I can scarcely remember exactly when I decided it would be a good idea to write a book. Let a lone a book that was about my life in pursuit of photography the trials and tribulations that lead me to where I am today.

I have found myself writing over thirty thousand words, spending more months than I should have doing my version of edits— making sure I didn’t stop in the middle of a thought and move on— designing a cover, hiring an editor, and preparing to publish. To say a goal post I didn’t foresee is coming into view is an understatement.

I have learned a lot about myself during this process. One being my stubbornness keeping me going even when I wanted to quit— which happened on a couple occasions. I also learned a deep respect for authors, especially non-fiction ones as the writing process can be long and difficult. I have a deeper respect for self published authors because they are out here doing all this hard work themselves and trying to build a team traditional published authors already have.

I fall among the ranks of self published, because I do not know precisely how to acquire a publisher and two I don’t want to sit on this project longer than I have already been working on it. I choose the harder path but the one with more creative freedom. I have complete control over the formatting and cover.

The draw back is I don’t have the security of a publishers team of editors, connections, and their ability to get books into bookstores—although the idea of my book in bookstores is still slightly unnerving. In order to make this project easier and in the hopes that I do not sound like a complete dunce I hired an editor.

First, let me say that it is daunting finding someone to edit your work when you really have no clue what you are doing. Added to that there are a lot of freelance editors out there and the prices range which means if like me you are working in a budget then you hope you get a good one for what you can afford to invest. That hardest bit of hiring an editor for me was knowing I was about to willingly let a stranger read my work, mistakes and all.

I haven’t yet received my manuscript back but I am hoping for good things. Keep me in your thoughts! I hope to have an update in one of the next couple of blogs about results from the editor. Stay tuned!

And if you are currently working on writing your own book, drop me a comment about your greatest struggle thus far.