When my editor first called me, his first question was, “Kim, paano mag-move on?” Of course, I startled. The question was so corny. But as he spoke, he explained that their creative team decided to publish that manuscript as well.
Paano Mag-move on is my first non-fictional book published under St. Paul’s. It is filled with chapters named after the most frequently asked questions of the youth about love. I’ve never thought about the publication of this book. It just happened.
I started editing the manuscript, submitted it in October, revised it again in December, and finalized the cover, layout, and pictures inside it in January. We assumed to release the book by February just in time for Valentine’s Day. But, it didn’t happened.
The release of the book was delayed. It wasn’t released in March, but April. When I got my proof copies, something went wrong. So, I had to wait for more weeks to settle things up. FINALLY, after several weeks, the final-est book was released in the market.
I sold some copies to my friends, and they all welcomed the book. Then, I courageously asked my publisher if this could be one of their nominees for the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards. It’s an award for books published under Catholic publishers. There’s new category, btw, and it is about Youth. But, there’s a registration fee worth P3,000. I had to enlist 13th Prayer and Paano Mag-move on, so I needed 6,000. Where on earth would I get that? Since my publisher wouldn’t support my entry, I had to do something.
Shamelessly, I sold copies of my two books 13th Prayer and Paano Mag-move on for 500 pesos for each set. (Ang kapal lang no?) I even posted this on Facebook to seek help from my friends who could be so blessed and wanted to share their blessings.
Overnight, I receive messages asking how could they support my endeavor. Huhuhu. I am so surprise seeing messages from people whom I’ve thought would never care. They do and they are so supportive about this.
With the divine providence, I Â was able to raise funds just in time. (Lord, you know how thankful I am for these blessings.) I was so surprised knowing how many people actually cared and supported me.
Then, after the nomination, I proceeded in promoting my books. But then, I didn’t promote books to make money out of it, but to spread the words in this book. This contain life-changing reflections which I believe help the younger people/reader to learn how to address their issues in life.
The pictures above are just some comments from my readers who bought the book. 🙂
The experience is indeed overwhelming. I am able to meet new friends, to reconcile with the older ones, and to explore life outside my comfort zone. I keep on posting and sharing it because writing Paano mag-move on has become my ministry as well. I believe that I am able to serve God through writing this and serve the youth by reminding them how God loves them.
I just want to thank the people behind the precious cover and layout of this book. Ms. Dani for the cover, Ms. Jhuly-Ann for the drawings inside, and Ms. Nikki for the lettering of the book. You, guys, are so awesome. If you wish to work with them, just tell me. 🙂
As of now, I am still waiting for the results. Whether it is favorable or not, I believe that God has a plan for it. Hehe!
Now, the question is, have you moved on? 🙂Â
