What Was I Thinking and What Do I Do Now?
That is a phrase I’ve uttered multiple times a day in the past year, sometimes while laughing, sometimes while crying. Why did I decide to give up my career of 30 years and a steady income to start an indie publishing company? What did I know about publishing?
The truth is, I knew nothing. Following the advice of my favorite superhero, The Tick, I decided to, “Leap before you look!” That’s arguably not always the best advice. However, in this case, I’m glad I followed it. If you’re standing at the top of a cliff about to jump into the water below you, it’s much easier to take that leap if you don’t see how far you have to fall before you make a splash.
I jumped in and I learned that publishing is hard work. Plain and simple, it is hard work. I thought I was better prepared. I’d read books on publishing and all the articles I could find. There were so many articles talking about the “6 steps of publishing,” or “How to publish your book in just 10 easy steps.” Lies. There’s nothing easy about it. If there were only 6-10 steps I’d be sleeping a lot better than I currently am. They leave out the steps within the steps. The information is out there, but it can be overwhelming and often contradicting. You feel lost in a whirlwind of phrases and abbreviations you’ve never heard before. CMOS, LCCN, POD, ARC…….What did they mean? So I read more, asked more questions, and slept less.
Then I seriously went back to my question, “What was I thinking?” I was thinking of my love of books and my love of magic and that all I’ve ever really wanted was to be surrounded by both. I started Auguries and Alchemy Publishing because I didn’t want to wake up one day when it’s too late and wish I’d had chosen a different path. I wanted to try for what we all want, to live the life I had dreamed of when I was a child. I had been working on my own project and my friend had just written an incredible story. I wanted to help her put it out into the world. I wanted to help put as many magical stories out into the world as I could. It’s something I’m passionate about and that passion was lacking in every other job I’ve had.
This is also the hardest job I’ve ever had. It isn’t for those who like to put in their 8 hours and forget about it until tomorrow. Not to be dramatic, but you’re responsible for handling a piece of someone’s soul. That’s not a task to be taken lightly. You’ll be thinking about it around the clock. You better get it right.
It is also not for people who like smooth sailing. There will be little to none of that, at least in the beginning. I’ll write another article after I have a few more books under my belt and let you know how the ship is sailing. For the time being, I’m learning to embrace the chaos, even appreciate it at times. There is no learning without it, no growth. If everything goes as planned the first time around, you’re missing so many learning opportunities. Learning about the business, yes, but also learning about yourself. Throw yourself into an unfamiliar situation where all of your money and someone else’s livelihood are on the line and you will learn what you need to learn. You will also learn who you are and what you’re made of. Peace and harmony are great for a Sunday afternoon, but chaos is where the good stuff happens.
I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone in so many aspects. I was an expert in my field in my last career as a hair replacement specialist. I have gone from expert to novice overnight and I highly recommend it. Much of my approach to work has had to be adapted for my new career, but there’s one thing in particular I feel has been helpful in the transition and that is calm communication. In the middle of the chaos, if you can take a breath, ask the right questions, and listen you’ll get back on track.
To answer my other question, What do I do now? I wrap up this article and get back to work. Because as hard and stressful as this is, the answer to my first question remains true. I want to be surrounded by books and magic and I can make that happen.
By the way, Chicago Manual of Style, Library of Congress Control Number, Print on Demand, and Advanced Reader Copy. But you already knew that, didn’t you?
About Pamona Hamm
Pamona is the owner and founder of Auguries and Alchemy. She recently left a long, stable career in the hair replacement industry to live a life more in tune with her soul. Pamona is dedicated to the success of Auguries and Alchemy and will work hard to ensure your success as well. Pamona is a professional Lenormand reader, lover of tarot and bird divination, a writer and a dancer. She has created the Auguries Bird Oracle deck, which is coming soon.
Pamona also practices dance divination. She founded Bewitched Bellydance, an elemental fusion dance form that shows you how to connect to the energy of the elements and use dance in magical practice and divination. Together with her small, passionately dedicated staff, she has created a warm, welcoming environment for magical practitioners, writers, artists, diviners, and creators to get the support they need to share their gifts with the world.