“Way Opened” My Journey to PRESENCE: The Book

This time next month the book, PRESENCE, will be ready to go to the printer. Between now and then there is much to do. I am so amazed at the process that has taken place in the life of PRESENCE to get to this phase.

The publishing process started in January 2021 with an acceptance by a publisher who loved the book and was ready, set, go. With my customary caution, I decided to consult a publishing lawyer (who knew that specialty existed) to review the contract. I was devastated by the lawyer's warning NOT to sign the contract. It was too restrictive and controlling, and I would be giving over all my rights to the publisher. I was so discouraged. Even with a number of conversations with publisher #1, she wouldn't budge and I withdrew the book. So I went looking for another route and chose, with some guidance, a more free lance company who also accepted the book. They let me pick and choose from a menu what I wanted without taking control of the copyright. I could choose some items from column A, and other items from column B. Publisher #2 was high quality but lacked the personal connection I really wanted.

That publisher gave some good advice and encouraged me to attend an online publishing conference which I did. While attending some of the presentations, I became aware of Bright Communications, a unique publishing house run by a fun-loving, caring, experienced person. I was instantly drawn to this publisher, but I had already signed up for the free lance group. What to do?  

I contacted Bright and arranged for them to assist with the process I was already running with the free lance group -- so now I had one publisher #2 to do the technical parts and publisher #3 to receive encouragement and connection along with another set of eyes on my work. That all went well until it didn't. The editor from #2 began suggesting major format changes that were not compatible with the purpose of the book. We disagreed on some very fundamental items. When I asked Bright (#3) for their opinion on the same issues, they thought what I had was excellent, and also disagreed with the changes proposed by the editor from #2. Oh great, now what?

As Quakers like to say, "Way opened." Publisher #2 was uncharacteristically willing to release my contract and refund the money I had paid for work that had not yet been done. Bright opened up its generous arms and welcomed PRESENCE, becoming my established, full service publisher.  Here are excerpts from our conversation when we sealed our contract. This is how they described the book:

It's sensational. Flawlessly organized as it is. It flows like pearls on a chain. This is the top 1% of anything I've ever edited. No changes -- I would cry if there were changes. Perfect. It's lyric and conversational. It's wonderfully on target. It is what your audience is looking for

I am so happy with where I am with Bright Communications as my publisher. We have charged forward with great energy and enthusiasm on this project together. I can't wait to share this book with you when it is ready -- not too long to wait now!