Hello Lords and Ladies . . .
February has been, how shall we say, a bit sparse, no? I apologize for my internet absence. It’s been a great month filled with new challenges and tasks surrounding the formation of my book Slaying the Debt Dragon, due out from Tyndale Momentum September 2014. Let me quickly catch you up to speed and ask for a bit of your help.
1. I won the re:write conference publishing contest back in October of 2013. Of course there’s a story behind the story that someday I will share, but let’s just say that I had no plans of actually winning when I submitted my proposal.
2. During the months of November and December I wrote the majority of the 60K word work. I stared at my laptop screen so much that it made my eye twitch and a knot form in my neck.
3. I submitted the manuscript on January 10th. After it was received, I heard nothing back for about a month.
4. I twiddled my thumbs and nervously anticipated utter rejection, complete with a note attached to the top of my marked manuscript emblazoned with the words “You STINK Lowe. Go home.”
5. I received cover work last week. It features this picture – a favorite moment from our story, the day we paid our final debt to Sallie Mae and finished the journey of paying off consumer debt. Y’all? My FACE is going to be on a book. Nutty. Side note: they took off my crown. No bigs, though yo.
6. I received an editorial plan from my editor Kim. She’s very nice. She doesn’t think I stink. In fact, she said some really nice things about the book. As a result of reading it, she tried cleaning her sink with baking soda. It worked well. Victory is mine.
7. We made a video with the help of the very talented team at Kyle Johson Productions to cast vision to the sales team.
8. I talked to Kim on the phone Monday and we hatched a plan for editing the book. I am doing some minor writing this week and next Monday we dive into the introduction and first chapter to refine the work, making it the best possible read for each and every one of you.
9. The book goes to the sales team at the beginning of March (so I guess next week).
10. I still have no clue what I’m doing but I’m having fun. Next week, I’ll be schooling myself on how to navigate mark ups and make changes within the edits that Kim sends me. It kinda makes me break into a cold sweat to think about learning a new set of technology skills.
11. If you’d like to hear more about the story behind the story of the book and specifically pray for steps along the way, sign up here. I sporadically send out the most recent updates through this newsletter. You’ve only missed a couple thus far. You can also join this Facebook group.
12. We are working on potential endorsers for the book right now. It’s a little intimidating asking others to endorse your work, especially when you’re a rookie but I’m getting bolder. I had a big yes and a big no this week so I guess I came out even. If there’s one area where I really request your prayers right now, this is it.
13. Pretty soon the cover work and description will float their way through Amazon. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know as soon as it surfaces.
14. I’m quickly beginning to adore the Tyndale Momentum team. They’re fun, helpful, and most of all all kinds of about bringing Jesus to people in need.
15. I have no idea what my life will look like this year – where I’ll go, who I’ll share our story with, what kinds of opportunities will present themselves. This simultaneously makes me want to have a panic attack and break out into the happy song.
Hope to bring you another 15 updates soon. 🙂
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free on Kindle.
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