Ten years ago I met two people that exemplified my ideal of true love. Their minds unfettered by prejudice and malice in an age of the stuff, they sacrificed everything for one another and very nearly died for it.
This lovely couple wanted a written record of their story, and because I fell for them in such a big way, I offered my services. Their extraordinary story (which was so vivid, it practically wrote itself) was completed in 18 months.
I did, after much searching, begging and pleading, find an agent but we never did find a publisher. Because who want to buy a book about true love? About a couple of guileless 20 year olds who fell in love in 1939 and offended a little known Nazi law in the process? So I bit the bullet and published it myself. It's called The Courtship of Julian and Frieda and it's available on Amazon and most on-line bookstores (I also have a website www.julianandfrieda.com).
Julian and Frieda are happy with the book, thus my main object is satisfied. People have been very kind and complimentary. I have had some limited success, but wouldn't it be nice if more small presses were still viable? And if there were more than a handful of people who decide what sells and what doesn't? What say you?
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 15
what say me? i say it sucks. i know how difficult this process has been for you. and even though julian and frieda and everyone else are happy with the book, it would have been nice to find a small publishing house who would take a chance on it. not that they would be taking a big chance because had they taken the time to read it, they'd have seen that it is a wonderful book that would sell like hot cakes if marketed correctly.
i haven't given up hope, i'm just discouraged. and i'm curious to see what others think/have experienced.
Because I love stories about people and history (esp this period - I've done a lot of research) I'd love to know more about your book. Do your have a synopsis? Sample excerpt?
Thanks,
Cindy
Thanks for your comments. I have done press releases
within a 100 mile radius and have had some success. But right you are, I have make the time (I think I'm too busy) to widen my field.
If you are intersted in a general synopsis, there is a fluffy one on the book web site www.julianandfreida.com. I think one of the interesting things about their story is that it illuminates a little known Nazi edict that forbade Austrians and Germans from consorting with Poles or other Slavs. Both Julian and Frieda were Catholic, apolitical kids who suffered for falling in love. More of the ridiculous and vicious Nazi pure bloodline propaganda at work.
I do plan to post an exerpt eventually. Thanks again.
I can't wait to read the published version (thank you again, very much)...I don't think I ever told you that the editor at Penguin/Putnam who rejected your manuscript some years ago was unceremoniously fired and escorted from the building. Small comfort...
It sounds like a very interesting tale: two innocents caught up in the insanity of der Phooey's horrible agenda.
I'd like to read it.
You can see if it's the right temperature before you plunge!
And thanks, Lisa. This whole process is an education. I have done some promotion
on my own including contacting independent bookstores...with some success. I don't know of any organization of independent bookstores but I'll research it...thanks for the advice! For what this observation is worth...What has worked out really well for me is reading groups, I have had half a dozen choose my book and I have been asked to address their groups, answer questions and sign books.
I could grind on and on about the education process on publishing and truly it was a process and still is ongoing...but I'm in charge and the only booksignings I have to do and that's if I feel like it are the Harvest Moon Festival in Franklin, La. or maybe a Fortnightly or Rotary club on Tuesday...I am probably missing quite a bit but crowds make me freeze up...Soon, you'll be discovered - Have you sent it to Oprah? How about other books clubs all over the place? I only deal with independent book stores because Amazon and Borders skim off too much from the top...Ok more later - hope I am on the right subject - you know how I can zig when everyone else is zagging. Have a great evening - I hope all is well. Colonel Possum wrote some new installments! Salud.