Big News: My Book is Done! (and, a question for you)

It has been almost nine years, but my book about the life of Maria Chabot is finally complete.

This whole journey began as a visit to Santa Fe in September of 2016. My mom had always wanted to experience Chaco Canyon and I said, you know what? THROW IT TO THE WIND AND LET'S GO!

A wish come true

My original intention was to start in Santa Fe to examine Maria's archive at what is now the Michael S. Engl Family Foundation Library & Archive at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. I spent a few days going through some information related to my family–my mom and I got a giggle finding that Maria had kept something so simple as a yellow Post-It my mom had given her with her home address in Hawai'i–before I realized, dang...there is something much, much bigger here than just some genealogy.

I will write more about all of this early adventure because it led to some other incredible coincidences and connections, very soon. Until then, I wanted to throw this out there to this special group of people who have been following along in this LONG journey - your support means the world to me.

As it sits now, the book is about 90,000 words and 15/16 chapters. A small group of trusted readers is working their way through it (one already did in just three days!), and once I have their feedback, publishing is the next step.

Here is my question: Over the years, I have reached out to literary agents, academic publishers, and regional presses. I have looked at self-publishing, and all the options there. All seem viable and interesting–I have had great feedback! But now is decision time. I am interested to know, from you, if you have experience or advice to share...for me and for anyone else reading.

Email me at zibby.wilder@gmail.com with your ideas or experiences or add them to the comments below so others can see.

More to come soon!