honestly didn’t believe them. I thought the book was real when it was finally submitted to amazon and create space. And I only ordered some copies of it to have on hand in case someone wanted an autographed copy. I mean I put a link for how to buy a signed copy on the website, so I thought I aught to be ready.
Ordering my first batch of books
I had promised two copies to a couple of special ladies who helped in the process. I needed one for Lorraine Reguly my editor and another for Kelly Wooden who finally convinced me it was good enough. So, I placed an order for twelve copies thinking that ten plus the two i knew I needed sounded about right. 🙂
I placed my order with create space. I was happy to find out that the process for ordering copies of my book wasn’t anywhere near as much trouble as submitting it had been. The form was long because it was my first time filling it out. But I could navigate all the fields. I never felt anxious that I would buy too many copies or have them go to the wrong address. Well, its something I often worry about when filling out online forms. But everything went well, and last weekend I got my books.
The books came
Around our house my nephew Seth brings in the mail. This is mainly because most of the time the mail is for him. Him and his dad buy a lot of their movies and video games online. So Seth beat me to the fun of opening the box. But he did bring it straight to me when he realized it wasn’t for him.
And I should congratulate Seth. He is at that age where he can be a bit of a smart ass, but he told me how proud he was of me having a book published. I think I have inspired him a bit because he has been working on his own book this year in school. Of course, his book will be fantasy fiction not self help.
Got a shock
So, I brought the box into my room and reached in to pull out the top copy. I didn’t think I would feel anything special. But there is something about holding a book that you wrote in your hands. Its something about smelling the paper and ink, feeling the texture of it, and thinking you did something that may last longer than the electronic version in amazon’s vast inventory.
You are reminded of all the time and effort you put into it, or at least I was. And I’ll admit I got a big grin on my face. Thinking of it again to write this post I can’t help but smile.
Not shy about this photo
So, I got Seth to take a picture of me holding one of my books. I should mention that when you’ve been the fat kid and then the fat adult you don’t take a lot of pictures. I hadn’t gone out of my way to be in photos for years. I’ve even been told that some of my earlier photos for the business my smile looks forced. So, when you check out this picture, you can easily tell how much it has impacted me to hold my book in my hands.
Surprised by the response
So, I took the photo and shared it on face book and my other social media networks. I mentioned that I was selling autographed copies for $24.95. I really didn’t know what to expect. I was mainly doing it because sharing on social media was the next logical step. And you know me I’m always about moving forward and taking the next step.
Man was I Surprised by the amount of positive reaction to the photo and to my book. Many people commented on what a big accomplishment it was, how proud they were of me, and how good I looked in the photo. But the biggest surprise was the number of people who asked about how to buy a copy. And better yet two people have already bought one.
Already sold some
I don’t know that I will mention every buyer in the future like I did on face book and like I am doing here. But these first two are special as they made me feel so good about myself and the whole project by stepping up and spending their hard earned money.
First, is Kerry Kijewski. She is a visually impaired woman from Canada who blogs about her life growing up a blind woman. She also writes about her past travels. She aspires to be a travel blogger. I have been happy to have encouraged her and to help introduce her to other bloggers and blogging groups. You can find her at http://kkherheadache.wordpress.com
Thanks Kerry.
Second, is my cousin Rocky Ivey from South Carolina. That is where my dad was originally from. I thought it was so cool that Rocky wanted a copy of it to display in his man cave. We all know that no man is going to put something there unless he really likes it. That’s the whole purpose of having a man cave. Its your space to do with whatever you want. So thanks Rocky.
And while she hasn’t bought a copy yet, my aunt Wanda Surber was at the house the next day. She took a copy with her. She had to rush off to work selling tickets for one of the carnivals in the area. She promised to pay for it when she gets back and when I will have time to sign it for her. So thanks to you too Wanda.
Learning how to sign my book
So, now I’ve sold two copies, and I have two more to sign that I promised to good friends; now I’m kind of in a spot. lol You see my hand writing has never been great. And its gotten worse over the years. That plus its not like the page in the book where I would sign it has raised lines. I am going to have to practice. 😉
There is a device called a writing guide that some blind people use for something like this. And at a recent hotel stay they made signing the register easier by putting a piece of scotch tape along the signature line. If I had been smart, I would have been asking other visually impaired and blind authors how they handle this.
