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

I found myself writing over forty thousand words, spending more months than I should have to do 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 finally publishing. 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 was my stubbornness kept me going even when I wanted to quit— which happened on a couple of 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 traditionally published authors already have.

I fall among the ranks of self-published because I did not know precisely how to acquire a publisher and two I didn’t want to sit on this project longer than necessary. I chose the harder path but the one with more creative freedom. I have complete control over the formatting and cover.

The drawback was I didn’t have the security of a publisher’s team of editors, connections, and their ability to get books into bookstores—although the idea of my book in bookstores was 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 were 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.

After finding my book released and in the public hands for five months I can truly say it isn’t perfect. It seems every time I open my copy I stumble upon a typo or wording error. This is the nature of being an author, we can not and do not produce works of perfection. But what I can say is that it has been a rewarding experience, it has brought in a little income, and even though I crashed hard after it went live perhaps in the near future I made yet produce another book.

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