By T. R. Shaw Jr.
As 2020 ends I have an
urge to look back, write, and put it all in perspective. While I’d like to wax poetically about it,
it’s a daunting task for any writer or big-thinker. Many will try.
We’ve all been through
so much. COVID-19 of course, shutdowns,
quarantines, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, heat waves, racial strife, a
contentious election, and social isolation.
Where would you begin? What a
year to remember or forget!
Instead, I’d like to focus on being a
first-time author during a pandemic.
A year ago in December,
I launched my first published book, DEFY THE IMMEDIATE, A Journey of
Failure, Perseverance and Success, which I termed a “motivational memoir”
on overcoming obstacles and challenges, where I shared my life experiences; both good and bad.
I hosted a great launch
party in my hometown, sold many books that evening, and had high hopes for a
successful and profitable year, speaking, selling and signing books. Little did I know how apropos the title
would become, as nearly all of us spent the year “Defying the Immediate.”
The title came from a
speech at Central Michigan University by legendary sportscaster and fellow
alumnus Dick Enberg, who penned my Foreward.
In his 1980 commencement speech he quoted former CMU President, Dr.
Charles Anspach, who frequently lectured the student body when the young Enberg
was a student.
Before the internet,
oratory was a leadership trait and Anspach was a master speaker. “Defy the Immediate” was Anspach’s frequent catchphrase. He encouraged students to persevere and
overcome problems and obstacles which blocked your immediate path, Enberg
stated. I never forgot that phrase and
it helped me through many tough circumstances in my multiple careers.
After struggling for a few years with the traditional publishing route where you query literary agents hoping one might like it and sell it to a publisher for you. I got little to no response as a first timer. I sent nearly 20 to 30 query letters, others have done more than 100, each carefully crafted for what each agent wanted. I actually attended seminars on how to write the letters and researched the agents. That in itself, was a tedious and time-consuming task. I had only two negative responses.
 |
| Even Snoopy had problems with query letters |
An author friend, best selling Michigan novelist, John Wemlinger, who
had a great deal of success, referred me to his regional editing and publishing
firm, Mission Point Press in Northern Michigan, who helps authors get
published. It cost a little, but it was
worth it. It beat banging my head
against the wall chasing agents. It’s
best described as “assisted self-publishing.”
The staff of editors and designers really knew the craft and how to get
it edited, printed and promoted. They
knew all the common mistakes authors make and guided me through the publishing
minefield that exists today.
Late last year, all my
long hours of writing, re-writing, editing and re-editing paid off. We finally got it to press and I became a
duly published author! It was
exciting. It was a beginning, not an
end.
Mission Point Press created
a sell sheet which was distributed to Michigan bookstores. It gave my book credibility, a huge help. A few stores ordered it. It was very exciting and gratifying. The initial response was very positive. But being self-published it requires the
author to be the true pitchman. I
followed up with many bookstores and even set up a couple of signing events
which I was really looking forward to.
Things were looking good and I planned to take several days and visit many bookstores personally selling it, like a traveling salesman. I found a few bookstores which wanted nothing to do with self-published authors, which surprised me.
No sooner than I made
all these grandiose promotional plans, Michigan shut down with the COVID-19 pandemic. We couldn’t travel, closed
bookstores don’t buy books. My speaking
events all cancelled, and I was left to sell myself from afar. It had the potential to become very
depressing.
I once again sent
letters to bookstores “selling” my book, but with few customers during a shutdown,
they were reluctant to buy more inventory.
I took to social media and did many targeted Facebook ads which yielded sparse online purchases, but hopefully raised awareness. I did get on a few radio shows and spoke to several service clubs virtually. It’s very
difficult to sell books with virtual presentations!
Needless to say, it’s
been a very challenging year as a first-time author. I’m hoping to get back into doing live
presentations and events in 2021, but not sure when things will open up to
allow it.
One of the things I address in my presentations came from my first consultation. I was told to think about...“You’re not a celebrity, you haven’t been fired from the White House, and
you’ve not landed a plane in the Hudson River…Who are you? Why should I read your book?”
After some thought, my
response to that question became, “I’m a representative of my generation who grew
up with high ambition, faced many setbacks and challenges, and now have a
platform to educate those coming behind me.
I feel obligated to tell my story and inspire others that success isn’t
always certain, and failure is never final.”
In essence, that is what my book is all about.
So this past year, as a
first-timer with lofty goals, I’ve had to Defy the Immediate. I’m not giving up, that’s the essence of my
book. I just hope this next year, my
message might catch on with a little more promotion.
What I have to say, the world needs to hear. Things can only get better from here, so long as we continue to "Defy the Immediate."
DEFY THE IMMEDIATE is
available on Shaw’s website, www.trshawjr.com and bookstores can
order directly from www.missionpointpress.com
T. R. Shaw Jr. is CEO
of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek, Michigan. He is a longtime journalist, retired U.S.
Navy public affairs officer, retired funeral director, and active community
leader. DEFY THE IMMEDIATE is his first
book.