Mailing them out
And of course, there is no easy way for me to address the shipping envelopes and get them to the post office. I imagine that could be handled with a printer and labels, but there again its something I hadn’t planned for. I also imagine that if I had an account they would pick up the books here. But for now I’m going to depend on the family to help out.
The point is if you buy an autographed copy of my book I will do everything in my power to get it signed with an appropriate message and mailed off to you as soon as possible. I hope that this will be the same day as payment is received. But if it isn’t, rest assured its not for lack of effort. 🙂 And like with everything else I do the more I do it the better I will get at it.
An admission
I believe in being totally honest, so I’m going to admit something here. I’m telling you this in hopes that it will help you. I realize that I was not prepared for actually signing and sending out my book.
What this tells me is I wasn’t sure it would sell. In my heart of hearts i Must have been wondering if anyone would really want to have a copy signed by me in their home. And more importantly I believe I was wondering if they would want to pay what I was asking for them.
Lesson Learned
With this secret doubt I still managed to sell two copies, have another sale pending; and have many people asking how to buy a signed copy. So, I have to ask myself how much better would I be doing if I had shown confidence. What if I had ordered the print copies weeks earlier? What if I had started practicing my handwriting, started looking into adaptive devices, and checked into how I would handle sending them out.
What if in deed. So, please have faith in yourself and in anything you are doing. And don’t just say you believe take the steps to show yourself, your family, your god, or the universe that you believe. Now, I got to go find me a pen and some paper to start practicing. 😀
Thanks for your help
Now, I want to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way. For those of you who have read my posts about the book and share them or commented on them; thanks so much. I know that when a friend gets caught up in something to the point that it becomes their only topic of conversation it takes a really good friend to keep listening. So, thanks for that.
This whole process has been hard and taken so much longer than I thought it would. And it would have been so much harder without knowing so many people were pulling for me and hoping for my success.
Sharing is caring
Now, I’m going to ask you for your help one more time. I want you to share the link to this post or to the sales page for the autographed copies or both with your friends, family, and coworkers. I want you to click the links to share on social media and encourage your networks to do the same. And if you have a project you need my help with, I hope you know you just have to ask.
I love hearing from you either in the comments or via email. If you have questions, just ask. If there is something you need to share with someone who you know will listen, then I’m here for you. and if you have achieved some great milestone in your own life, I hope you will share that with me too.
Thanks so much for your love and support and take care out there, Max
I was happy to do it. It is a big milestone. I know that. Holding an actual book of mine in my own hands has been at the top of my bucket list for a long time so I wanted to share in your success because I know how special it must be.
I have written a short story that is being included in an anthology and, although that won’t be my own book entirely, I am looking forward to buying a copy of the anthology when it comes out and being at least that much closer to my goal. I can’t help but being proud and thrilled for you for this same thing.
Try not to focus on the number of books you sell, but always remember that feeling the first time you took one of your own creations out of that box and held it in your hands.
Have a great week and get signing because I am waiting here in Canada for my copy.
😉
Kerry recently posted…Spotlight On Life’s Adventures
Hi Kerry; thanks so much for joining in my celebration. I have already mailed your copy off and am hopeful you may receive it before the weekend. it was a big rush holding it in my hands. and signing one for the first time was pretty cool too. just knowing that at least one person wanted a copy enough to pay for it was more than I could hope for. Thought I’d have to wait a while to sell one. and i think I’m now past the happy to be here or happy to have sold at least one copy phase. now am believing for more sales. but So awesome that you are having a story published. and i know that a whole book is out there for you. its just a matter of time. I think someone said it once its not the number of books i sell but the number of lives i impact. Hoping to inspire and motivate more people by their reading the book. thanks again my friend. it really meant a lot to me. xoxo max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Didn’t expect holding my book in my hands would be such an awesome experience
Hi Max,
What an achievement, and we are ALL so proud of you 🙂
Look at how far you’ve come – just thinking back, it was your guest post at my blog, and then the thought process of writing a book, then came the deciding factors for the title, book cover, the first paraghs – all those hesitant and ‘first moments’ – to getting the copy in your hand!! WOW is the word I would say 🙂
I am SO happy for you, and you look wonderful, just the way you’d look had we met in person I guess. We wish you every success and happiness, and I’d just say be patient and keep the faith – it’s said there is a time for everything, and just as there’s been these sales, it would catch up pretty soon I am sure.
