So, I was ready to meet with the managing editor at Beavers Pond Press. I had my list of questions, had rehearsed my “why” for wanting to write this book and told myself not to have great expectations because she may just come out and say my work is crap and I should stop right now. Hopefully she wouldn’t be that honest but I wanted to be prepared for anything.
Finally, the day of the meeting arrived and there I was pulling up to the unassuming one-story building where Beavers Pond Press houses their office. I made my way to the front door and once I pulled it open and stepped inside, it was like walking into a different world. It was warm and quiet and books were everywhere – lining the walls, organized neatly in multiple rows of bookshelves, some scattered on tables. In short, it was quaint and lovely. And then I noticed the white board on the wall that said, Welcome to the Pond, Chelsea Fadden! Such a minor thing but so impactful. I felt like I was home.
The next hour and a half flew by. I met with the managing editor who, after exchanging pleasantries, started off the meeting by simply saying, “You have a really sweet story here.” We talked through my goals for publishing, what it takes to publish (emotionally and financially) and everything in between. It felt like I was chatting with an old friend. So humble, so personable, so right. At the end of the meeting, I walked away with a project estimate – basically what it would take to get this book off the ground – and lots to tell Vince. I knew the numbers would stun him a bit right off the bat – self publishing is basically like starting a business. You put money upfront to publish copies your book, do what you can to raise money (hello, Kickstarter!) for the printing and cross your fingers that you’ll at least break and maybe (MAYBE) actually start making a profit. There’s definitely risk involved. But the way I look at it is, what if I don’t do it and it could have been something big? The worst that could happen is I don’t sell any books and we’re out that money so we eat PB & J every night for dinner and don’t go on a vacation for five years. Honestly, it wouldn’t be that bad. So, it’s a risk I’m willing to take!
I know this is getting longwinded, so in short, Vince and I talked, debated, prayed, maybe argued a little, brainstormed and finally decided that yes, we’d do it. I have felt from the beginning that Vince has really left this one up to me. He knows how important it is to me and how fulfilled I feel when I’m writing and flexing that creative muscle. And I am grateful for his trust and support of what I’m doing.
About a month after my first meeting with BPP, I sent a note to the managing editor with the subject line, “Jumping In.” I told her that while I was scared and overwhelmed, I was more than ready to start publishing my book. That was the start of a now almost six-month process of what is shaping up to be my first book. I know I haven’t told you yet what it is and you may be wondering why. That’s on purpose. I want to keep a little bit of mystery, a little surprise, especially in a world where everyone wants everything right now. Waiting for the big reveal just seems right.
Illustrations currently in progress. And this is why I have an illustrator…because, wow.
So, stick around and I’ll share more about the process, updates on where things are at and when you can expect to see a Kickstarter and launch party. If you read this whole schpeel until the end, I’m so glad. If you skipped down to this second to last sentence, that’s ok too. I feel so blessed to have your support already.
Chelsea Fadden 