Keeping the Faith

Our book, Ever After, has been out for 4 months now. The first books I mailed were to Michael's children and mother. At that moment, I felt that the main purpose for writing the book had been fulfilled. I guess that is not totally true, as I had ordered 5000 copies! But it was written with them in mind, to comfort them and give them a keepsake of the most precious person in their lives.

Since then, as I have been mailing out books to MJ lovers all over the world, I have come to realize that my book is also for anyone who loves Michael, anyone who wants to learn about the essence of who he was, and for the children who were not on this earth at the same time he was. I have been reluctant to promote the book, thinking that the people who need it will find it. I still believe this. I also believe that I am here to follow where my heart leads, and not hold back. This is the promise I made to myself when Michael died.

I find I have been holding back when it comes to selling the book. Not wanting to put myself in the spotlight. I also have a underlying belief that salespeople are pushy and try to make people buy what they really don't want or need. My job now, is to change that belief, especially when it concerns Ever After. I am so proud of this book, and I really believe it can help people to begin to think differently about themselves and what they can accomplish in life. Michael's example is so inspiring.

Now I am following up my ideas, donating to libraries and hospitals on request, doing an interview for a magazine, asking people to share our website with their friends, posting on MJ fan pages and sites. I see Ever After blanketing the world in Michael's love and making a difference.

My plans do not include mass marketing on Amazon or bookstores, although this would give Ever After exposure to unlimited potential buyers, the percentage they keep would make it impossible for us to give 20% of the price to charity, and for me to compensate Kathy for her beautiful illustrations which she did for next to nothing. Our intention from the start, was to keep the price low enough for most people to be able to afford. Getting involved with a distributor would just not allow us to do this.

It has been such a joy for me so far, to be mailing our beautiful book to people everywhere. I still have quite a stack of boxes of books left, but I have faith that their owners will be contacting me soon.