Virtual Book Tour – I’ll Do It Myself, Glenda Watson-Hyatt

Today I’m delighted to welcome Glenda Watson-Hyatt, author of ‘I’ll Do It Myself’, on her virtual book tour. I had the pleasure of interviewing Glenda about her recently published book and virtual book tour.

This is your first book, isn’t it? One of many I understand! Can you tell me what it’s about and what inspired you to write it?

[Glenda laughs] My husband Darrell knows I will write at least five books, but he doesn’t know what the others will be about. I don’t have a clue either! But I’m sure there will a couple more books at some point in the future.Â

In I’ll Do It Myself (http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/ill-do-it-myself-the-book/), I intimately share my life with cerebral palsy to show others that cerebral palsy isn’t death sentence, but rather a life sentence. Of course, there are frustrating, hurtful and tough times, but there is so much more than just my disability, or what others perceive to be my disability. There is so much more that I can do!

When I was about ten years old, I read a few autobiographies by people with disabilities that left an impression. It was one thing to have my parents, teachers and therapists tell me to try and that I could accomplish anything I wanted to, if I worked hard enough. It was something else to read these autobiographies, to see how they dealt with obstacles and to learn what they were able to accomplish despite their disabilities. I decided one day I would write my own autobiography to share what is possible despite cerebral palsy.Â
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What was the single biggest challenge you faced in getting your book published?
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My biggest challenge was deciding whether to self-publish or to go with a traditional publisher. I was really torn on which way to go; each has its benefits. A traditional publisher would give me more credibility as an author and would be less financially risky, while self-publishing would give me complete control in how my story is told. Finding a publisher is a job in itself and can take years. But one amazing thing that happened was a small, American publisher contacted me and offered me a book deal! It was so tempting! What new, unknown author wouldn’t take it? I was very excited and nearly signed.Â

However, when I calmed down and thought the deal through, I realized there was a detail to my dream that was important to me: to have my book in Library and Archives Canada as a part of Canada’s preserved heritage. From my understanding, that entitlement is available to publications only published in Canada. I would give up that entitlement if I went with an American publisher. Also, doing the number crunching, I realized that, even more financially risky initially, there is potentially of making way more money by self-publishing.Â

I took a leap of faith and self-published. It is way more work this way, but I am learning so much more, which is an important part of the journey. And it feels so good to be in total control of my book, my baby. Last week I received official notification that I’ll Do It Myself is deposited in Library and Archives Canada. Now that I have left my mark on Canadian heritage, I am open to American publishers offering the coveted six-figure book deal!

A virtual book tour is a great way to promote your book – where did you get the idea for it?

Last October, I came across a post on the Church of the Customer blog (http://www.churchofthecustomer.com/blog/2006/10/help_us_plan_ou.html) in which Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba asked readers to help plan their upcoming book tour called “40 Talks in 40 Days”. Their goal was to “visit 40 companies, association chapters, member groups or what-have-you anywhere in North America to deliver a 60-minute, informative keynote presentation” from February 5th until March 30th, 2007 (that’s 40 business days).Â

The idea appealed to me, however, having just returned from holidays and then from an out-of-town meeting, I was not eager to face forty more airport security thorough pat-downs. Then it hit me: I could visit forty blogs instead. A book tour without lugging around heavy book boxes and without the jetlag sounded good to me!Â

Upon further research, I discovered virtual book tours are the latest trend in high-tech book promotion. Even publishing house HarperCollins is catching on (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/2/prweb503469.htm).
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40 blogs in 40 (business) days – that’s a lot of interviews! You’ve blogged all over the world, haven’t you?

Had I known then what I know now, I may not have been quite as ambitious by saying 40Â blogs in 40 business days!

So far on this tour, I have been to Australia, Canada and all over the United States. With five weeks still to go, who knows where all I will visit. My current schedule (http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/glendas-schedule-and-appearances/) shows which dates are still available if your readers are interested in having me visit their blogs.Â
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How did you go about organizing your book tour?

Organizing? I am flying by the seat of my pants on this adventure! I’ve quickly learned that these tours take a lot more prep work and planning than I thought. But it is just adding to the fun. And response so far has been amazing. I sense things are about to really take off!

And, if you agree, I would like to do a follow-up interview with you at the end of your book tour, which talks about how your book tour went and what you’d do differently next time etc.

That would be awesome, Tracey, thank you! And thanks so much for hosting today’s appearance of my virtual book tour. It has been fun!

Thank you so much to you too Glenda. It’s been great having your here today and finding out all about your book and virtual book tour. I’m looking forward to checking back in with you once the tour’s over.