I Need You

After trying various traditional publishers in South Africa to get my memoir published, and waiting an age for answers, it’s been disappointing, to say the least.

Everybody’s response was similar: “well written”, “inspiring story” but “not suitable for our list at the moment”, “we trust that you will find the right publishing house for your story”, “we wish you all the luck”.

My confidence waned and I became despondent, doubting my writing abilities and whether my story was indeed worthy of being told and shared, despite your (my blog readers’) continuous encouragement and support.

One person in the publishing industry (and I can’t remember who) put it all into perspective; “The reality, in South Africa, is that unless you are VERY famous, publishing houses don’t generally take on a memoir.”

That’s it. Like everything else in life, it all boils down to money.

Tracey Macdonald Publishers were the only ones to stick up their hand. Although encouraging, it was a hybrid deal and I needed to come up with close on R100,000. If I’d had cash, I wouldn’t have hesitated to give it a go, not only because it’s been a long time dream, but because I believe that my story is too important to be left stored on a hard drive.

Clearly, Tracey Macdonald agreed because, a year on, she undertook to help me put together a crowdfunding campaign to get my memoir published. I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me – to have someone, not only professional and organised with precise attention to detail (which is what I love), but caring and willing to hold my hand through every step of the way. I’m in awe of Tracey’s commitment and look forward to meeting her in person sometime soon.

“I am determined to see her book, titled BRAVE LOTUS FLOWER RIDES THE DRAGON, published.” Tracey Macdonald.

Click HERE to read her press release.

Initially, I was scared and doubted whether we could raise so much.

But, once again, my ‘friends’ on social media showed their support.

Brenda Klopper sent me this encouragement via my inbox on Facebook: “All you need is to find 1000 willing people to each give R100.”

That perspective made me realise that perhaps our dream goal was achievable, after all.

Dave Walters, a special Facebook friend and supporter added: “It’s the price of one large pizza and many people can afford that.”

True.

Shaun Naude, a young man I taught many moons ago and now living in Australia, also commented that if you’re living overseas, your small contribution can make a huge difference, especially with our weakening Rand (ZAR) and the current exchange rate.

I’ve also had tons of support from my amazing community.

So let’s do this.

 

Click HERE to go to our campaign page on Thundafund, where you can read a little more about our project, what the different pledge amounts are, and what the associated rewards are for each pledge level.

 

So far, we’ve met milestone 1, so the project is a GO!

But, that doesn’t give me a printed copy in my lap. Neither does milestone 2.

I doubt that anything would give me more gratification than seeing my book for sale on a shelf in a well-known bookstore. I’m overwhelmed by the support and grateful to each and every one of my backers so far.

 

If you’ve enjoyed my blogs and would like to be a part of my dream, I’m asking for your help. Please. And this is how you can be of assistance:

• If you can afford to, please pledge funds towards our campaign. And ask your friends and family to do the same. Click HERE and follow the links to make a contribution. You can pay via credit card, EFT or PayPal. You don’t have to stick to the reward amounts. It may be a custom pledge. Any amount would be deeply appreciated.

https://www.thundafund.com/project_fund/5123376058204160 .

• Please share the campaign via email or on your social media channels, and ask your ‘friends’ and ‘followers’ to share the campaign link. Most times the success of crowdfunding campaigns comes down to reaching as many people as possible and you can help spread the word.

https://thundafund.com/project/bravelotusflowerridesthedragon

 

Holding thumbs and thank you for sharing.