The proof copy of The Riding Holiday centre Handbook arrived this morning. Here it is, not yet heavily fingered. But it will be thumbed throughout as I check the text one last time. There's always that last typo...
I am excited. In fact quite thrilled. After three years of work the result is here, tangible, weighty, there to pick up and flick through just whenever I feel like doing so. My ego feels a little more polished than a few days ago.
There is a sense of closure in all this too. I have recorded almost all that I learnt during eight challenging years running an equestrian business in a difficult environment. Now I feel that I have truly passed on the baton. I'm not hanging onto wisdom that I can share. Whatever youngster is trying to tread my footsteps, he or she will not be walking alone. The next traveller on my trail has a scrap of a map and a bit of a helping hand. For me that's the best part. It's not as if an equestrian book is going to make me rich or famous. (And fame, as T E Lawrence put it, is like dragging around a clattering tin can.)
The next thing is to get on with the marketing. It's a bit of a niche book. However there are students at equestrian colleges to aim for. There are dreamers like I used to be - so the book will need a blog or website to attract attention to itself. My co-author goes around the equestrian trade shows, travel fairs and events, so she can hawk copies and garner interest. Perhaps there are places to get the book reviewed. I'll be grateful for any suggestions.
WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! That looks so good and all I'm seeing is the cover! You must be bursting out!
Posted by: horseideology | May 05, 2012 at 06:55 PM
Thank you, Becky, I do feel good about this. A lot of work has been put into this book so any good results will have been earned. I hope that it does help other outfitters. That will be the best bit, when people say that the book has helped them.
Posted by: Transylvanianhorseman | May 05, 2012 at 07:28 PM
Fantastic, well done! How wonderful it must be to see your book in print. As a sculptor, I always feel a sense of achievement when I put my polishing pads away, but above all, I feel relief that I got to the end. To finish something that started as an idea. Best of luck bringing it to market!
Posted by: Sandra | May 06, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Thank you, Sandra. Yes, relief that the work is done might just be the strongest emotion right now. There have been times when I've felt thoroughly alone on this project.
Posted by: White Horse Pilgrim | May 07, 2012 at 01:22 AM
Congratulations! I'm sure that your book will be very useful to people who are undertaking a venture similar to yours.
Posted by: Joanne | May 25, 2012 at 10:52 PM