Zero to a Million

Almost three years ago, I published my memoir, “Misfit in Hell to Heaven Expat”. It was my first book, and I was in my mid-70’s. What were the odds that I could get my name, my book, and my message “out there”? Not good!

I had been coerced into writing my “first book” for a new publisher who had experience in the field but wanted to start her own company. She found a few more folks, just starting out, in other areas of publishing expertise that we required, and they joined my payroll.

It took me a couple of years to complete the manuscript, get it edited a bunch of times, gather information, file for an ISBN, get KDP Publishing squared away, find someone to do the Audible version, etc., etc.

The “light at the end of the publishing tunnel” seemed to get further away instead of closer. Every new twist required more of the limited funds I had dedicated to the project.

Most of this took place within the Covid plague ramp up, but luckily we all learned how to use Zoom.

Finally, the finished book was in my hands, and I just stared at it in wonder, like it was a new-born baby.

Then came advertising! This process seemed endless, and I still had only a vague idea of how I was going to get my book into anyone’s hands, much less have them purchase it.

Out of nowhere, a young lady from New Zealand contacted me in an email and asked if I would please come on her podcast, as a guest, to talk about my book.

“Sure!”, I said. Then I inquired, “What’s a podcast? Do I have to go to New Zealand?” We connected via Zoom and had a great time. She said we should get a lot of “views” because the NDE subject was hot at the time. I didn’t understand what “views” were then, but we got 6,000 – which I learned later was very good.

Once I appeared on her program, other podcast hosts saw our episode and started contacting me. To date, I have done over 100 podcasts and recently tabulated that I have over a million views! That’s over one million PEOPLE hearing my story, and some even bought my book!

So, if you are just starting out as an author, I recommend you delve into the world of podcasting. The folks in this business are generally outgoing, interesting, and there to help you succeed. It is very symbiotic because the “views” you generate are beneficial to their status as podcasters.

I owe most of my book sales to these wonderful people, and I’ve enjoyed interacting with every one of them. Many times, we stay in touch on social media, and continue to support each other in this wonderful world of podcasting.