It was almost one year ago when I began working with FriesenPress by receiving an Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation. After several conversations with my representative for many reasons, I chose this publishing option, but specifically because of its worldwide distribution network.

We select our launch path based on choices and what we need as an author. Jackson had two rounds of formal content editing, custom interior layout with revision rounds, and premium book cover design, all with experts in their field. After three cycles back and forth, the cover became an outstanding portrayal of the main character, better than I envisioned it ever would. The bottom line has to be quality. As an author, you are driven to offer the best possible content and overall “package” to your readers.

I’ve been working with writers who have chosen different paths to publish. There are many options today. Each one has its pros and cons. Regardless of which way you go, marketing and promotion are going to fall on your lap. You have the option of hiring a publicist should you wish. I chose to take it on myself and shared our “Time to Publish” plan on my YouTube channel for 9 weeks before our launch party. Step by step, with the help of the remarkable people on the launch team and hours of dedication, we made it happen. Trust me, we had our surprises, especially when I discovered that Jackson could to not be made available for pre-release sales. One step back, two steps forward, as they say.

Every author wants their books to become bestsellers. It means countless people worldwide are reading your work, and you hope your writing is having an impact. If Jackson drives conversations about mental illness within families and between friends, my goal will come to fruition. We need each other now more than ever before.

Jackson did not become a best seller because of its content. I would love to believe it did but would be naïve in doing so. It resulted from strategic, step-by-step actions taken over months and many people's involvement along the way.

Thank you Colleen Gascoigne, Melissa Lyons, Jenn Sadai, Chelsea Stephens and Gianna Romano. This launch team certainly found ways to think outside of the box and develop a plan that could work in the midst of a pandemic. To my family and friends, I am blessed to have you in my life and never take that for granted. Finally, to each of you who are reading this, much appreciation for your support. To Yvonne Marrs, the character of Jackson could not have been possible without your insights and personal experiences. Your honesty, vulnerabilty and willingness to share what it is like to struggle with anxiety made this book possible.

Now comes the time that authors look forward to - the responses and reviews of readers. There are scenes in Jackson where you will agree or disagree with the decisions made or action taken. That’s the point. We each have our own experiences to draw upon. Let’s engage in that conversation without hesitation or fear of what others might think. Let’s listen, seek to understand, and knock down the stigma of this disease.