Publisher or Self Publish? That is the question...

I would have to say that I wasted 2 years trying to go the tradition route of getting a publisher to even email me back. Forget it. I think the best way to go about this is marry one or stalk one until you are arrested, then you may get noticed.  An agent might be a good way to go, but I didn't relish giving up 10% of all future royalties. 
With the books that I am producing, I am already paying the schools 10%, so an additional 10% was not in the equation.  My frustrations were in large part because the publishing houses would not accept a mailed copy of what we were trying to do.  Since we are publishing a tactile book (interactive, touch and feel kids book) I don't think it translated very well into to email. 
The system they use is brutal for the hoping author.  They say they will email you back in 3 to 6 MONTHS!!! (if they like it).  Wow, I would have been a lot happier with a curt "no" or "no thanks" or "you suck" than checking my empty In Box. 
I finally decided to go with self publishing.  This is not an easier if you are doing a tactile book.  I read several books about self publishing to get started. I do recommend this. I also recommend searching wikipedia for companies that specialize in the kind of books you are looking to print.  The decision was made and that is where we are today. Thank goodness we chose this route. 

Getting Let Go

On September 11, 2009, I was let go by the company that I had given my heart, time and passion to for the last 7 years.  I was the top sales agent every year except one for 7 years.  The real estate market had turned, our company had just filed chapter 11 and I was a squeaky wheel that got the proverbial grease. 

The boss man didn't like my suggestions on what we could possibly do to boost sales, so I was traded as they say in the sports world.  Nothing like sitting in a sales meeting and being asked "What can we do to help you sell".  Gee, I how mind-blowingly thoughtful! I never thought to ask for help.  Considering I was 100% commission, I truly think these jokers did not think we were motivated or smart enough to sell.  Also, nothing like a person telling you how to sell that has never been in the sales world.  Much like a scene in the movie "Office Space", it ended and there I was in the middle of semi-depression with no job. 

15 minutes after I had hugged my former master's goodbye and walked out the door, I put it all in my past and decided to dedicate myself to figuring out what it was that I wanted to do to make a living.  I set a deadline of December 1st, 2011 to have something in the works.  I even wrote the guy that let me go a "thank you" letter for the 7 great years I had on the lake with them. No reason to burn bridges or harbor grudges...