Writing a book may be a challenge for some, but it has come easily to me. That's just the beginning. The real challenge is in getting the book published and marketed.
I began writing books six years ago and have completed thirteen so far. Two of them are self-published. This has meant that I've had to do all the marketing myself along with the help of a brilliant author's assistant. That's an expense which I've had to incur. It would be so much better if I had a publisher who would stand behind my books and bear that expense.
I have just finished a new book which is about a couple who go through three lifetimes together. I've written more than a hundred letters to agents, hoping to get picked up by one. I've had to face one rejection letter after another, trying to keep the faith that the right one will come along. That has been a challenge in and of itself. There is a ninety-eight percent rejection rate by agents who are queried by potential authors.
The thing is, most traditional publishers require that submissions be made by agents. That makes it of the paramount importance that I obtain one if I am going to achieve the success I believe I deserve. Over and over, I have had to affirm, the right one will come along.
I have discovered that affirmation is the key to me in achieving success within any arena in my life. It's an effective means of positivity that many people do not think to use. It has resulted in positive results within my life. I strongly advocate that any person use it in any capacity to achieve the same sort of results within his or her life.
The important thing is to never give up. As the saying goes, persistence pays off. I am grateful that two agents are currently reviewing my manuscript. That, in and of itself, is a step in the right direction. Agents will not look at manuscripts that are sent unsolicited. If they like the query letter that you send them, they will ask for additional materials. To be asked to review an entire manuscript shows that they are really interested in a project.
Yes, it has been a long way in coming. I have learned many lessons along the way. One important lesson has been to never give up hope. Even more important has been to practice affirmations that lead to faith. I do have faith in myself as a successful and profitable author. Writing my books has just been the first step, but I have had to start somewhere.
One of the rewards I've experienced as a result of my self-published books has been my readers' reviews. Most of them have been rated at five out of five stars. That affirms what I believe. I have written quality books that speak to people and those people love them.
My first book is “The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude.” It's a hilarious religious and social satire about a nun who loves her bourbon and her cigarettes. It also contains many spiritual messages.
Misadventures was followed up by the sequel, “Babes in Bucksnort.” Once again, my favorite nun spins outrageous tales about the residents of Bucksnort, Wisconsin. The Reverend Mother is a reformed prostitute. The convent's chef is a gay cowboy. There is also a nasty prude and busybody who is always digging in the dirt. She finds plenty of that to dish up among the other residents of the Snortlands.
Come and see for yourself. You will take a joyride that tickles your funny bone until it aches. You may purchase my books through Amazon.com.
Keep your eyes open. There will be plenty more books in the series to come. You will also want to look for my latest book which is called “Intertwined Loves.” That's the project that is currently being considered by agents. It will be a ways to come before it's published, but I have faith today.
Nothing is impossible.
Dreams do come true if you but believe.
They have for me.
Author Davis Aujourd'hui
