How I Self-Published my First Poetry Book During Lockdown
Plus your FREE 12 Point Self-Pub Checklist
When the world shut down in March 2020 during That Season Which Shall Not be Named, people turned to many different pursuits to pass the time. Some folks took up learning how to bake a better loaf of sourdough bread. So many loaves. So much sourdough. Some people learned how to work with watercolors or paint watercolor window panes (my creative therapy choice). Thank you Lori Jean! 1
And other brave and foolish wordsmiths like myself decided, “Hey I know! I think I’ll write and release a new book of poetry.” Lest you disparage my remarks, dear reader, let me clarify:
Every writer I know is not only brave but foolish in the best sort of way, “Here is my gift for you, world, make of it what you will.” That sort of ‘je ne sais quoi’ kind of foolish.
Of course I had nothing but time on my hands (after the anxiety and worry wore off around mid-summer 2020) and folders of poems longing to be organized into a publication of some kind, so on I went.
Parentheses
In November 2017 I had self-published my first book, Living the Season Well: Reclaiming Christmas (available on my author website and Amazon; thanks for asking), and due in no small part to a stellar launch team and the world of blogging connections, in-person talks and events, the book was received well and sold over 450 copies.
By October 2020 I had learned a ton about all the ins and outs of the indie publishing process and was coaching other folks in their own writing pursuits; it made sense to dive back into those waters with my poetry manuscript in mind.
I cobbled together the poems I’d written following the seasons of the year, a theme that has always found its way into my poetry, it seems. Then I hired a local tech designer to do book layout and the uploading to the print on demand platform, commissioned a watercolor painting for the cover, then traded work with my son-in-law the graphic artist to design the front and back of the book.
Hearts on Pilgrimage: Poems & Prayers was released in Spring of 2021 while the world was still bumbling around in its post-pandemic stupor and honestly, I can't think of a more timely and much-needed event than offering a book of poetry during that time.
But then I am a poet, I think anytime is the right time for poetry.
But this post is not about my books—it’s about your book, the one that’s been percolating just below the surface of your writerly heart.
If you’re considering the traditional publishing route, such a pursuit is not for the faint of heart. You will need an agent, a gigantic social platform and following, a book proposal and the right connections for your work to be seen. There is a lot of competition in the Christian space. A lot.
There is another way.
In mid-2024 I was invited to be part of an interview series with Karen Swallow Prior where she provided a place for authors to share their experiences about Publishing, Platform and Perspective. Each interviewee’s thoughts was eye opening, informative and inspiring. Our viewpoints ran the gamut of the various ways our words have found their way into the world via traditional publishing, self-publishing and hybrid.
I was so grateful to Karen for the chance to share my experience.
After our discussion I crafted a One Year Plan to Self-Publish, for those would be interested.
Whether you’re a newbie writer just starting out or have a completed manuscript to share with the world, this One-Year Road Map will help you with your journey. The four page checklist is a Month-by-Month plan from Behind-the-Scenes prep work to Book Launch Party.
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P.S. I’m so grateful to those who have become new paying subscribers. For those who may not want to offer support at $5/mo. but still provide an “I appreciate your work!” I have a solution for you. Voila! The tip jar via Stripe.
Lori Jean Whitaker is on Instagram. Go find her!
Jody, this is really wonderful and generous. I haven't seen you in awhile and hope you're doing well. You are an inspiration. God Bless. ox
this is wonderful Jody! thank you for the FREE resource, how amazing! I'm definitely interested in publishing a collection at some point in next 3 years - I'm not ready to work on it yet - so will definitely be using this and keeping your services in mind!!