Get It Write Publishing ~ An Amazing Year

 

This was an amazing year for building my business, Get It Write Publishing Company (formerly Get It Write Editing Co.) but also tiring. Not tiring just because of the workload but because of so many other things that happened (negatively) this year.

In seeing comments and hearing things from people throughout the year, I gathered that some people think what I do is easy. It’s not. It’s hard work. It’s “blood, sweat, and tears.”

This is the process once my client emails me their manuscript:

The manuscript gets edited and then sent back to the client. After the client reviews the edits and sends it back, it’s then proofread. After the proofreading comes the book formatting.

Seems easy and fast, right? Nope. Editing takes time, and proofreading takes time. Me and my team go through the manuscript with a fine-tooth comb. And don’t get me started on formatting!!

The client gets a cover design and sends it to me, and then I download the proper template to put the cover into. I then need to create the files for uploading (for the hardcopy version and eBook version). Then the files are uploaded to the platform used for publishing and are in review before it is published “live” on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

Reading all of that may seem simple to you, but it’s not. It’s a lot of coordination and back-and-forth with the client. It’s frustration over page numbering. It’s hair-pulling when the platform comes back saying the cover is slightly out of margins or fonts are embedded. 

You may be thinking, Ok, why don’t you make sure all of that is in place before uploading to the platform for publishing? Oh, but I do. KDP and IngramSpark do what they want and are very fussy. When I think everything is perfect… they come back and tell me something is wrong.

In the meantime, my graphic designer and I are working on the cover reveal graphics for social media.

So yes. Blood, sweat, tears. Long hours. Late nights. Little sleep. The mind is racing.

Does it sound like I’m complaining? I’m not. Not at all. I LOVE what I do, and I have a great team behind me. This year, however, since I was just getting the company off the ground, I did most of the work, so I’m tired, to say the least. But the feeling of seeing a happy client and getting their book published is like no other. I can’t even put it into words. I look at the book and think, I did that. Yes, the author wrote the book, but I made this happen!

How does the company work as far as royalties? We don’t take your royalties. You keep 100% of your rights and royalties. Well, why wouldn’t you just self-publish? Because you have a better chance at getting your book into bookstores if you have the publishing imprint AND we do all the work for a one-time fee. When you self-publish, you still have to hire someone to edit and proof and format (if you don’t know how to properly format). Then there is the self-publishing process, which can be absolutely bonkers, and you may end up having to hire someone to help you or upload the files for you anyway!

Oh, you’re an editor or you have a friend who can proofread? Great. But you shouldn’t do the final editing/proofreading of your own work because you’re not going to see the book through a pair of eyes that will catch things you may not have or plot holes, etc. And unless your friend is a professional proofreader…forget it. Trust me. I’ve had clients who have sent me books to edit or proof that they already hired someone to edit or proof (and claimed to be a professional) but clearly they weren’t.

Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect… not even me! There are so many best sellers out there that have many mistakes. BUT! We at Get It Write Publishing strive to give your book our best. And we are professionals.

So, our one-time fee is totally worth it to you. Plus, we include marketing and helping your book get into your local bookstores.

If you are writing a book or thinking or writing one and would like a publisher, feel free to contact me at mlopataeditor@gmail.com or you can visit our website at www.getitwritepublishing.company and I can give you a quote. Remember, it’s a process, so your book won’t be published in two weeks—or maybe three or four, depending on the size of your book. But the wait is so worth it. Ask any of my clients!

Speaking of clients, here is a list of my 2023 clients and the books published through Get It Write:

JD Miller: Learning to Moo

Connie Tate: Roll On, Scooter Boy, Sylvester’s CAT-astrophicTale, Rooster 99, Rooster 99 Activity Book

A.R. Johnson: Bee Friend, A PamOc Christmas Carol, The Book ofJudas (What If?)

Robert Paul: Worry Free Zone (Unveiling the Warrior Within)

Thanks to our readers and supporters through the year. We appreciate you!

Introducing... Bobby Paul, New Author!!

So, there’s this guy named Bobby, who was a year behind me in school. I knew him, but we were in different social circles and not in the same grade, so we didn’t hang out. But he was nice (I knew that) and would say "hi" if someone said "hi" to him (which I'm sure I did in passing). I also knew he was a “class clown” (a funny guy, really). Years and years later (I won’t age him or myself by saying how many years later!) we connected on Facebook, and then I connected with his amazing wife, Heather (who also went to the same school as me but in a different grade). She’s the nicest person and purchases my books at book signings. So, we also became Facebook friends.

