"It was a lovely read!"

Those were the words of Debbie Falcone, editor. She has a background in editing and writing for golf through Legendary Publishing and Media Group, Wellington, Florida. I was nervous about sending my manuscript to a real editor, yet I was eager to get her feedback. I needed to know how my vision might be received. I'm an artist. I needed to know if I could communicate via the written word. She said,"I very much enjoyed the way you paired the artist's view with the golfer's view, and I think it's a compelling angle for a book." Her words were a comforting confirmation. But, clearly I must have missed an elementary school class in punctuation! It didn't take Deb long to straighten things out and provide other thoughtful suggestions, some of which I incorporated into the final text, others not. More and more I began to realize that choosing to publish my book myself may have not have been a bad idea after all!

Everyone everywhere was beginning to realize the effects of Co-Vid 19. Our world was shutting down. I contemplated shelving my book at this point. I'd come so far and could begin to see the finish line. I decided to cautiously move forward step-by-step. If I could not publish now at least I would have inched closer. I'd spent a lot of time producing layout concepts on antiquated software. I did two, a coffee table size and a smaller version that would potentially be softcover. I wanted to determine how my visuals and copy would flow and how many pages each version would be required. I really didn't want to have to edit a lot. In the end, I had to add content to fill a few additional pages after adding things, the required title page, for example. I needed to add another painting on the page opposite the Forward.

I was also introduced to Susan Balle by Larry Hasak, Creative Director at Legendary. I was an advertising design major at Syracuse University School of Art. I also owned a small boutique ad agency back in the day. Clearly things had changed from when I designed for publication, by hand, on a drafting table! The current graphics and publishing world could not exist without computer generated everything. The software used now was something I'd never heard of. Sue not only brought my layout vision to reality, but she is masterful in its use, not to mention quick!

Through something called WeTransfer I had layouts back quickly and from the beginning I knew that Sue had a good grasp of how I wanted to present my paintings. Larry had told me she was a master of typography. I let her have at it. I wanted a contemporary graphic look that was also timeless. My creative burden was lifted and left to those who have a contemporary eye and the tools to make it all happen. Under Larry's guidance Sue brought my book to life.

Larry has command of the current creative and printing world and the technical expertise to "talk printing" with those best to produce a high quality product. I remember how amazed I was when the printing quotes arrived. Line by line there were specifications that I'd not even thought of let alone would know enough to ask. In the end, the decision was mine to select the printer.

I selected Friesens, long time craftsmen in Canada. I hated to take business across the border, but I liked what I saw and I got the advantage of the exchange rate too. Very quickly, Friesens began working with Sue to test the files she sent. With minor adjustments to the cover inset, we were ready. Things started happening quickly. I had to select the cover fabric, the color foil for the title imprint, and something called a headband, which hides and finished the bindery glue. Proofs arrived for me to check, some via e-mail and others via FedEx. I could now see my book other than on a computer monitor. This was fun.

My book was now in various stages of production in Canada. Then, a glitch. There was a breakdown of equipment in the bindery. Everything was on hold until it could be repaired. This required parts and labor, both not easy to navigate in a CoVid environment. I had been planning a 4th of July celebration like no other when my books were delivered on July 3rd. This was delayed until July 14. Patience was not easy to find. I'd come so far. After two years I would have to wait another two weeks. What do you mean Santa is not coming!