Life Update: Poetry Book Cover Reveal!

May 2
2 min read

Normally, when I disappear for a bit, it's because life is heavy and I'm not in the space to write or create. But this time was different. I finally finished my poetry book. What's more, I have a publication date! May 29th :)

I reached a stage in my journey (as I'm sure all writers do) when I was sick of my book. Sick of talking about when it would be done. Sick of editing it. Sick of looking at the rough draft. So I had two choices: throw it in the fire (tempting as a Scorpio) or publish it. I chose the latter.

I pushed myself to set up my IngramSpark account and battled the website to finally update an approved manuscript and cover image in the correct formats, meaning there were no scary red boxes popping up. I got all the way to finalizing when I stopped, not out of fear, but because I'm broke.

I didn't realize that Ingram charges you $20-25 for revisions after approval/production. I KNEW I would need a few revisions for my first book, both inside and out. I'm currently on a pretty tight budget, and I'm super indecisive, a serial editor. Shizzle.

So I went on good old TikTok, where I get most of my quick advice these days (don't judge), and I found a loophole. I had already decided not to publish with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for various reasons. However, when you upload your book with KDP before finalizing publication details, you can save it as a draft and order a proof copy. It ended up costing me $7.03, including shipping, to get a paperback proof of my book. Totally worth it.

Here's the first look at the cover:

I have to say I'm pretty proud; I'm almost there. I have a few more edits to make to the cover and to the manuscript. Then it's another $7.03 for a final proof and peace of mind, and I'm ready to upload the finals to Ingram for good.

This process has taken me 6 years, and I'd love to share more of my poet's journey on here about writing, editing, and the publishing process. I've come so far and battled endless obstacles in pursuit of my dream. I know this is only the first step. The first book of so many.

For now, I leave you with the proof cover reveal and a note: Never give up. Never.

Till next time, dreamers