For many aspiring authors, publishing a book is a dream, but turning that dream into a reality can be challenging, said a Fanshawe graduate who recently published his first novel.
Marty Sommers. Photo Credit: Owen Schuller
“The most important thing is it’s not going to be perfect. So write it, edit it, and put it out there because you’re not going to get it perfect,” said Marty Sommers, who was on campus Thursday to showcase his book, The Dragon Within.
“You can edit it one hundred times and you’ll never have it exactly the way you want.”
Marty Sommers book. Photo Credit: Owen Schuller
Sommers was a boy when his dad introduced him to reading. Later, his dad opened a second-hand bookstore, which made books a huge part of his life.
The Dragon Within is expected to be available for sale in January. Sommers is also planning to publish more books in early 2027 called the Silver Thread of Fate and the Dragon Hearts Burn.
The most challenging part for authors isn’t just writing and publishing. It’s convincing people to buy their books, getting their name recognized and finding ways to stand out in the book market.
According to FriesenPress, a professionally published book can cost up to $6,000, between promotion, editing and other services professionals provide. Sommers admits that without professional publishers “You have to do all the footwork yourself, You have to push it yourself,” Sommers said.
