I am so proud of the work done by 1106 Design company on my book cover. I highly recommend them for any of your future covers. Michele De Filippo is always there to answer questions and so is the wonderful Ronda Rawlins, whom I worked with on all the details. 1106 Design is also doing the formatting of my manuscript and I picked a 6×9″ book with a nice tropical island icon for my chapters taking place in Belize, and a suburban house with a path, for the chapters taking place in Orange County, California.
It makes a huge difference when you select a professional company that focuses on book covers, manuscript formatting, logos, and ARC’s (Advanced Reader Copies) to send out for endorsements prior to publication.
If you wish to meet Michele De Filippo, please come over to GIP (Gutsy Indie Publishers) on Facebook. She will answer your questions, and we have many topics covered about publishing your book, e-books, promotion, blog tours, ISBN’s, Library of Congress, PCIP #’s and anything else you want to learn about.
My First Presentation at MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) April 19th, 2012.
“I Never Thought my Son Would Become a Soldier”
Thanks to Dee Fitzgerald for inviting me to speak, and to the wonderful audience of military officers and their spouses, who gave me such a warm welcome.
During the presentation, I focused on how our year of living a simple life in Belize, changed my family. When we returned to Orange County, my youngest son decided he wanted to attend a military school. He no longer had the same values as many of his peers in high school.
***
Final piece of great news: We have a NEW SPONSOR for the winner of the monthly “My Gutsy Story” series, and that’s the expert on e-books Jason Matthews.
Jason Matthews is an expert on e-books and he’s offering a 30-minute private consultation, as well as a copy of his biggest seller, How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks All for Free. Since the contest winners have such a compelling story, this guide will benefit them tremendously if they decide to publish their tale to an even larger audience like with Amazon Kindle. Ebooks are available in pdf, epub and mobi format.
Jason Matthews free e-book
Enter the “My Gutsy Story” contest here.
Please comment and share with your friends. Thanks and look forward to everyone’s success.
You have more energy than anyone I know! I am so happy for all the success coming your way Sonia. Can’t wait to read your book.
xob
barbara recently posted..Georgia on My Mind part 3
Barbara, Thanks for that, but my butt is glued to my computer chair for hours. At least I get off to go to the gym, but sitting in my kitchen, next to the coffee pot helps me stay in one spot. I don’t have energy to clean my house though, and my poor dog is still waiting for her walk and it’s almost noon. So I feel bad for her.
Three wins in a row (or is it four?). Well done all around. When you do good work, people naturally want you around.
Bear sits on log, waiting for news of your book to arrive. I feel like I have been waiting a long time. But not as long as you feel you have.
Now, go walk your Dog!
Rob-bear recently posted..N IS FOR "NOT DEAD AND GONE TO HELL"
Rob-bear,
So good to hear from you. I came over a couple of times but did not leave a comment. Time to do a quick visit. Hope you’re well Rob-bear.
How exciting to have a cover! It looks great, Sonia!
Miss Footloose | Life in the Expat Lane recently posted..The Expat and the Cow Lady
Thanks Miss Footloose. How are you? I know you’ve been on vacation in Turkey. Are you back? Great last post about how your life would have been if you were born a “cow lady.”
Oh – love seeing your book take shape! The cover looks good.
Lady Fi recently posted..Swan lake
Thanks Lady Fi for sticking with me along this journey. I should have kept my mouth shut years ago when I started writing. You guys must be so bored with hearing my monthly progress, or lack of it. Thanks.
I know it has been a long time coming, Sonia, but the end product looks very attractive. That cover should sell lots of copies.
Are you publishing a hardcopy and e-book or just sticking with one format?
Bob Lowry recently posted..I Need Your Help: It’s Time For a New Satisfying Retirement Book
Bob, A soft cover and an e-book. No hard cover. Still figuring out all the details of printing. Thankfully I can consult with other publishers. BTW, why haven’t you joined the GIP group. “Gutsy Indie Publishers. I’m sure you could fill us in on your own e-book information. Thanks Bob.
That’s a really great cover, Sonia.
Can’t wait to read your book!
Stephanie recently posted..Catch Up Blog
Stephanie, Thanks. I love it. It might be more “American” than “European,” but a story is a story.
You shared a great cover I love it thanks for sharing..
Rochelle recently posted..Learn the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Thanks Rochelle.
Wonderful video…the energy and life you put forth during your speech provides an enormous incentive to read your book, and also to spend more time closer to nature; what an incredible testimony! People may want a sequel… What is the exact link between your time in Belize and the calling to be a soldier?
Carol D.
Thanks for watching the video. A year or so after we returned, my youngest son started becoming more interested in the Army.
Sonia,
Two of my boys talked about going into the army, and it looks like they never decided on it through fear of losing a comfortable life. I suppose that’s where your book is such an interesting testimony: when you learn to live with less, you become capable of seeing life from a different angle, one of duty and self-sacrifice; is that right?
Yes Carol, You are so right. I think you summarized it very well. I didn’t know two of your boys talked about going into the army.
Sonia, Thanks for the tips and information. Am looking at different book cover designers and 1106 Design sounds like a great option.
I agree with the comment that you seem to be here, there and everywhere even if a lot of your activity is at your computer. You’re doing a great job as well as helping a lot of us writers struggling to find our way.
Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your Dream
Pennie,
What a kind comment that makes me feel like we’re a team helping one another. I see you on Facebook leaving comments and love that you participate and comment. Please let me know where you are right now in the process.
A small press is very interested in publishing my book and has already accepted it. I’m inclined to go with them, just need several questions answered.
Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your Dream
Pennie, Congratulations. Please e-mail me, as I’d love to hear more.
I am really excited to read this books..Sounds that I can learn a lot while reading it..
tinafreysd recently posted..Homemade Facial Masks for Acne
Thanks Tina.
sonia – i look forward to reading your book – and love the cover! please let me know when it comes out – and hope your trip to paris and visit with your dad was wonderful!
xo
Amanda recently posted..To Climb Masada at Dawn
Amanda. I look forward to sharing my photos from Paris with you. Are you traveling again soon? How is your writing?
I haven’t visited for quite awhile, but I love the cover art. Any idea when it will be published?
Gigi Ann recently posted.."Booking Through Thursday" In or Out?
Gigi Ann,
I’m guilty of not visiting you too, Glad you like the cover. I’m looking at end of August for a pub date. Hoped it would be earlier, but publishing takes time. How are you doing?
very nice and neat cover. I love your work
Kov recently posted..Leather chaise lounge
Thanks Kov. Interesting name.