Then there’s one of my best friends, someone I’ve known for a LONG time because we went to school together and hung out and we chat on FB messenger nearly every day. Her name is Susan. Susan is also a friend of Bobby’s, and she found out he was writing a book, so guess what she did? She referred him to ME because I am an editor and have a publishing company, Get It Write Publishing Company.

Bobby messaged me, and the rest is history!

His book is called Worry Free Zone, Unveiling the Warrior Within. See, Bobby had leukemia and he fought a hard battle… but he WON that battle. His support network and, first and foremost, God, were with him during the battle. His book is dedicated to his daughter, Lia, who is a sweet girl (and also funny like her daddy!). When I edited and proofed this book, I felt so many emotions. One was nostalgia because I grew up in the same small town that Bobby did and knew almost the same people, so when he mentioned places or people, it brought back memories of high school. I also laughed (hey, he’s a funny guy) and teared up—not just the parts about him being sick.

This is definitely a book you’ll want to read. It’s a true story that Bobby tells about his life, growing up in a small town, and the battle he fought and won. You can download it from Amazon or order a hard copy. Please leave this amazing new author a positive Amazon and Goodreads review!

Excerpt from the book: 

Never, ever take anything you have in your life for  granted, because trust me, even those small things in your life are a blessing. What you consider a convenience, others would consider a luxury. Fresh air, hot showers, warm meals, and clothing are all luxuries. There are far too many people in this world who are not fortunate enough to experience them. If you are fortunate enough to experience the luxuries of life, try to help those who are not so fortunate.

**We are offering a FREE eBook promotion Monday, Dec 18^th to 

Wednesday, Dec 20^th!

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New Book for Christmas!

A.R. Johnson has done it again! His fourth book has just been published... and in time for Christmas! 

The book is based off the popular story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and is titled A PamOc Christmas Carol. It follows Dickens’ story with changed names and much humor. He came up with the idea while at work, and he and a coworker were joking about who would be in it. Johnson ended up using several coworkers in the book, only changing their names. He originally planned on only publishing to give printed copies to his co-workers as a joke. However, his publisher, Melanie (Get It Write Publishing Company), encouraged him to make it public so all could enjoy it.

Amazon Blurb: Ebenezer Elms is the meanest and cheapest man in Rosconia. He overworks his two employees, Zach and A.J. Cratchit, to exhaustion for meager shillings. This is the norm until Ebenezer Elms gets a Christmas Eve visit from an old, deceased friend and three ghosts from his past, present, and future. Their job is to convince him to change for the better, but he's too blind to realize it. Will Ebenezer Elms change his ways? Or will it be too late?

This book and Johnson's others can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. Please leave a positive review on Amazon. You can follow A.R. Johnson on Amazon as well as Facebook and Instagram for updates on new releases.

Please STOP

One of my pet peeves is when someone drives through a red light. It’s not that the light changes and they are already going through it. It’s when the light turns red, and you can count to three and someone STILL drives through it… long after it turns red. The worst part is that it’s usually HUGE TRUCKS going through the light!!

I do not understand why people think this is okay. It's irresponsible and careless and could kill someone. Wait your turn, people! If the light is yellow when you're going through, fine. But if you actually see that it is red, stop. The people on the other side may not be as cautious as I am. If you’re waiting at a red light, it is worth waiting two or three extra seconds after the light turns green before moving if you want to save yourself and others from a car crash.

I learned from my mother years ago to always count to three after your light turns green before you drive, just in case someone is going to run the red light. Thank goodness I do that. I can’t tell you how many times I would have gotten in an accident (probably killed) if I hadn’t waited a few seconds. People drive well over the speed limit to make sure they get through that light… red or not!

Is it really worth running a red light if you end up getting into an accident? Ask yourself that before you run a red light. And think about your own family/friends as well. You’d be angry if something bad happened to them if someone else ran a red light and caused an accident. 

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Artificial Intelligence: My Opinion

 

Love me or hate me, but this is my opinion. As a published author and a professional editor, I will tell you my honest opinion about AI.

I hate it.

HATE IT.

