Xlibris Publishing returns with Dave Gutierrez, author of Patriots from the Barrio.
Are you working on a sequel to your book?
Patriots from the Barrio is not a novel, it is a true story that took place over seventy years ago, so I think a sequel is out of the question. I do have two different projects right now that tell a positive story of Mexican American contributions to this nation. One is a historic legal case, the other is a sports story and both are based on a true story.
Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?
On September 29 2017 Actor/Producer Wilmer Valderrama announced that his production company had acquired the exclusive film rights to the true WWII story, Patriots from the Barrio by Dave Gutierrez. My end game to the story has always been to see this story on film. Before meeting with Wilmer Valderrama my goal was to produce a documentary film based on the book, and that still may happen. I was looking to generate more interest in the book and wrote an article that was published on War History Online. With the political landscape today on Immigration, any headline that reads “Mexican American” is sure to draw attention and controversy, my article did. Someone showed Wilmer Valderrama the article and he read it. A few weeks later I was meeting him and his production team.
What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?
There were a few reasons why I ended up at Xlibris. First, I believe I lacked the confidence to go directly to a traditional publisher. I had never written a book. I was always focused on the end game. I wanted to see this story on film, I felt the best way to put myself in the best position for that was to self-publish the book and maintain the rights to the book. I really enjoyed learning the overall process of manuscript to finished book. Every step of the way I asked questions.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t think about writing, write! Find ways to stay focused. When I started, I taped a photo next to my bedside. It was a photo of a memorial dedicated to Ramon. I taped it up so that every night before I went to bed I would see it. Every morning when I woke up, it was one of the first things I saw. It served as a reminder to me that every morning I could ask myself, what are you going to do for him today? Before I turned out the light every night I could ask myself, what did you do today to make sure that he isn’t forgotten? It helped me stay focused. Make sure that you are writing about something you are passionate about, it makes a world of difference. As a self-publishing writer you are responsible for marketing, setting up book signing events, writing press releases. You are responsible for generating interest in your book.
If Actor Wilmer Valderrama didn’t’ read the article I wrote on War History Online there is a good chance you might not be reading this blog. The only reason he read it was because I was stubborn to get it published. Don’t’ give up and don’t take no for an answer and here is why. The very same article that got the Hollywood actor’s attention had been rejected by a very popular WWII magazine. After getting rejected I sent the same rejected article to War History Online, within five days of submission it was published as a guest blogger on their website and social media. Perseverance is the key. Keep pushing forward, and find ways to remove the roadblocks in front you.
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