The hardest book I’ve ever done? My own.
No kidding. Not even the analytical, skeptical, intuitive, optimistic cynic in me saw that one coming.
In all the years I’ve written and worked with other authors, nurtured them through the writing and publishing process, never have I had so much trouble! I astonished myself with the insecurities, self-doubts, indecisions, and writing quandaries that I routinely help other people through. I laughed at myself and couldn’t help it. I learned, again, why it’s so important to get competent outside help to develop and publish your book, whether you’re going the solo indie route or shopping it to an editor or agent.
I guess you call it living the process.
I was smart enough to hire the best designer out there: Robert Lanphear of Lanphear Design. Several years ago Bob had graciously agreed to work with me on a complex technical marketing book, and I’d promised him an art book some day. What he got was an idea for my book: a collection of essays and comic stories about how I created a family with my dogs (and cat), a small book that people could give as gifts. I’ll detail the story of how Bob made me not only finish the production of the book but re-think how I wanted it to look. How he was right. And why it mattered.
I was also smart enough to hire a wonderful photographer, Mary Van De Ven, who is also a massage therapist and Reiki master. Mary and I actually met in Reiki class, and have become good friends. After Bob refused to let me do my book cover the way I thought it should be done I hired Mary to conduct a new photo shoot, an exhausting 5-hour process (you try to get a cat to pose politely with two dogs) that ended with me and the dogs at the beach, pretty much how Bob and I had discussed it.
So here’s a public thanks to Bob and Mary for helping making my dream come true. And for the one thing no writer would ever dream of and absolutely needs: a cover that sells the book all by itself.
(c) 2011 Robyn M Fritz
