New Blog Address

I am thrilled to announce that I will no longer be using this blog.  That’s right – thrilled!!!  Why? 

I have a NEW, spectacular  blog/website. 

Please find me at www.staceygrewal.com. 

Thank you.

Stacey Grewal

What Color is Your Car?

My friend, Maria Morgis put together this great report, titled, “What the Color of Your Car Says about You”

It is such an interesting observation.

Check out her blog and then tell us…what color is your car???

http://mariamorgis.blogspot.com/

Pssst…my car is fire engine red!

The Trials and Tribulations of Publishing Your Own Book

October 23, 2009, is when I first began this post, as a rant about the trials and tribulations of independent publishing to help those considering it learn from my experience.  But my original post ended up being little more than a long, freak-out session about how difficult it has been finding good, affordable talent (editors, designers, etc.) to work with. 

NOTE:  Independent publishing used to be called self-publishing, but for those of you considering publishing your own book, you will need to know that the term “self-publishing” is out-dated and will make you look like a complete amateur, and ruin your credibility if you use it – enough said.

Here’s an excerpt of the first draft of this post for those who love drama…

“It’s taken me more than three years (so far) to write, edit and  put together my book, Gratitude and Goals…and today is just one of those days where I feel like throwing my arms up in the air and crying. Although every fiber in my bones is dying to point fingers and name names, I won’t.  That would be bad for my personal development.  And I’m sure you’d rather I didn’t.  But, boy I sure do want to! I loved writing the book, especially the first draft.  And surprisingly, the more I edited it, the harder it got.  But what I never expected, was the pain and suffering I would experience working with other people after the book was written.  Once you read my book, you will see that I have already suffered plenty  in my lifetime.  Adversity I can deal with; incompetence, well that’s another story!”

But then I stood back and realized it was just a little too “passionate”, if you know what I mean.  Nobody really wanted the breakdown of all the wasted money and time I spent on worthless ”work” by freelance editors and designers.  So, I put the first draft aside for three weeks (a highly recommended thing to do anytime you write something you know you might regret later) because I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it – until today. 

Today is the day that everything seems to be working in my favor. I found a new cover/interior book designer and potential business partner, Theodore.  Not only is he creative and completely experienced, but his work really speaks volumes.  He is also totally willing to work within my budget which is music to my ears!  I finally feel like it’s gong to be okay. (If you’re looking for a great cover and/interior book designer, I’d be happy to share Theodore’s information with you).

So, I came back to my original post, removed most of the freaking out and decided to focus on what is really important – helping people understand that publishing your own book can be an awesome, life-altering experience, if you know what you are doing.  If not, it can turn out to be a tremendous waste of time, unless you’re doing it purely for personal reasons, of course.  In fact, in the next few months, I will be developing another blog (potentially with Theodore and friends)  for those who are interested in independent publishing that will offer nothing but tips, facts, links, articles and resources  to help save you time, money and a whole lot of frustration writing, packaging, promoting and selling your book. 

On this note, I’ve been given the opportunity to promote a very worthy product that has already turned many famous, and not so famous authors into millionaires. In case you didn’t already know, one of the most profitable ways to make money with your book is with speaking engagements.  If you want to learn more about how you can make over $2500 + per speaking engagement, from top speaking coach, James Malinchack, check out this link: http://tinyurl.com/yja4g8z.  (Yes, I do make a commission if you decide to buy this program, but I can tell you, I’ve heard what he has to say and I have his book – this guy is the real deal; you can help you become a very rich author. I will be taking his boot camp myself in the spring 2010).

For now, here’s a quick update on my book, Gratitude and Goals…  It is completely written, edited and is now with Theodore, who is working his magic so I can launch the ebook on November 26th.  That is Thanksgiving Day for all my Canadian friends and family (or for those who never know which day of the month it is). I thought it would be fitting to launch a book about gratitude on Thanksgiving Day of all days.  I will definitely keep you all posted about that release…which is only 6 days away.