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Kristin Offiler's avatar

Wonderful interview! I love hearing the ins and outs of the publishing journey for other authors. I’m so excited for Alex’s book to debut and reach its readers!

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Heather Garbo, Book Coach's avatar

Thank you...I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And totally agree about Alex's book...it's a fantastic read for sure.

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Elizabeth Kaye Cook's avatar

This book sounds so fun! I've put it on my list. And thank you for the shout-out! :-)

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Heather Garbo, Book Coach's avatar

I'm so glad! And thank you for the great article on small press books...I was really thrilled to see it after dealing with distribution struggles as a small press. I think both small presses and distribution are two of the least understood aspects of the industry, so it's fantastic to see this peek into how they intersect!

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Elizabeth Kaye Cook's avatar

What/who did you end up going with for distro?

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Heather Garbo, Book Coach's avatar

We were working toward SPD, but it closed before we could apply. (Which was lucky I guess!) We had a couple of hyperlocal titles sold through the local indie bookstores, and a couple available nationally through IngramSpark’s program while we worked on finding a distributor. When a few more wrenches in funding led us to the decision to publish our final title, we were able to partner to co-publish it with another small press with distribution through NBN. Before that I had worked on the editorial and marketing sides, so it was an eye-opening experience. Personally I enjoy working with writers on the story development process so much more!

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Marilyn Petrokubi's avatar

I considered joining a cult once, eastern in thought, complete with satsang (devotional activities), meditation, yoga, and a lot of sitting criss-cross applesauce. Ultimately I couldn't see tithing 10 percent of my income for the opportunity to worship a 17-year-old spiritual leader with a fleet of limos, and so, I split after a few months.

I'm guessing your cult, Alexandria, is different, but your interview reminded me of the days I was searching for nirvana in Brooklyn, NY. Thanks.

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Heather Garbo, Book Coach's avatar

Wow...that feels particularly devious to use such helpful tools like meditation and yoga in that manner. Glad you sidestepped that!

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Marilyn Petrokubi's avatar

Well don't forget the whole meditation/yoga trend didn't come from LA, as some would believe. It came from eastern religions, and it was brought to western society by gurus (teachers). Some good, some less so.

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Alexandria Faulkenbury's avatar

Wow, thanks for sharing your experience, Marilyn! There are so many cults out there. I definitely read a lot of books and memoirs on different cults and their various styles and iterations when creating the cult at the center of this story. I think, as you mentioned, that money is often a deciding factor in people leaving. Thanks again for sharing. I am always fascinated by stories of these kinds of encounters. Glad you were able to get out early!

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Marilyn Petrokubi's avatar

Me too. I was young then and impressionable. But I was smart to get out.

Looking forward to reading your book (I think!)

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Alexandria Faulkenbury's avatar

Very smart! Thanks for reading the book! I think (hope!) you'll enjoy it😊

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Michelle Marie McGrath✨🌿's avatar

Always so interesting to read these 'how I got my publisher/agent' stories, thank you both.

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Heather Garbo, Book Coach's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it!

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Alexandria Faulkenbury's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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Alexandria Faulkenbury's avatar

Thanks so much for the interview! I really enjoyed it! 😊

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Heather Garbo, Book Coach's avatar

Thank YOU for sharing all of this helpful info with your fellow writers and aspiring authors!

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