These are the words of Liz Samoska, Balboa Press author of “Missing Pieces.” Liz answered the call to write her book and self-publish with Balboa Press. To learn more about Liz visit her Facebook page. Download the Balboa Press free publishing guide to receive more information.

Living my Publishing Dream

Accomplishing a dream is the greatest feeling in the world. The dream to write a book was planted deep in my soul when I was a freshman in high school. And even though it took forty years to finally happen, it has been the most exciting experience of my life.

One of my greatest passions is to inspire everyone to become all that God created them to be. With so much hate and negativity in the world today, I choose to encourage people. I want to give them hope for a positive future. That’s exactly what my book, Missing Pieces, does.

Writing my book came rather easily for me. It was in June of 2014 when I first put pen to paper (yes, I wrote the entire book out longhand). I loved thumbing through countless old and new books for references, reading inspirational websites by other authors, and studying the Bible for pertinent Scriptures. I wasn’t in a hurry and loved telling everyone I was “writing a book”, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process of putting the chapters together. Finally, I had a completed manuscript in my hands that I was proud of. But now what?

Publishing with Balboa Press

I had in front of me 19,386 words of encouragement, inspiration, and hope. After a very strategic telephone “interview” process with several different self-publishing companies, I decided to sign on with Balboa Press in June of 2016. From the very first phone call, I felt comfortable with the people at Balboa. I knew in my heart I made the right decision to partner with them. With the Embark Package, I had unlimited telephone access to real, caring people, and any time I started to feel nervous, the Balboa staff quickly calmed my fears. I trusted them completely.

My “team” at Balboa helped me design the cover and interior layout of the book. I explained my vision, and they made it a reality. We went over the proofs, made changes together, set the pricing, and in less than twelve weeks my book was available for sale on Amazon. The Kindle version followed shortly afterward.

Holding my Book for the First Time

I cried when the first shipment of books arrived on my doorstep. As I held the book–MY BOOK–in my hands, I felt such a proud sense of accomplishment. I DID IT! I wrote and published a book! My lifelong dream was fulfilled. It was an amazing journey, and Balboa Press made it memorable and enjoyable.

The Balboa staff continues to encourage me. Since publication I’ve created a website, printed business cards, attended writing and self-publishing conferences, and most of all-cashed my first royalty check! I’m currently working on my second book, and when it’s time to publish I’ll be sure to give Balboa Press a call. Thank you, Balboa Press, for helping me turn my dream into a reality.

Balboa Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books are invited to do so by emailing blog@balboapress.com or the submission form on the Guidelines page. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. Balboa Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.