Learning through Self-publishing
Jonathan D. Hutchison, a first-time and self-publishing author, joined Val Cervarich of Writing Help KC for an author interview on Facebook Live. They discussed Jon’s book, Reasons to Suffer: A Journey from Doubt to Faith Guided by the 1st and 2nd Letters of Peter, and the writing and self-publishing journey.
This is a recap of our June 3rd interview. If you missed out, please check out the video here, or continue reading the recap below.
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Introduction of first time author, Jonathan D. Hutchison, who will discuss the self-publishing process.
Jon never expected that he would write a book and be on this journey. He was inspired by COVID and used the time to write. Jon didn’t know what to do in retirement because he spent most of his life teaching something to somebody. He had defined himself as a teacher and that was suddenly gone.
He learned about writing blogs after retirement and launched foundationalhope.com. The theme was the power and promise of hope and emphasized the universal longing for a better tomorrow. Jon believed that “every life should have a noble purpose,” and he wanted to find this purpose again in a new way. The blog was an initial vehicle for that purpose, but COVID and another event in his life made him change course.
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COVID was universal suffering and Jon wanted to teach something that could impact others. A friend asked Jon questions based on his other role as a United Methodist pastor, regarding suffering and why God allows suffering.
Jon wanted to provide examples of individuals who persevere in difficult times like those affected by COVID. He turned to the Bible for examples to help his friend, but having a biblical character in his nonfiction book was tricky. He suggests learning what sells and the business side of publishing because the writing part is easier in his experience.
Regardless of a person’s faith or no faith, Jon believed that overcoming suffering and the universal experience connected everyone.
Jon had to decide his audience and that audience was his one friend. He hopes that others find guidance and can share what they learn in small group settings.
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Jon spoke of Memorial Day as an example where people suffer for values and persevere for a greater cause. Selfless suffering such as this is the inspiration for his book. Purpose can even bring joy during suffering and remove limitations.
Val echoed that individuals were all suffering and experiencing trauma during COVID and that common experience brought out connections and even creativity. There was both loss and gain that Jon illustrated in the book.
Jon started the book with his definition of suffering because there are theological and practical variations. Sometimes suffering involves sacrifice, such as a parent working intensely to provide food for a family. Jon used Peter as his primary character whose goal was to make people happy, even if he was thrown in jail or stoned. Peter knew that people would be better off due to his efforts and believing that good will win.
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Jon liked working with Val because she understood what he was trying to do and clearly defined his book’s purpose.
Val shared that a potential client asked her a new question, what makes her excited to work with a client. Jon’s willingness to learn and think about the audience is what excites Val. She serves as both editor and reader, and wants to see author’s maximize their reach. Empathy and a connection with the client/author’s purpose is one of her strengths.
Jon had completed other courses about how to publish, but it was more practical and he wasn’t sure what he wanted in an author. He didn’t know what all editing involved, if it was policing grammar, etc. He then learned about the differences between editors and their preferred genres and began asking lots of questions.
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Jon discovered a one stop shop for editors, design, publishing, etc. He thought it would be easy as a first-time author. Val was part of this group and she responded quickly to his request. Jon shared that Val’s response time and ability to listen to his questions and guide him through the process was appreciated. She tailored the editing process to his needs with tasks, calls, timelines, a budget, and more. This helped remove his doubts as a first-time author.
Val helped Jon focus on the writing and taking it easy, rather than being caught up in the logistics of the process. Jon shared that her recent blog, How to Find and Hire an Editor, is true—she helped him stay on track and develop a framework for the book. Additionally, her sample edit showed him how their collaboration and communication would work.
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Jon said the accountability of an editor is essential for a first-time author. He also complimented Val on the clarity of the business side of the project as well. Val was always teaching and counseling, but she always reiterated that it was Jon’s book. The collaboration of his writing and her role as editor, and understanding those two roles, made the process more successful.
Val shared that timelines can be too tight. Sometimes letting things sit can be beneficial, especially if the timeline dates are arbitrary or a date that is only significant to the author. Authors can even do other creative tasks while letting the manuscript percolate.
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Val added if authors don’t give themself space, the quality of the work and impact on others can be diminished.
Val explained how using Word improved the writing and collaboration process instead of rushing through a Google Doc manuscript. Val thanked Jon for trusting her experience and accepting guidance through the publishing process.
Jon said it was a challenge to his ego, but knew he had to be receptive to Val’s expertise in this unfamiliar area. Jon needed Val’s help, and it was worth more than what he paid for.
Val stated that nonfiction, her preferred genre to edit, can vary from project to project and comes with different experiences. Authors may have worked with copy editors at their job, for example, and certain expectations that might not apply to everyone. Val uses industry standards and trends to help authors succeed in the publishing process.
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Jon’s book is available on Amazon.
Jon appreciates reviews of the book on Amazon and has enjoyed the success in his categories. He suggests authors carefully consider their categories and keywords when publishing.
A church has asked Jon to lead a Bible study based on his book, covering a chapter each week. He hopes for small groups like this to continue in the future. The book is laid out easy for people and designed for general discussion.
Jon’s words of advice for other authors: listen, ask questions, take it easy. Because everyone is going to try and sell you something. Work with people who take the time to teach you so you publish something you’re proud of.
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Val added that establishing expectations is essential. The teaching aspects of the editing process take her back to her teaching days. It’s exciting for her to purchase copies of client’s books to see the culmination of their work.
Jon shared a story that he lost his work for a few days in a computer malfunction. He and Val agreed that backing up your work and checking that everything syncs is critical.Val agreed that slowing down and having good rapport/communication with all of your team members is important.
If you’re feeling inspired by Jon’s author and self-publishing journey, please reach out to Val for details on collaborating!