I had one of those “Holy Cow this is really happening” moments yesterday. Remember when I said I was getting published in Bulgaria? Well, it has been a heck of a learning experience. There were contracts to be written and signed, bank accounts to be set up, wire transfers to set up, cover art to finagle, and a dozen other things I’ve already forgotten. My brain had long ago logged it away as “something that will be perpetually simmering in the background but never actually happen.” Then I got an email from my contact within the company. Predictably, he had identified another minor error I’d made in the paperwork that would need to be corrected, but he also mentioned that I should check out their Facebook page to see what they’d been up to. Now, unless you can read Bulgarian, that page probably doesn’t mean much to you, but like all people with a loose grip on a language, I was more interested in the pictures.
It looks like they’re having a good time, cosplaying at some sort of fair… but say… what’s that on the shelf on the left? Maybe there’s another picture from a different angle.
What’s that behind her head? Why, it is the trilogy! On a bookshelf! IN BULGARIA! Now I’m proud of every ounce of success I’ve had. My books are on virtual shelves all over the world, and they are selling remarkably well in places like England and Australia. They’re even selling a few copies a month in Germany for some strange reason. But seeing something I wrote show up on a physical shelf in another country feels absurd to me. What’s also absurd is the difference in media coverage you get when a real publisher, even a small one, is involved. After a quick search for my name as it appears on the cover, I found countless blogs I couldn’t read talking about my books as new launches from the publisher. Maybe it is just because the number of epic fantasy novels being published in Bulgaria is much smaller and any new title is big news, but it is still remarkable to me. I’m hoping that I’ve ironed out the last of my little mistakes and I can receive my first payment. (Technically it is an advance, but thanks to my lack of experience, it is now coming long after the release of the first book.) As far as I’m concerned, though, just seeing my book being treated the same way that one from an actual author would be treated is payment enough.
Thanks for reading.
Wow, Jo, this is fantastic! I’m so happy for you! It’s so great to see really good indie authors do well!
Thank you very much. I really appreciate all of the support from my readers, particularly longtime fans who visit the site and comment from time to time.
Honestly, that’s like one of the best surprises ever. Wow… I’m sure you felt thrilled! Your books definitely merit a spot in more bookstores and libraries… Seriously
Absolutely, I was beyond thrilled. I’m glad you feel that my books deserve a place on the shelf. Now to see if I can convince the people who own the shelves…
Conjuratory Congratulations! (my way of saying Congrats
)
GREAT AUTHORS THINK ALIKE!
That must be like…mindblowing…I wish my book was on a shelf in a foreign country somewhere…*sigh* BUT ANYWAYS! Kudos! Your books are worth it!!! Yay!
Fun Fact: Both you (El Awesomo De Author) and J.K. Rowling (awesome author as well) both go by Jo for a nickname
Thanks! I did not know that about J. K. Rowling. All I know is when you’re a guy and you go by the nickname “Jo” people who know you for years but have never seen it written down get mighty confused. “Wait… isn’t that how girls spell it?” Yes. Girls, and me.
Hello Joe,
I just want to say that I’m happy that I can write to you.
My name is Georgi Slavov I am from Bulgaria and a month ago I saw the first of your books from the trilogy and I told my parents that I want it for Christmas and as you may have expected I got it and I am recently reading it.I am still in the beginning but I’ve already fallen inlove with the book I can’t wait to read the other 2 books.Another thing that I wanted to say is that I don’t know how much fans of yours are in Bulgaria but I just wanted to let you know that there ARE
One more thing
I wanted to thank you because it is because of people like you that my fantasy is growing and I get inspired by it and start drawing (digital) art based on the books I like ..I might even make a scene where Leo and Miranda are in the Inn.
Hope you read this and let you know that we all support your work
P.S. I’m going to start drawing some fanart (if you wish to check it out you could see it here http://g-manbg.deviantart.com/ ) I’m just about to start the drawing but I hope you like it when I make it
and you see it
Hi. Thanks for the comment! It is awesome to know that I’ve got a fan in Bulgaria. I’ll definitely check out your deviant art page. Hopefully the rest of the trilogy lives up to your expectations. Thanks for reading!
Hello, Mr. Lallo!
Happy to say, me and my family are also your fans! Your book is a fantastic classic fantasy and I like it very much. Especially the part that there is a good dragon (I just love dragons and I’m very sad when they are always evil and being killed) It has kept me awake the last 2 nights and days 
I’m at the middle of the last book and I can’t wait to finish it by the end of the year (here now is 6:30 PM) 
I’m happy and honored to have it at home. Keep up the good work, I would be happy to hold your next work in my hands 
Happy New Year! 
My name is Jenny and I’m from Bulgaria too
Hi Jen! Thanks for the comment. I’m thrilled that you are enjoying my books. I’m (obviously) a big fan of dragons as well, and likewise I’m disappointed by how often they are the villains. Hopefully you enjoy the rest of the story, and I’ll certainly keep my fingers crossed that the rest of my stories, as well as my future writings, make their way onto Bulgarian bookshelves as well. Thanks for reading!
Hey Joseph,
I am from New Zealand and loving your book, about 70% through Deacon. I was wondering if there is a map of the world that it is set in. I would love to see all of the interplay and where particular things are.
Richard.
P.S. Awesome books
Hi Richard! At the prodding of a friend of mine, I did make a fairly simple map of The Northern Alliance. You can find it here: http://www.bookofdeacon.com/fan-stuff/support-artwork/
I’m glad you’re enjoying my writing!
Wow, just finished reading this book, can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy although it will be nice to go to sleep before 3am ! Excellent read.
Many thanks! As always, sorry for the missed sleep, but I’m really glad you liked the story.