I don’t like cashing myself out at Walmart, Hannaford, Kohls, or anywhere else. I don’t like machines doing the work of a human to “make things easier.” I do not want computers to take over the world. I don’t even like Alexa. I think it’s a terrible joke, to be honest.

I digress.

So many people are “ga-ga” over AI. Ummmm…ok. You want AI to take over YOUR job? Because I don’t! Let’s talk editing. I believe a human being should edit your work (whether it be books, school papers, or business documents). Computers cannot catch everything and definitely won’t do it properly. Do you think QuillBot or Grammarly can catch missing quotations or mistakes in a plot? Do you think they follow the Chicago Manual of Style? Nope. No way.

Do you think a human being editor is 100% perfect? No. Do we make errors or miss errors? Yep. But we’re expected to. Using computer software for things like that SHOULD be error-free. Am I wrong?

Moving on to writing. I’m a published author and a blogger. I can safely say that not only do I not use AI or any other software to edit, I also do not use it to write. I use my brain. My talent. My gift, if you will. A recent client of mine assured me her book would be so much better written because she used AI this time. Guess what? It wasn’t. In fact, it was worse!! It took me longer to edit because of all the mistakes. Hire a ghostwriter if you can’t write. Sheesh.

I, for one, don’t want AI or anything like it to take over my clients and potential clients. I make a living with my published books and my editing and publishing business. And I take pride in all of that. So please think twice before you spend money on something that isn’t intelligent enough to do the job you need it to and instead support people with real skill, education, experience, and know-how.

Don’t even get me started on AI for illustrations. I wouldn’t want AI taking MY own children’s book illustrations or photos for someone else’s work. Would you?

Tell me your thoughts on AI in the comments.

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Another Day at Walmart

I was in the parking lot at Walmart and stopped walking to adjust my sneaker. I did it right behind a car (there were no brake lights on, and the car didn’t seem to be running), and they started to back up!! I BARELY escaped being bumped by the car by jumping out of the way (thank God for excellent peripheral vision), but how mortifying. The driver didn’t get out to check on me, which was fine. Not like they bumped me or anything. I simply waved, and the driver had a funny look on his face. I kept walking. So embarrassing.

It gets better.

Inside the store, I was trying to get out of someone’s way in the card aisle and proceeded to get my foot stuck under the wheel of my cart. So, of course, as I was about to fall on my face, I reached out and grabbed the first thing I could, which happened to be someone else’s cart as they were walking away! Ugh. I didn’t fall on my face but nearly to my knees. I managed to catch myself and do a little jump-jig then laughed OUT LOUD, saying, “Whew, walk much?” A few heads turned, but no one seemed amused. Geesh. Tough crowd.

Anyhoo, it was an interesting day at Walmart, to say the least.

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The DUMBEST "Scary" Movie

 **This is my personal opinion....

SPOILER ALERT!!!!

For years, I have wanted to see the movie, “The Boy” but had no one to watch with me. (My husband isn’t into “scary” movies). Finally, this year on Halloween, I had someone to watch with me. My dad, who was visiting from AZ. Halloween would be a perfect night to watch it, don’t you think?

We settled in, turned off the lights, and pressed the PLAY button.

Oh.

My.

Goodness.

It was almost as bad as “TheVillage” (I actually laughed through most of that one).

The movie STUNK. It WOULD have been good if the doll was actually possessed by the boy. But that wasn’t the case. Here are my thoughts on this “scary” movie (also, don’t waste your time!).

1.  When the young woman showed up at the house, and the couple held out a doll, telling her she’d be taking care of it, she laughed. I would have too! Then I’d turn around and leave. She didn’t. How stupid. Your life is THAT bad that you need to stay and be a nanny to a DOLL??

2.  She ends up staying, and the parents leave. Fine. But they left a list of RULES and, of course, she doesn’t follow them. You’re getting paid to take care of a DOLL, for crying out loud. Follow the darn rules!!

3.  The parents killed themselves (they left a letter for the nanny, giving her the house and “the boy”) because they thought their dead son was possessing a doll. Guess what? HE WASN’T DEAD!! THAT is the dumbest part. Turns out, the kid killed a little girl when he was like 8 (?) then burned the house down or something like that. Don’t remember. It was too dumb. The kid hides out in the walls (or passageways?) of the house his entire life.

