We live and breathe words. …. It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt–I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you.

Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)

Writing has always been that one thing I have never lost passion for: that everlasting fire in my heart. I mean, yes I have gone months without writing because I can’t get past the idea phase, or times where all I can write is gibberish and the frustration results in writer’s block, but words and I have never parted ways.

Despite working 18 hour shifts and running a full time business, writing still is a big part of who I am (and what I will always be!) and what use is writing if I can’t share that joy with others? What purpose does a story serve if not to be told? To be passed down? To entertain, educate?

Writing has always been second nature to me, something I was not taught but self-learned from reading others, and publishing (a) book(s) has been a goal I haven’t been able to shake off. That expensive, time-consuming, heart-wrenching goal that lives rent free in my mind.

Reading Danielle Steele, Meg Cabot and Cecilia Ahern, my love for stories grew with each read and each mind-blowing ending. Being from a third world country, my reality is different. The hurdles to be faced are different but very much real and very much unavoidable. Here is what I am learning in trying to get my books out and on the market:

ISBN application

When I decided that I wanted my books available on the international market, the one thing I needed was an ISBN, an international book serial number, which I wasn’t sure I could get in Malawi. The internet said we had a national archives where I could get one but their digital footprint is non-existent (gruesome story for another day). Buying an ISBN was out of the question as one was being sold for close to $200 on some sites! Several Google searches later, I stumbled upon the Archives office in South Africa and ISBN application was free, all I had to do was send an email with my book information and of course, a copy of a hard copy once published. Was that it? No. They reply hours later that I can use the archives in Malawi and at this point, I feel I am out of luck because the system in this country would involve me kicking and screaming all the way.

Fortunately, I was able to locate them in Zomba and I got my 3 ISBNs at less than $7 and the condition that I send them copies.

Book Cover Design

A book cover is sometimes the difference between someone reading your book or putting it down. I don’t have this down to a science but I have picked up a book solely because the cover was appealing to look at. This isn’t to say I haven’t read good stories with horrible covers but hey, good covers are eye catchers.

Finding a good designer is imperative, someone who is good at their job but also listens to your wants. The final result should depend on you, just don’t get in their creative well in the process.

This part needs you to know your book specifications including book trim size, cover paper, paperback or hard copy. All those trifling details for your perfect book. If you have any questions, you can always email me or write that in the comment section.

Getting Quotes From Publishers

If your ultimate plan is to get your book into a paperback or a hard copy, you will obviously need some people to print your book into existence. Regular printing and book printing are very different things and should be treated as such. Do not carry your precious book to any company that has the words ‘print’ on their door! Find the companies you feel can do the job and ask if they do book printing. Here are some questions to ask:

• Do you offer book printing services?
• Any reference material on any books you have printed?
• Can I get a quotation on a book with Xyz attributes?
• How long does these process between submission and printing take?

For my books, I chose TAG graphix (former: IPPL printing and packaging) and they have been such wonderful help through everything. I really can’t wait to work with them in publishing my books this year! A link to their website: http://www.taggraphixmw.com/

Choosing Editors

You have written every word you could muster and you feel this is your best work. You have edited all you could and this looks likes the goose that will lay golden eggs.
It’s not there yet.
You need a fresh set of eyes and someone willing to tell you the cold hard truth. One should be ready for constructive criticism and be willing to learn and grow from it.
Editors are there to cross out what shouldn’t be there and help you build on your story. Think of it as the final layer of much needed colour on your masterpiece, the whole thing is you but it needed a step back and a fresh set of eyes to add that zing! to it.
I picked 3 editors, each with a passion for story telling and all willing to point me in the direction of much needed change in some areas. They also do have a lot of experience in storytelling and writing and let’s just say, my manuscripts will be hitting their desks soon.

I am not a seasoned writer (yet), I am just a young woman who loves to write and share her writings. I write from passion and from my love of telling a good story. When I do publish my books, that will be an absolute dream come true and I will be sharing my journey here and on my YouTube channel as I go along, bare with me.

I hope whoever reads this finds it helpful and is a dreamer just like me, a true lover of words.

Love,

The girl who dreams in colours yet to be discovered.