It has been a while since I signed up with Balboa, and a while since I last wrote about the process.
Suffice it to say, I’m not having fun.
The gentleman I’m working with, let’s call him WE (as a metaphor for all us authors and what we’ve got to deal with when we choose to self-publish). WE, has a very long turn around time responding to emails. So much so that he either responds after the email was relevant, as in: “Oh sorry, I just saw this, I didn’t know I should’ve called,” or he misses the emails entirely, as in: “I apologize, I didn’t even see your last email.”
This has caused frustration (What else is new?) and more importantly delays in handling issues and moving forward. My timeline for services has been pushed back. Daily. I became so annoyed at his fourth or fifth apology, that I called the woman who originally signed me, convincing me, sucker that I am, of the benefits of using a self-publisher that puts the name – HAY HOUSE – on their books. Quality control. Would HAY HOUSE let anything important slip by? The implication, I am now only assuming, being that it does not.
Well guys, so far, not impressed. But let us not put the cart before the horse, I have a 10 a.m. phone consult with WE, in which I plan to address – and handle – any and all outstanding impediments to moving forward. He assured me it was “on his calendar”. I am unable to rush the process on their end, but I bloody well can make sure he and I are on the same page and up to date.
Once again dear friends and readers, stay tuned…Bout Three is right around the corner. Perhaps with a surprise ending.
Wendy Karasin - Musings of a Boomer 
I am so sorry it has been so frustrating! Thinking of you today and waiting to hear how the call goes!
Thank you for so generously sharing your experience with us, Wendy; frustrations and all, it’s helpful to hear how the process actually works–or doesn’t, as the case may be. And I agree: I would think something under Hay House’s umbrella would be better handled. I wish you much luck and heaping helpings of patience!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT, JUSTINE. THE PHONE CALL JUST ENDED – AT 11:11 – WHICH I BELIEVE IS MY PARENTS TALKING TO ME FROM ON HIGH, SAYING, “RELAX, STOP MICROMANAGING, IT’S GOING TO BE ALRIGHT.” I’M TAKING DEEP BREATHS AS I NOTICE THE CAP LOCK IS ON.
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Thank you, Celia – am still hopeful that the outcome will be a good one, but the growing pains – well – they hurt!
Don’t despair–there’s more than one way to skin that ol’ publishing cat.
I like the down-to-earth, immediate, and intimate writing style on your blog. If your book follows suit, it’ll find its way to us–just don’t give up on it. Publishing has always been a weird business, nowadays even weider with self-publishing, POD, desk-top publishing, etc. If you’ve written something that you want the world to know, your determination to be heard is the next crucial step. I, for one, am cheering you on.
I can’t thank you enough for your kind and inspiring words of encouragement. And I agree, I won’t give up. I’m supposed to be speaking to a new coordinator this morning, and my fingers are crossed that he is better. I shall keep reporting the good and the bad, as I find wonderful people like you in the process.
It will all work out in the end! Don’t despair yet! Just breathe, and try to slow it all down…one step at the time…beside you have all of us in your corner!
I’m beginning to really like you, gjoelfranco! Thanks for the caring and supportive comments, they make my day!
11:11 has particular interest to me too. Thanks for liking my blog btw!
You are certainly welcome.