1. What inspired you to begin your publishing journey?
American youth soccer used to be “All about the players.” Over the past few decades, it has become, “All about the money.” Having been a high school soccer player who made it to the professional level and being involved in American youth soccer for over 50 years, it became very apparent that parents new to the sport, or even those who have been involved for years, didn’t really know what they needed to know about their player’s development pathway to save their time and money. This lack of knowledge causes parents to spend much more money than they need to. My book provides parents with the information to understand the various costs they must be aware of to make appropriate expense decisions to maximize the soccer experience for their player, without spending needlessly. As a parent of two players, and being a longtime coach, referee, and club president, my unique perspectives and experiences provide valuable insights and lessons learned and burned for others to benefit from to prepare them for what they may encounter. With this preparation, they will know how best to respond. The information provided is also helpful for soccer coaches, club staff, and officials to improve their understanding and roles within the game.
2. What led you to choose the self-publishing route vs. traditional publishing?
After attempting the traditional publishing route for a period of time, I decided to seek out a well-respected company to help me publish and launch my book.
3. How did you select Gatekeeper Press as your publishing family?
While reading many reviews of the various self-publishing companies, Gatekeeper Press stood out far and above the rest. All of the Gatekeeper Press reviews were positive, while others other companies had many, unsatisfactory reviews.
4. Were there any moments during your publishing journey where your expectations differed from the actual process?
No, the publising process and journey my Author Manager would take me on was clearly communicated up-front. The actual experience was exactly as initially explained.
5. What aspects of the process did you find most enjoyable?
Everyone involved in the process was helpful, knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive. They all wanted me to produce the best result and be successful. I was welcomed into the Gatekeeper Press Family!
6. What challenges did you encounter during your publishing journey?
Writing a book takes time. The back and forth time required for changes to be made and approved to improve your end result adds more time to the overall process.
7. Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?
Yes, I would not have gone the traditional publishing route and engaged Gatekeeper Press sooner!
8. What were the most surprising aspects of self-publishing with Gatekeeper Press?
The success of the overall process depends on the author. If you, as the author, have a good manuscript and vision for what you want to communicate to your audience, put the effort in, and are extremely responsive to keep the everything moving, the process just flows.
9. Would you recommend fellow authors self-publish with Gatekeeper Press?
Absolutely, the Gatekeeper Press Family would be the only way to go. I plan on working with them on additional projects.
10. With your dream book a reality, what goals do you aspire to achieve with your story?
I have two exciting goals:
– Educate soccer parents so they may experience the best possible soccer journey with their players.– Educate other future authors to go for it! Start the publishing process, do your best and enjoy the ride!