I can imagine the excitement about the signing part too, reminds me of my sister, as she’s written two books too and went through the same procedure 🙂
Thanks for sharing your joy with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…6 Steps To Relieve Stress Using The STRESS Formula
hi harleena; who else would i want to share such joy with. and that is the word. its the one word everyone mentions when commenting on my photo. and its the best picture I’ve taken. Yes, we have to go all the way back to august of last year for the guest post, and september for the beginning of the writing process and then january for the book being live on amazon to this week and the book finally being out in print and my having them here. and to think when i earned the points to get that first guest post my only real goal was to find out whether or not I could use your new abc aha now blog community area. I tried out all the features and invited some friends and shared some updates and the next thing I know I’m the winner. 😀 i believe it was one of those moments in life when god moved things to put me in the right place at the right time with the right person to push me forward at warp speed. 😉 I’m happy with the book and pleased with the sales so far. Now, what do i do next sweetie? I need to figure that out but I’m going to enjoy this moment just a little longer first. thanks so much to you and Vinay for being great friends and part of my online family. wouldn’t be here without you. xoxo max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Didn’t expect holding my book in my hands would be such an awesome experience
That’s just how life is – a series of events one after the other and it passes by so soon, that we just don’t get the time to sit back and think of what all happened! So, make the most of this precious moment of bliss 🙂
You asked what next? Well, I would say, why not start your next book? This time you would know how and what all to do, and take it one step after the other, without rushing through. Think on it, something I told my sister also, while the sales and promotion of the first one carry on at their own pace – just my two cents 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…11 Powerful Blogging Tips To Help You Become A Successful Blogger
hi harleena; thanks for your wise council. yes we have to take time to enjoy things. in baseball after a game winning home run the announcer will usually say touch em all. it means to take your time rounding the bases on your way to home plate. and i’ve noticed that since i wrote this book its brought back memories of many times in my life. many things that i had forgotten about or thought i had. so maybe there is another book. well, yes there is one whether or not i can bring it out of me is another question. thanks again. xoxo max
maxwell ivey recently posted…Didn’t expect holding my book in my hands would be such an awesome experience
Hi Max
Congratulation on your accomplishment. I am so happy and proud of you. What a great accomplish? As You know, I have admired for long because you most certainly are an inspiration.
I have been thinking of writing a book that will inspire people but I have not even started. I celebrate in this milestone as this will help me get going on my project.
I do love the picture and you look so lovely with the book in your hand. Congratulations again. Reading your book, I do know that it is a must read. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful week
Hi Ikechi; You are a wonderful friend. I am so happy that we met after the guest post on harleena’s site that was the beginnings of this book. and to me there is no better complement than to hear that sharing this bit of my story has motivated you to get started on sharing your own experience and wisdom with the world. and I love that the picture turned out so well. pride mixed with joy mixed with more practice at having my photo taken. I truly appreciate knowing you. xoxo max
Max, I am so darn proud of you, my friend! While reading this post, tears of joy actually formed in my eyes. I know how exciting holding your first book in your hands can be. I confess I only ordered one of my own books myself, but have plans to order more once I figure out where I’m going to have a book signing in my city.
I am looking forward to receiving my signed copy, too, Max, and I promise I won’t judge you if your handwriting is a bit messy.
I like how you brought up the point about how you should have had more confidence and started practicing your writing earlier, but, hey, sometimes you simply learn as you go. I hope you have more confidence now, Max. 🙂 You should!
I wish you every success with your book. You deserve it!
