How I Got My Book Published--and How You Can, Too!

How I Got My Book Published—and How You Can, Too!

By Maria V. Gallagher

Author—Joyful Encounters with Mary, Mercy’s Power, Glorious Encounters with Mary, and Healing Encounters with Mary (forthcoming)

            It took me many years before I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to try my hand at writing a book.  But once I did, I never looked back.

            I have now published three books—two of which are on their second printing. A third book, as of this writing, is in the top 100 of Amazon’s Catholic Theology list. And a fourth book should be published in the next few months. My secret? Stop, look, and listen!

            Stop. I stopped making excuses. Excuses like “I don’t have the time…” “I don’t have the energy…” “I don’t have the luck…” I stopped second-guessing myself and placed my faith in my training as a journalist and my two degrees in journalism. I stopped making apologies for wanting to be an author. I stopped being my own worst enemy.

            Look. I looked into writer’s groups and became a member. I met and networked with authors I admired. I looked at titles in my genre and studied them cover to cover. I looked for opportunities to hone my writing craft by publishing articles online. I looked at myself and did a realistic assessment of what I had to offer potential readers.

            Listen. I listened to talks by established authors. I listened to writing coaches for their best advice—and then followed it. I listened to online writing conferences and learned from the best and the brightest. Most importantly, I listened to my gut and what it was telling me about the writing market.

            I would not say that it is easy to publish a book, but it is doable, if you possess excellent writing skills, an interest in marketing your work, and a willingness to work collaboratively with a top-notch editor. Success may not come overnight, but it can come in time—especially if you are devoted to your craft. That devotion can come in the form not only of writing every day, but developing a presence on social media, perfecting the art of writing a book proposal, and being attuned to trends in the publishing industry.

            When I was just a few years out of college, I told a friend that I could see myself retiring to Ireland to write books. While I have visited the Emerald Isle, I am not planning on moving there anytime soon. But I do have the books to prove that dreams really can come true.

            As a certified life coach, I would love to assist you in finding your voice as a published author. I believe in giving back—especially when it comes to the writing world. Whether your genre is cozy mysteries, spiritual works, or page-turning thrillers, I can help you discover ways to make your publishing goals a reality.

            Reach out to me at mariaevitale@comcast.net or via my website at www.MariaVGallagher.com . Let's have a complimentary discovery call-- by phone or by Zoom--and see where the conversation leads!