When I moved on to high school I met and befriended the daughter of one of the local poets. The poet took a look at my work but was unable to link me to a publisher. After corresponding with him for almost 2 years, I retrieved my work from him (with no hard feelings attached) and set out to find another avenue through which I would get my poetry published.
Things only began to fall into place when I was at university. I approached one of my pastors and told him of my long-standing dream. He linked me to people who he thought could help me get my book published.
Following two years of work – cover designing, proof-reading, type-setting, proof-reading again, origination, and printing – my first volume of poetry, Poems for Life, was published in November 2005 and was launched in January 2006.
Publishing the book is but a small part of the work that needs to be done when you self-publish.
The book sold well when it was launched; however, sales began to slow down after a while. Therefore, I arranged to have a television interview in which I spoke about myself and my book. The show must have inspired a lot of viewers as the producers of the show told me afterwards that their lines were busy following my appearance on the show.
Following the television interview, I managed to sell a couple more books through two local bookstores that agreed to sell my book as consignments.
This marked the beginning of my three year absence from the public scene. During this time, the only publication I made was a weekly inspirational newsletter that I circulated to subscribers via email. I was – and am still – working on a number of book projects.
At the beginning of May this year, however, I felt a strong urge to put a book together. The title of the book came to me as clear as day: The Song of My Heart.
It did not take me long to put together – just four days!
Truly The Song of My Heart was written from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This followed a week of editing, cover designing and everything else. Within two weeks of initiation, the book was at the printer's desk.
The cover design, type-setting and editing was done for free. The need to pay started when it came to origination and printing. I managed to raise some of the money (A well-wisher gave me something; I took a loan from a friend and took something from my pockets) and arranged to pay the rest once the book was sold.
In 23 days the book was out!
To repeat myself: Publishing the book is but a small part of the work that needs to be done when you self-publish.
I can attest to this when I look at how much work is involved in promoting my book. This has included a book launch, a radio interview, a television interview, talking at schools and having a book review written on my book. I will also be exhibiting my book at The Catalyst this coming weekend and at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair at the end of this month. Whilst I cannot predict success at any of these events, I can only choose to believe that 'All dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.'
Over the past two weeks I have told you about my dream and my journey towards it. What is your dream? What will it take for you to realize it? Are you ready to do whatever it will take for you to realize your dream? If you are ready, what are you waiting for?
Pursue your dream!
Be Inspired.
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