Hi Lorraine; thanks so much for the kind words and for being part of my journey towards having this book published. I did send your signed copy off this morning. For people who are going to offer their books autographed be sure and follow the advice Lorraine gave me and over price them to make sure you can cover the cost of postage. You can always discount or offer them for free in person but when shipping you have to avoid losing money on the deal which I did manage to do thanks to Lorraine. and you all be looking out for the post I wrote for her site about the process of going from finished manuscript to published book as the plan is to include a give away of the book plus an hour of coaching. hey never hurts to get a plug in. 😉 thanks again lorraine. i couldn’t have done this without you. Okay, maybe I could have, but it would have taken so much longer and probably been much more frustrating as well as expensive. take care dear lady. xoxo max
Hi Max – first, I like your new picture – you look so happy and proud, as well you should be. Writing a book is a great accomplishment for the sighted, for you it just shows the kind of person you are – as you said, always moving forward. You truly are an inspiration. All the best. Lenie
Lenie recently posted…Spyware – Free with Download.
Hi Lenie; so happy to hear from you my friend. we have been following each others work for a while and I respect you a lot. your opinion really matters. I have been surprised by how good I look in the photo. It felt like a good one, but I never really know until people comment. I think I should try to take some more new photos for the site. so glad that I could inspire you. Its something I’m really starting to enjoy. Its great knowing that just doing what you do can encourage a person to start something meaningful in their lives or cause them to keep going when they are feeling tired, stressed, or even depressed. thanks again and lets keep moving forward together my friend. xoxo max
Hi Max,
I haven’t visited you for a while, but noticed this article. I am so happy for you! Writing a book is a challenging project. You have come so far in such a short time, it amazes me. It is people like you who are a true inspiration to others.
I love the picture of you with your book in your hand. When it comes to pictures, I think we are all a bit shy.
Thank you for being such an inspiration and I am going off to share this with my friends.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted…Why You Must Make “The Shift” In Marketing
Hi Donna; You know I just knew I had friends leaving comments even though i wasn’t getting emails about them. so I decided to log in and check the hard way. 🙂 and here i have one from you plus some great ones from the rest of my blogging family. This is the best photo I’ve taken. I’m still getting used to people wanting to take my photo as well as the idea that I am a handsome man even hot as some have said. I’m glad that I can inspire you and many others. Just wish I could convince tribber to make their site accessible so I could join you in your tribe over there. who knows maybe as i get more well known I may be able to influence people to realize there are quite a few blind bloggers out here and that they should make it easier for us. 😉 thanks again you have helped me so much with your advice and information. Take care my friend. xoxo max
Hi Max,
I want to congratulate you once again for not only writing the book but putting it out there for all to get a copy of. Now you’ve sold some copies and even have a live copy in your hands. I can tell how proud you are from your picture as you should be my friend. I’m just so happy for you and I have a feeling that you’ll have many more sales throughout the year.
I’ve said it from the start Max, you are a true inspiration my friend and I’m so very proud of you.
Congratulations.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted…How Understanding Your Readers Can Lead To Improved Business
Hi Adrienne; I know you like to remind me that I have done all the work. But the one thing I come back to is how much progress I made with my blog after following your posts and listening to your advice about building relationships. I think of you as my blogging mama so its always great to hear you are proud of me. I have actually wondered to myself what it would take to offer a large print or braille copy? and someone wrote to offer suggestions on getting it recorded if I want to go that way. I’m not going to say if I am an inspiration because I’ve finally convinced myself of and have accepted the fact that I am. And I want to help others. I want people to know that all it really takes is to show up every day and do what you can and then come back tomorrow and repeat. It doesn’t seem like or sound like magic but one of my favorite awards speeches was by the producer of many of the great musicals of the golden age of hollywood. don’t know his name. but he said you hire great directors, screen writers, choreographers, musicians, actors, and actresses and then you get out of their way. he said but you have to show up or they won’t give you that big fellow they call the academy award. yep I know I’m running long but that’s part of my charm too. thanks so much sweet adrienne. got to figure out what to do next, 🙂 xoxo max
Congratulations, Max on this major accomplishment. You can see how proud you are in the picture holding your book. I am sure you’re an inspiration to so many others. Very very happy for you. 🙂
Hi Susan; Thanks so much for being part of my celebration. It is a major accomplishment. I have sold a couple copies and did so quickly which is always great for the ego. Of course, I know that its the process and what I learned from it and even more so what I can teach others from it; but I still love getting emails saying people want the book enough to pay for it. 🙂 someone actually asked me this week if i was going to offer it in audio. and someone actually wrote in to say they had some names of people who could do it whenever i was ready. love hearing how good i look that never gets old. and yes i am proud of it. couldn’t have done it without you my friend. xoxo max
Max — you look so proud in your photo as you should be for such an accomplishment. I agree, there is nothing like holding a book in your hands. That’s why I haven’t succumbed and gotten a Kindle yet. Best of luck and I hope you sell lots of copies!
