God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~William A. Ward, author of Mountains of Faith

Today I’d like to recognize some very key people and organizations who helped me with various parts of publishing my award-winning memoir Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

Although I am well versed in most steps of independent publishing, there are parts of the writing and publishing process that I relied on having other professionals to steer and assist me. Their support services were invaluable in getting the project finished.

Thanks to the following:

• Steamboat Writers Group for valuable critique and feedback.
• Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) for education and support resources. Also for the friendships and business associates I have made through this outstanding organization.
• We Write Steamboat members for their encouragement, support, feedback and most of all, friendships!
• Pre-publication readers – you know who you are, thank you for your book testimonials!
• Professional services in the Media Lab at Colorado Mountain College
• Lindsey Royce at Colorado Mountain College for a great writing class to stir my creativity.
• Jan McDaniel for final editing services. The final editing of dialogue was very tedious!
• Joe McDaniel for photo restoration work
• Joe & Jan McDaniel at bookcrafters.net for publishing my book affordably, in a timely manner and for  following  my unique publishing requests. You were delightful to work with.
• Patti Asbury for helping me to grow professionally through public speaking
• Karen McLane and Postnet for graphic design and printing services
• Sound technician Brian Dow for help with audio book production
• Terry Leonard – photography and assistance with marketing materials and book events.
• Audio book producer –   http://www.marcrleonard.com  (aka “The Technical Dude”)
• Technology and website support – Marc R Leonard
• Terry Leonard and Marc R Leonard for cheering, emotional support and encouragement.
• JDB Technology – help with computer “issues”
• Gail Nelson – e-book designer and e-book formatting services
• United Methodist Church for spiritual guidance and support. The United Methodist Women for hosting my wonderful book launch “party.”
• To ALL fellow authors who networked, shared their experiences and advice.
• All book buyers!

If there is anyone I have inadvertently left out, I apologize. Trying to remember everyone is difficult. My path has crossed with so many people throughout this four year  journey of independently publishing Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.  Thanks to everyone who gave me an encouraging word!

This blog brought to you by the award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. For more information on her memoir, please visit this link. http://amzn.to/1t7f6Ec