Celebrating Success as a First-Time Author

If you subscribe to my blog, written weekly for the construction industry, or follow me on social media, then you might already know that on February 23^rd of this year, I launched my first book. The book, called Happily Married to Your Employer, takes you, the reader, through the self-discovery of inclinations, perceptions, and attitudes you may have developed as an employee, hiring manager, or business owner that may be hindering your workplace success.

The book provides solutions and encouragement that the choices you made yesterday do not define your ultimate future. The tag line is Effective Career Dating for Mutual Commitment, Fulfillment and Farewell.

Navigating the Challenges of Book Publishing

Those who know me know I am often up for a challenge. Well, writing a book was a challenge like never before. Understanding and navigating all the steps and the relationship with a publisher were all new. Needless to say, the rest of my life could not go on hold, so time management and early mornings were critical to meet deadlines.

I am forever grateful to my team at FLCC for their patience and help, especially Amy Rife, who managed me and the book project, publisher, and editors; and Catalina Bravo, who lent her creative talents in bringing the book to life.

The weekly blog I write requires one editor. Did you know a book requires professionals who specialize in various editing specialties in an eight-step process: developmental editing, structural editing, content editing, line editing, fact-checking review, copyediting, proofreading, and format editing? Just understanding the difference between copy and format editing for a first-time book author was all new, and I am still learning all the nuances of the print, e-book, and audiobook process.

Career Development through Self-Discovery

My biggest discovery through this process has been learning the importance of celebration after achieving a success, especially something as big as writing a book. My self-discovery of not being great at celebrating my successes first came a few years ago when my husband and I did a life plan and discovered we tended not to take time to celebrate many things in our lives that were worth celebrating.

Recently I discovered that many people I interacted with daily did not even know I was writing a book, yet they were happy I was and wanted to celebrate with me! Why? Because they requested that I write one and are not only the inspiration but the copy.

Celebrating Success in the Workplace

My book encompasses many years of learning from, working with, and helping others and celebrating their successes. Each time I help someone gain perspective, a goal, or their next career steps, my heart yearns for others to discover their best selves. I know from my own hard work at failing forward that the more you overcome when you look back to look forward, it is worth celebrating. The obstacles overcome provide inspiration to face the next challenge, whether by choice—such as writing a book—or by fate. The victories, big and small, are worth celebrating!

Book Launch Celebration in Fort Lauderdale

Will you help me celebrate? Whether you are near or far, here are a few ways.

1. Attend the April 4, 2023, 5:00–8:00 p.m. book launch celebration in Fort Lauderdale. The requests to move the date so you could be there were so encouraging to me, and we are planning for a sell-out crowd. You can register HERE and will have your choice of hardcover or paperback book. Audio- and e-book are about a month out.
2. If you have already purchased a book or if I have helped you with sound career advice throughout your career, would you take time to leave a comment on our site: Happily Married to Your Employer.
3. Help by telling others about the book and our blog and encourage them to become the best of themselves in the workplace or purchase a book for them as a gift at Happily Married to Your Employer.
4. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and like our pages.

Watch for other upcoming events, both live and virtual, and new products that will be available to help others celebrate their work-iversaries!

I look forward to seeing you, hearing from you, signing a book for you, and celebrating how great it feels to have others near and far cheering me on.

Cheers to You, Me, and our Successes!

Suzanne Breistol