Jeannette Paladino recently posted…Become a Master at Creating Text Images
Hi Jeannette; Thanks for the complement and the good wishes. For obvious reasons its been years since I read an actual book. I left large print for books on tape and records in the 6th or 7th grade. maybe i should have mentioned that in the post. I did try a kindle but wasn’t impressed with the speech on it. I also hate supporting a system where over a third of the books for sale can’t be read with speech because the authors want a performance royalty for them. but that’s another matter. will be stopping by soon. take care my friend. xoxo max
Hi Maxwell,
Congratulations on your new book. It is an monumental accomplishment for any writer. I think all of your feelings and emotions are all a part of the excitement. I think what’s next is another book, and then another and then another. Never stop reaching for bigger and better and more accomplishments.
Great job and much continued success.
Regards,
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted…Are You Effectively Marketing To Your Target Niche?
Hi Barbara; thanks for the encouragement. I can always use a bit extra of that from my friends. yes, I’ve been thinking of another book. I’ve been noticing that a lot of memories have come back since writing this one. I’m also thinking that people might want to know more about the weight loss experience. and I’ve been asking friends and family members to send me stories about me from their memories. so far no one has done it, but I’m at least trying. really looking for a spark of inspiration right this minute. thanks again my friend. xoxo max
HI Max
First of all, congrats for your new book. I am glad I came to know about your journey in my beginning journey of my blogging. I must thank ABC community for this lovely connection.
It’s lovely to know that while writing the book, you have inspired your nephew also. I wish him success also for his new book.
It’s a wonderful feeling to sell your own book. Your cover image is fantastic. The happiness of holding your own book can be easily captured in this image
Yatin recently posted…5 unheard hormones to pump up your life
hi yatin; so glad to finally connect and have you visit my site. this was a important post and i’m glad you enjoyed it and that i do look great holding the book. aha now is a wonderful site and i am always recommending it to others. bloggers are generally very supportive. glad to consider you one of my new friends. best of luck with your own journey, max
Hi Max,
It feels great learning you just published and have copies of your book handed to you. Indeed, there is always something “special” about having copies of your book at hand. The feeling cannot be distanced from the fact that one is having evidence of his intellect handy! Congratulations!
I shared this comment in kingged.com where this post was foundl
hi sunday; first, let me thank you for deciding to come by and comment on my site directly. I know that running kingged.com keeps you really busy. I have been impressed with your dedication to making the site feel like a friendly warm neighborhood online. I also appreciate your efforts to help me navigate the site as a blind user. You are right it is something special about having proof that you real did it. you wrote a book. and then to know people have actually bought the same book and have copies or will have copies of it in their homes soon. that’s another big rush to the ego. but now i need to get on to a new project. any suggestions. thanks again my friend. blessings to you max
maxwell ivey recently posted…2 Contests and 2 Chances to Win A Signed Copy of My Book Plus 1 Hour of Coaching
This sounds like a really great experience, holding your first book and people were right, this is a really big accomplishment. You can now credit yourself as a published author. This seems like an incredible journey for your and I wish you all the success. I hope to one day publish my first book and have a great experience. It seems like you have a lot of supporters behind you. Keep up the good work.
Lawrence Berry recently posted…3 Habits You Need To Drop for Better Health
Hi Lawrence; first, let me thank you for following me here from our wonderful group on kingged.com also you took the time to leave a comment in both places. that’s dedication and I aspire to that level of support myself. 🙂 yes it was a wonderful experience far more powerful than i expected as you can tell by my smile. and yes i couldn’t have done it without a lot of help actual and emotional. i wish you all the best with yours and hope you will let me know if i can do anything to help you along the way. warm regards, max