Thanks to everyone for those good words of advice. I'm so pleased to hear from you. Well, here's my update: I decided to take my chances. I did everything I knew to do -- write tight, watch punctuation and sentence length, check for clarity, on and on and on. Then I submitted my manuscript, with prayers, to iUniverse for their editorial evaluation by a pro. This was not an edit, but an editorial evaluation. I was shocked at his/her reply--glowing remarks. They recommended that I work on a couple of places that I hadn't inserted a comma, and I had to re-work my use of ellipses (I just went back and deleted some, above!)and they recommended I change a couple of my chapter titles. The biggest surprise was that the manuscript could be designated "Editor's Choice" if I made the changes satisfactorily. "Editor's Choice" indicates that a manuscript has "the essential qualities of a professionally published book and meets higher quality standards than other self-published titles in the marketplace." There are other advantages,too, but I won't go into that. Anyway, they offered to make the changes for me for over $2,000, but once again (being on a strict budget) I decided to make the changes myself. I paid for a second professional editorial evaluation (at $249) but that would be my last opportunity to qualify for "Editor's Choice." I was pretty nervous about it when I hit the "send" button, and I prayed a lot during the 10 days or so that I waited for the answer. The consultant assigned to me had told me that she'd never had any of her "clients" qualify by himself/herself, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, a couple of days ago I received their notice that I have indeed qualified for "Editor's Choice," and I'm pleased. "Grandma's Letters from Africa: Quaint I Ain't" will be released in January. Now I'm aiming at their next rung on the ladder, "Rising Star." That has to do with an energetic marketing plan. Again, ladies, many thanks for your help and advice. I look forward to chatting with you more in the future.

Congrats LTWW! And way to go! It must be so satisfying to have 'dared' as you did, and it worked out. No matter what else, ie, sales, reviews, and etc. on your book, you've been successful and all your hard work, research, emotional energy, etc. has combined to culminate in something significant - a published work.

All the best to you, as you embark on this path.

Thanks, Ol' Gray Mare! (What an adorable name!) I'm going to check out your web site. Have a great day!

Linda

Congratulations on all your successes thus far. You sound very conscientious so I'm sure your marketing plan will be glowing.

Congrats Linda! Best of luck with your book.

Edelweiss, I sent you an email about Mythica Publishing, a publisher thats is in Europe and first class. I know Brian Porter personally and he is the real deal. A first class author himself as well...

Yes, Chatty, I wrote to him right away. but never received an answer. That's okey. Times are tough.

Wishing you all the luck Linda! Some of us do make the breakthrough. Rooting for you!

Try again Edelweiss, he is sooooo busy winning awards and speaking.

I just re-read all these posts and have to reply. Again, ladies, thanks for all the good advice and encouragement! I did get "Rising Star" designation! (Take a deep breath.) For the past couple of weeks I've been getting established on Facebook, setting up a FB Page for the book, and starting a blog. Whew! What a wild ride!

It is indeed a wild ride, LT! There's so much out there in the way of social media and other types of promotion, which is wonderful, but very time consuming. Congrats to you for going the distance!