So yeah. Would have been better if the doll really was possessed. The movie, in my opinion, could have been much better.

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Missing Hitch

 

My husband and I had to say goodbye last week to our spoiled and protective dog, Hitch. We had three dogs and had to say goodbye to Luke in March. Then Hitch had a cancerous tumor removed, but it came back… with a vengeance.

Hitch was twelve years old. We adopted him when he was four. His story is actually quite amazing. When Hitch was young, before we got him, he lived in Georgia. Someone found him on the side of the highway one day. He had been hit by a vehicle and left for dead. The wonderful animal hospital in GA performed surgery on his leg and he still has the scar today. He spent a month in that hospital. They named him “Hitch” because he was found on the highway… like a hitchhiker.

He was then adopted by a man who adored him, and they later moved to NJ then to NY. Unfortunately, circumstances caused the man to give Hitch up. He just couldn’t take care of him. So, my local animal rescue group, Pause 4 All Paws, contacted me and I said we’d foster him. Of course, we fell in love with him and ended up adopting him. The funny and great thing is that a friend of mine who was a huge part of the P4AP group was Hitch’s grandma! It was her son who couldn’t take care of him anymore. So, she was able to visit him since she lives in the same town as we do.

Hitch became very spoiled with us and super (over)protective of me and the household. He loved to bark at our mailmen (and any trucks that drove by). He was very empathetic. He knew when someone – or one of his brothers – was in pain. He was snuggly and loveable. He was one of my best friends.

Hitch is also one of the stars of my children’s chapter book series, The Border Buddies. 

I told him to greet his brother, Luke, when he crossed the rainbow bridge. I also told him that the first thing I’m going to do when I get to Heaven is call for him and his brothers.

I miss him like crazy, and my heart hurts. But he had a WONDERFUL life with us, and I know he’s no longer in pain.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

Have you ever been in a bookstore or library trying to find a good book to read, and you read the book jacket to see what the book is about? I am sure many of you have. I was doing that the other day at my local library as I was searching for a good read to bring home. I chose one particular book off the shelf and read the summary of the book, but it was way more than a synopsis. The description basically gave the whole story away! What is the point of me reading it now? I basically know everything that is going to happen! 

How about when you choose a book because the description on the jacket makes it sound like a really interesting, captivating story? However, you just can’t get into it because it is actually a snoozer. Boring. Maybe you keep trying and tell yourself, “Let me just get to chapter---” so you can really give the book a chance. When you get to that spot, though, it's still boring as heck. That was time you will never get back.

So, I guess we really can’t judge a book by its cover, because sometimes that information can be very deceiving. Maybe next time you find a title that interests you, read some reviews first. Or take a chance. Or maybe don’t read anything beforehand at all. Then you won't be disappointed! 

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Where Is The B?????

Supposedly.

SU-PPOS-ED-LY

See that word? Do you see the letter B in that word? No? Oh! That’s because THERE ISN’T!!

So why do people say “supposeBly?” Actually, I think it’s more like “supposeUBLY.” Who knows. It’s dumb. I’m sorry, but it is. There is absolutely NO excuse for putting a B in that word…BECAUSE THERE ISN’T ONE!

I’m not being mean; I promise. That’s not my intention. My intention is to bring it to everyone’s attention that the B does not exist in the word SUPPOSEDLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, B smart, people, and pronounce it correctly!!

Don’t even get me started on “liberry.” 

I Shouldn't Leave The House

 

I seem to often get into predicaments when I leave my house. Yesterday was no exception.

I was leaving Walmart, and I could see a car coming in my peripheral vision, so I turned my head to look. I didn’t want to get hit while I was still walking, after all. I didn’t get hit by the car, but I did walk into a pole that I didn’t see. Because I wasn’t looking where I was going. Love that for me.

Then, after my next stop, I made it back to my car, but I did not make it to the seat. Because I missed the seat and sat on the little part of the car next to the seat. That was fun. I wonder how many people saw that mishap.

So nope, you literally cannot take me anywhere. Most of my mishaps somehow seem to involve me walking into things or just falling in general. You’d think I would eventually get it together. I'm almost afraid to ask, “What’s next?” 

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Let's Talk About Facebook

 

I know social media can be frustrating (among other things), but I believe it can be a positive experience if used correctly. I think it’s great for businesses, authors, bloggers, realtors, etc., but also for people looking to connect with friends and family they don’t see often. I use a few different platforms, but today I am going to talk about Facebook.

