Very early on, we decided to go the Kindle Direct Publishing route, using Communication Cinq sur cinq, Hélène’s company.
Communication Cinq sur cinq had the advantage of having been an established publisher for over 30 years and was listed in the Canadian Publishers Directory. It could therefore obtain ISBNs at no cost (O Canada). Having our own ISBNs means that we’re able to sell the books not only from Amazon but also outside Amazon.
In fact, this summer (2022), Rebecca is trying her hand at selling it along with husband James’ awesome pottery through Lafayette, IN moseys. Using KDP’s print-on-demand system means very few stock concerns. Our cost-to-benefit analysis shows it’s an acceptable way to increase our sales.
Besides Volume 2, already in the works, we’re thinking of developing derived products.
Hélène has her heart set on unique, custom cards to be used as a promotional tool ~ buy one book as a birthday/graduation/thank you/Christmas/whathaveyou gift, write to rebeccaandhelene@gmail.com, and get an exclusive card with a custom-designed puzzle.
This could also lead to one-of-a-kind t-shirts… carryalls… mugs…
Tea cups?… Naaah. Tea is horrible. Just ask Ted.
We’re a long way from the point where we can say we feel “like we fell out of the lucky tree and hit every branch on the way down, ended up in a pool of cash and Sour Patch Kids” but “taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”