Being a publisher is a lot of work, but it is also very gratifying. My favorite is handing a copy of the book to the author for the first time. The first author I worked with was Lt. General Lawrence Snowden. I was honored to know him and to work on his memoirs with him. He had three book signings, and all three were sold out. When I showed him a proof of his book, he didn’t appear as happy as I thought he would. It was the cover. I had designed a cover that, I have to agree, left something to be desired. After consulting with the General and another member of his “A-Team,” we decided on a red background with highlights of gold (Marine colors) and a formal photo of the General in uniform. THAT he was pleased with!
For the second author I brought to print, Susan Koehler, I hired a local cover designer, a local photographer, and a local model. Susan’s reaction when I gave her the proof copy of her book, DAHLIA IN BLOOM, was like a kid in a candy store. And I can’t blame her! The cover, designed by Elizabeth Babski (Babski Creative Studios), perfectly reflects the hard-scrabble Appalachian life — and undeniable spirit — of the title character.
I am now working with Taylor Phillips to finalize the manuscript of his first book, QUEEN OF THE CLOUDS. The excitement in his eyes and voice whenever he talks about the two record-setting female pilots, Jerrie Mock and Joan Merriam Smith, will only increase when he sees the proof copy. The book is set to launch in March 2020, and I. Can’t. Wait.
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