How to learn on the job

Plus a big reveal

When I last wrote here I had just pressed ‘publish’ on my first self published poetry collection. In my imagination, I had expected this post would then be telling you all about how to pre-order if you so wished… Instead, I learned a lesson.

Which is, you can’t pre-order an Amazon only paperback runs.

But I have seen other authors do it all the time! What gives? Well, as I googled, you need to set it up in something like Ingram Spark first to do that. I googled it after I realised the book wasn’t showing and was not going to show until the date I have chosen to publish, which is the 28 November, seeing as you were asking.

Photo by Bank Phrom on Unsplash

I had looked at Ingram Spark before I settled on using KDP but found the software clunky and the T&Cs overwhelming. I decided I didn’t have time to get into the detail I felt I needed to fully use that platform. I just assumed pre-orders were standard on Amazon as I see them so often in other independent authors book launches.

The YouTube video I found was really sensible and just said ‘think about if that process is for you and what you need’. And, given my focus is simply bringing my book into existence and then seeing where the adventure takes me, I decided watching that YouTube video was the end of my pre-order research.

However, I did learn that you can set up a Kindle version for pre-order. I needed to slightly amend the layout so it reads well on a Kindle/Tablet, but it was so easy to upload… once the whole writing and editing of the book was in place! Plus it gives the option of reaching different audiences, so I am all for it. It is part of the adventure.

Please release me

So… now all there is to is release it…

And other than close friends, this is the place I am sharing it first.

Drum roll please…..

Here it is!

PrOving i ExisT

I called it this because through writing and sharing poetry I have written myself into a second lease of life. One that would not exist if I had not dared to share my writing. Writing is a form of existing in itself. This book will now exist in a new way in being read.

What can you expect from the book?

I wrote the blurb myself, which is a strange experience. I had to pretend I was not was me but a fan of myself. I wanted people who find my book to be interested enough to read on. This is what I came up with:

Lisa O'Hare is a Saboteur Award shortlisted poet and a 2023 BBC Words First Finalist and she has been writing herself into existence since 2019. After two decades of letting her creativity lie dormant, Lisa has resoundingly reclaimed it in this honest, joyful, silly, earnest and emotional poetry collection.

Rhythmic, relatable, and reflective Lisa's poems sit perfectly at the intersection of the personal and the universal. Exploring existing in the every day, this collection ranges from the reflective to the ridiculous.

Lisa's work has been featured on BBC Upload in the North West, BBC Radio 3 and she is a regular feature performance poet across the UK, including taking a one woman show to multiple fringe festivals including Greater Manchester, Camden, Morecambe and Edinburgh. Her work has taken her to Boardmasters festival and Worthy Pastures (aka Glastonbury in Lockdown) and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall, Manchester.

Former host of one of the UK's stalwart spoken word events in the UK, Verbose MCR, Lisa has created a collection that celebrates her second lease of life as poet. Filled with life lessons and observations, from identity, childhood, getting older, dancing, football, Manchester, the internet, algorithms and some meta poems about poetry.

Photo by Eugenio Mazzone on Unsplash

Kind Words

Ahead of publishing I asked several writers I admire to read the draft manuscript and provide a quote to go on the cover also.

I sent them a version of the book that was much bigger than the final version. In the finalisation phase I pared things back. More than just giving me a quote they all gave a different perspective and helpful feedback. I appreciated that time they gave me so much. The final book wouldn’t be what it is without their eyes.

‘Proving I Exist is a witty and eclectic collection of poetry. One I found difficult to put down! Lisa is proving herself to be one of the great, and essential voices in modern poetry. A must read.'

Evrah Rose

‘Lisa’s poetry is a rarity because any poem you read is bound by authenticity. From tender observations to wrought silliness, Lisa has mastered the finite art of being both resounding and playful in her writing. She shows up on the page, which isn’t an easy thing to do. So show up and get on with reading it, you won’t regret it!’

Louis Glazzard

'Lisa O’Hare’s collection is a brave and bold journey through the highlights and hurdles of being human. She explores celebratory joys and uncomfortable challenges, all with humour, honesty and care. Treat yourself to some time and space to take in her words - it’s worth every moment!'

Rose Condo

'Through her poetry, Lisa has made it possible to feel empowered within our vulnerability. A broad range of verse with one distinct voice. Disarming, charming and downright joyful. I laughed, cried, smiled and pondered, dancing my way from page to page. This uplifting collection should be enjoyed by all, a true beacon of light and hope in a world that can feel darker than ever.'

Nathan Parker

What next?

As this is a constant process of winging it, I now need to work out if I can cram in a zoom launch around the 28th November to celebrate the launch. I have in my mind a real life one may happen on a January weekend afternoon in Manchester.

And then I guess, people will read it and the next chapter of the book’s existence will begin.