Book report, essay contest, published novel, self-published novel, Createspace, kindle, nook, ebook, Smashwords, Goodreads, My Disney Scrapbook 2000-2005 all have something in common. Step 5: publishing. What does “publishing” mean? It means you’re done to whatever degree you have decided is done.
The book on the right is my novel Room 317, written piece by piece from about 2000 to 2005 and recently put through the wringer at Createspace, then they send you a printed copy for free. Very cool. If I want, I can order a bunch for about $7 each and then sell them – somewhere – not sure where. I have it available on Kindle, Smashwords, and other e-reader versions for 99 cents. There are links to the right side of this page if you want to see further. If you want to read sample chapters, go to the menu bar up top and you’ll find three novels. They ares considered “published.” Self published, but “done,” unless I want to take it further, which I will eventually. But this isn’t about selling books – it’s about the process.
The book on the left is a kids book, Kate and Maya, written about 15 years ago. I printed it with my computer, found two pieces of cardboard, got some clear and wide tape, and basically made a book for my kid. It’s published to the extent I want it to be, at this point. It’s a really cute story about Kate, a 4-year old girl who finds a toy dinosaur in her grandmother’s yard. It comes alive and tells Kate about another little girl, Kate’s mother, who used to play with her until she lost her in the yard one day and also lost her imagination about playing with toys.
Published is many things, but published is at least one thing:
Here it is. I’m done.
brainsnorts inc. 
I find it hard to let go of a manuscript, do you feel that doing it like this finally yanks it out of your hands? Does it make you feel better because you have laid it to rest?
it makes me feel good to know that i’ve done all i can, and it’s time to let it go and see if it can walk by itself. i have not yet had the opportunity for an agent or publisher to say, “we like it, but we want to change this and this and this.” if those changes make it necessary for them to buy it and publish it, then that’s the sacrifice i will be willing to make.”
I think this will happen. It is wonderful though that you are taking such positive steps. It is very inspirational for others.
we all inspire each other. i saw the post about learning shakespeare with insults. when i taught reading and language, i used not insults but gross sample sentences to teach kids better grammar. i would use things about picking your nose and vomitting to help them learn nouns, verbs, etc.
This is wonderful. Actually, in the book I have put on Kindle, I have used this same sort of humour. I think children like it even more when so called grown ups use it.
“so-called” good one. sometimes being “grown up” only refers to height.
I’m with you on that one. Also, I think that people like us, who choose to write for children sometimes are lucky because we can still access that inner child. If I ever lose that ability, I will be seriously depressed.
It’s like exercise. Use those muscles and they stay in shape.
Good point.
i’m lost in the publishing process. thank you for some insight.
oh, i have little insight. i was just going through the five steps of the writing process as basics. if you want to know more about publishing, look up a blog called “the insatiable booksluts.” really, it’s a blog about books, reading, publishing, etc.
What a great feeling… I’m going to look into that children’s book asap..
I just got word my poetry manuscript has been accepted and will be printed in a chapbook early summer.. I never expected that, so I’m nervous.. but like you..I’m done!!
Congrats to you!!
oh crap, thanks! i should have been more clear. that’s not a book you can find anywhere. it’s something i made with paper and cardboard and my printer. yeah, i made it seem more “published” that it really is, but my intent was that even just a homemade book is “published” if that’s all you want.