Xlibris Publishing returns with Michael J Schultz, author of The Vela Project.
Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book? Please feel free to mention any accolades you have received.
When re-writing over the years I came up with an idea I haven’t seen utilized regarding novels. As I mentioned before I consider myself a musician first and I have written and recorded musical pieces that relate to The Vela Project, in other words a “soundtrack to the novel”. Seventy-five percent, maybe more, of this ‘soundtrack’ has been recorded, all the songs are written but not all have been recorded, again when juggling family life I have had to prioritize what I spend my money on. I incorporated characters from the book into song lyrics and various song lyrics into the dialog of the book. In of itself the book stands alone without the music and the music stands alone without the book but together they partner in a unique way. The best scenario in my mind was to sell the two together as one unit or separately if so desired. I could do this via website and or links attributed to both. This may be a bit ambitious but the ideas always seemed to run together as one.
As far as promotion goes, many bands, once they have product to sell, organize “Record Release” concerts to officially release the music to the public and offer it for sale at these events. I have already set in motion live concerts for my “Book Release”. I am waiting until I have physical copies in my possession to set firm dates but I have many musician friends eager to participate so it should be fun. Through these events I can generate publicity through local “scene” mags as well as printed formats. I am not sure how or who to contact regarding in-stores or book signings but I assume it’s similar to booking live performances. I would love to participate in events like this and I am not against traveling to support my book. In the perfect world my goal would be to perform the songs related to the book at these concert events but it has been challenging finding musicians willing to perform these songs at my book release event(s) in the time frame I need the songs learned. So, long story short, I have ideas but not sure if I have the resources.
What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?
My favorite part of the experience was the ability to re-write and update many aspects of the story. The plot was there but written years ago so I always feared for the timeliness of the story. By Xlibris showing a lot of patience with me, I was able to correct the issues I always felt uncomfortable with. By allowing me to do so, Xlibris helped me exponentially in becoming a better writer because at some point in the process I actually learned nuances that improved my writing. Shakespeare I am not and I will be the first to admit this…I don’t claim to be anything more than I am…but I learned some tricks and stylings that are sure to be instituted in books I have already written and yet to publish and those I hope to write in the future. Call it a slight epiphany or whatever, but it was truly helpful to me and without Xlibris’ patience I ultimately would have been unsatisfied with my first attempt at publishing and it may have hindered my writing in the future.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
NEVER give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes. In my mind no one really has to know how long it took you to write your book, all they need to know is that there is a book and that’s what is most important! Be true to yourself despite what others might tell you and finish what you start…never give up! I am living proof of that. It took many years for The Vela Project to reach this point but the bottom line is it did. I had little, if any support, for this book throughout the years. I can’t tell you how many copies and how many forms of this book are strewn about from California to Michigan, copies I offered up for reading and critique of which no critiques were ever offered. I imagined only two scenarios…1) they never read the manuscript, or 2) they read it and it was so bad they didn’t want to hurt my feelings. Either scenario meant many moments of self-doubt on my part. Then a very nice young lady read it and she told me she couldn’t put it down and loved it. I‘ve carried that with me until this moment. So keep on keeping on!
Xlibris Publishing trusts this helps
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