My Gambling Addiction

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I embarked on a journey several years ago to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming an indie author. For those unfamiliar, indie authors handle everything from writing to printing, publishing, packaging, and mailing their books but maintaining ownership. While raising a family and holding a “real” job, my writing aspirations had to take a backseat. However, the passion never faded, and today, I am juggling not just one but twelve books, each at different stages of reality.

Next week marks a significant milestone for me. On May 1, 2024, my very first children’s book will be shipped to those who have pre-ordered it. The excitement is a roller coaster, and I’m holding my breath. The process has been educational, revealing just how costly and demanding bringing a children’s book to market can be. From hiring illustrators to marketing and shipping, every step is an investment.

I’ve had numerous inquiries from friends who want to share their stories and are curious about the financial aspects of publishing. Here’s the ‘brief’ gist: it’s expensive. The investments go beyond the initial creative process, stretching into months of collaboration, formatting, printing, and marketing. I hope to break even, especially with children’s books.

Contrary to the quick-fix solutions peddled by some online courses, my experience in publishing has been anything but fast. Authentic storytelling takes time. After considerable research, I decided against using print-on-demand services, opting for a more genuine route to my vision.

So here it is: my gambling addiction. This year alone, I’ve invested a truckload of cash into publishing five books, three of which are children’s titles with unique illustrative needs. The financial stakes are high, and the uncertainty is overwhelming.

Outside of writing, I run two businesses, “Two Friends Talking” and “Going Out The Door.” My marketing agency is at capacity, and my Two Friends venture continues to grow. Amidst all this, I find moments to write, funneling every spare penny into my books, hopeful that my marketing efforts will pay off as publication dates draw near.

Writing is not just a passion but a leap of faith—one that I am thrilled to pursue and terrified to abandon. Thank you for being part of my journey and for all your support and encouragement.

So, hello! I’m Angie, and I am a book gambling addict. 

Book Writers Budget List

1. Graphics/ Illustrations
2. Editor
3. Formatting
4. Printing
5. Packaging
6. Shipping
7. Marketing

Remember, you will have to have a place to sell your book, and they will charge a per-sale fee and credit card fee for every transaction.  

You can order Finding Fred: Too Much Treasure! today!