New Book / New Busy Schedule

It's been a couple months since my last blog update, but what can I say-it's been busy. I won't bore you with too many of the details except to say that God has been good in opening doors, and giving me the opportunity to meet many great people, and minister in ways that I never have.

Just after the book released on June 1st my publisher went to work on marketing the book. They began setting up book-signings and I began setting up speaking engagements while updating my website with a calendar and marketing page. In the month of august I did 6 different book events. 2 signings, 3 Radio interviews, and 1 Speaking engagement at one of my favorite organizations; Teen Challenge.

I've been having a great time, and have met some awesome people just in the last month which leads me to question who I will have the opportunity to meet in the near future. All I know is I will continue to leave it all in the hands of the Lord, and as the Lord opens the doors, I will continue to walk on through.

I encourage you to go to my website www.joeprainito.com and check out the calendar. And what the hey-if you find yourself with nothing to do, then why not come out to a book-signing. My prayers are with you all, and may the Lord continue to bless you as you continue to be a blessing to Him.

Release Date "Climbing the End of Your Rope"

It's been nearly one year since I signed the contract with Tate Publishing and here I am at the threshold of the release date; June 1st. In the past year I've written and rewritten the book. I've edited and re-edited the book. But today I have a little over 100 books in my hands and the release date breathing down my neck whispering in my ear; "It's time to go to work, it's time to get the message out". Book signings, speaking engagements, new podcasts, radio interviews, and good old fashion word of mouth will keep me busy for the next few years, while at the same time. It's time to begin writing so I can do it all over again:)

Marketing Begins

When I wrote my first book I had this assumption that there would be a place on the bookstore shelves reserved for my work. Truth be told, I found my book in only a handful of bookstores over the past 2 years, and though this could be discouraging as I come out with my new book. It's actually a liberating feeling to know what to expect. However, my first book was with a self-publisher, and this book is with a mainstream publisher, so at least I have some help of getting this message out.

I spoke with my Marketing rep a couple weeks ago to discuss our plan of action. First we're going to do some niche marketing. That is, my publisher is going to call small businesses, bookstores, some churches, and counseling centers, to set up some speaking engagements and book signings. In the meantime I am begining to learn the art of email marketing, and planning my Book Release Party Event in later June. My books should be in my hands in a couple of weeks. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, and excited (Did I say that twice?).

Next Up...Signings!!!

Final Proof In Hand

What a long road. I've read this book what seems to be at least 20 times, and today I have to read it again. Only this time, I get to read the actual book. I was sent the final proof a couple of days ago. This is the proof that is in actual book form. They do this so that I can get a good feel for what the book is actually going to look and feel like, and I must say I like it quite a bit. The colors of the front cover is brilliant, the inside looks very professional, and there's even a bar code with the price of the book; which by the way will be on sale for $13.99. Any way I'd better get back to reading this book, they need it back in their hands by next week. More to come, until then, Lord Bless you all

Cover Design

Whew...What a week!!! It all began on Monday January 18Th. I had just emailed my manuscript to the editor the previous Friday, just making my deadline. Monday afternoon the back cover was written, and sent to me for my approval, which was all fine. But Monday evening was when my week became insane with anxiety and indigestion. I received an email at about 10:00pm from my cover designer. I was excited to see what they came up with and at the same time I remembered back two years earlier when my first books cover was designed. Though "Living and Dying Without Regrets" book cover has been praised by other authors, and readers; it was a cover that I hadn't envisioned. So when I opened up the email that evening all those feelings came back to me.

The first cover was alright. It wasn't what I would have asked for, but I didn't hate it. The second cover was all wrong. A blue tint cover with a mountain climber climbing the face of a cliff. This cover made the book look like an outdoors type of book; it's not. The third cover was different. It was a bright yellow green with bold black text, and a frayed rope. This one was my favorite, however I still didn't pick it. No, I emailed the designer and asked to go another route.

I sent them an image of me hanging on a rope about three months prior. I told them that this was an image I'd like to be on the cover. It was the image I had in my mind during the entire time of writing the book, but for some reason they didn't feel that it looked right. After going back and forth all week, and passing images and covers back and forth we finally came to a conclusion. This was a cover using my image and their colors and fonts. It's not a cover I would have ever thought of, however I really like it. It's the one with me, hanging at the the end of my rope on the bottom right. Many of you may like a one of the other original ones better, but as for my vision for the book, and knowing what's inside the cover, this cover is perfect. Next up, internal layout design.

Final Editing Deadline is Today

Well the day has come. January 15Th, the day set by my publisher as my deadline to have my manuscript back into their hands, along with my signature of approval. This has been a long couple of weeks. I received the manuscript with the deadline notice on December 31st, which so happened to be the same day that my wife and I became very ill. I read most of the book on my iPhone while lying down. Then after I finished reading it on my iPhone, I read it over again on my computer. It's been a tiring couple of weeks between being sick, taking care of my family, and working long hours. But I must admit. I think that the book has turned out great! And hopefully I made the appropriate changes so there will be no typos, or quirky errors. I'm excited to get this book into the hands of readers, but I have to hold my horses for a moment.

We've still got a long road ahead of cover design, and layout design. Then the book has to be sent to production while a release date is generated. Oh yea, and the audio book has to be recorded as well. Wow! The more I think about it, the more I realize that allot has to be done. Still I must admit, as anxious as I could get, I'm enjoying every moment. And the only thing to do while waiting for this book to be complete, is to continue writing. Until next time, have a blessed life, and live it strong for the Lord.