I’ve heard this a lot through the years: “Ugh, Facebook sucks” or “I hate Facebook.” Yeah, it can be frustrating for sure. However… it is a good platform to use.

Facebook has been an amazing source for me to keep in touch with friends and family and reconnect with those I went to school with or used to work with. I love watching my friends' and family members' children grow up—school pictures, sports pictures, events, etc. I love that I am still close with many of my former classmates from school.

Facebook is also great for finding local events or creating your own. A group I follow called 315 Foodies had an event this past weekend that my husband and I attended with friends of ours. Several people I went to school with were there, and it was great to reconnect in person.

I’m also in many groups where I can promote my published books and my publishing business, Get It Write Publishing. In fact, I got my very first editing job through Facebook. I have a FB page for my books/blogs (click here to visit) and my publishing business (click here). FB is a great place for authors to set up a page and promote their books.

So, you see? If used properly, Facebook can really be a good social media platform.

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Monday Funday

I don’t sleep much as it is, having developed insomnia in the last month, plus taking care of elderly dogs and one who has cancer. Last night took the cake. I actually fell asleep right away when I went to bed, which is unusual, but I woke up at three in the morning to someone shouting outside. It was a male, and he was yelling, but it didn’t look like he was on the phone, and there was nobody else with him.

I laid down and tried to fall back asleep, and soon it was quiet. Just as I started falling back asleep, I heard yelling again, this time from him and a female. They yelled at each other at the top of their lungs for about 10 minutes, along with him grabbing her and chasing her when she pulled out of his grasp, and it was just really ridiculous. Who does this at three in the morning? And who does it outside? If you’re going to fight, do it in the privacy of your own home.

Anyway, the police showed up at one point, but of course the couple had gone inside by then. I tried to get back to sleep, but as I lay there, I heard the cats running around and playing with each other, and it was really loud. Given that I had very little sleep, I started laughing. And then I couldn’t stop. I think at that point I was just overtired. Or close to losing my marbles.

Later, I took the dogs for a walk, and while walking, I felt something at the bottom of my leg inside my pants. I shook my foot a little and out came a pair of my UNDERWEAR!!!!!

Yep. Must’ve gotten stuck in there during the wash and just happened to come out while I was IN PUBLIC!! See my Instagram or YouTube for the telling (not showing).

All in all, it’s been quite the MONDAY!! The good that came from today? I made boiled peas and potatoes and did not burn them!! WIN!!

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Skip It!!!

 

You know when you just want to view a recipe online and you click on the link (from Pinterest or Facebook or whatever) and it takes you to a website or blog and you have to read several pages before actually getting the recipe? It drives me crazy. Like, I don't want your life story; I just want the recipe! Why can't anyone give just a brief description and then post the recipe?

Same with YouTube videos on “how-to’s.” I don't need your life story or a huge intro. Just tell me HOW! You would think that with the modern, fast-paced world and people being busy a lot, they would make it convenient for others. Plus, who would be interested in someone’s life story when looking for a recipe?! They can read or watch that in their biography section. You know what I mean?

So, there I was, the other day, searching on Pinterest for a particular recipe, and once it redirected me to the website, I accidentally clicked on a link included in their “introduction”... Two hours later, I’ve subscribed to twenty cooking blogs, and I’m making a casserole dish that ends up burning in the oven when I sit back down to read more and forget to set the timer. Oops!

...I’ll have to try the non-bake option next time.

What do you guys think? Are you sick of long introductions and irrelevant content, or does that interest you? Me, either. Let me go check my email now to see if anyone’s posted any other interesting recipes...

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Working From Home Confession #6: Sometimes I ...

 ...spin in my chair!!

C’mon, who doesn’t? I will bet anyone who has ever sat in a chair with wheels has spun around in it—at least once. Even executives. How can you not? It’s fun. It’s also somewhat calming. Just spin around slowly, and you’ll see.

 

Sometimes, while I’m thinking, I will slowly spin in my chair. Other times, I get restless and move the chair away from the wall and spin around fast and/or wheel myself around (which isn’t difficult where my desk is because the floor slants and it’s wood!!).

 

So yeah…sometimes I spin in my chair.

Do you have a chair with wheels? Have you ever spun in one?