Katie studied the text. “Can I turn to the next page?”
“Of course, you can. Use the mousepad in front of the keys.”
While she was studying the text, Peter sat silently across the table. Everything inside the document looked professional. From the headings to the scene breaks, no one would guess the e-book wasn’t produced by a publishing house.
“How long did it take to format the report?”
“It only took a few seconds. I had to do a few adjustments afterward but, once you know how the software works, it isn’t difficult.”
Katie slid the laptop back to Peter. “It looks great.”
The waitress arrived with their order.
With two cups of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies between them, Katie couldn’t have been happier. “This looks lovely,” she said to the waitress. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We baked the cookies this morning. They’re delicious.” With a friendly smile, the waitress left to help another group of customers.
Peter watched the new arrivals find a table. “For a small town, the café is busy.”
“It’s usually like this, especially after school.” Katie picked up a spoon and dipped it into the creamy froth on the top of her drink. Last night, after everyone had gone to bed, she’d thought long and hard about what she wanted to do with the books she’d written. Seeing Peter’s e-book made her feel even more certain she was doing the right thing.
“I called my agent this morning. I’ve decided to self-publish my stories.”
“Congratulations. What made you change your mind?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. A friend who’s self-published offered to show me how to load the files onto each retail platform. They even gave me the name of a graphic designer who could make new covers for me.”
“It sounds as though you’ve got everything organized.”
“There’s still a lot of things I don’t know, but I’m tired of waiting for the publishing houses to decide if they’ll buy my books.”
“You’re taking control of your career.”
Katie nodded. “I guess I am.” Instead of second-guessing herself, she was proud of her decision—even if it was the complete opposite of what she’d wanted to do.
“I could format your books if that helps.”
“You’re busy with your own work. If you tell me which software you used, I should be able to work it out.”
“I don’t mind helping.”
“What about your report?”
“It won’t make a difference to my schedule. Besides, the sooner your books are formatted, the quicker you can sell them.”
Katie knew it wasn’t that easy. “From what my friend told me, there are all kinds of things I’ll need to do to help people find my books.” She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and looked at the list she’d made. “I already have a website and a Facebook and Instagram account. I like my book covers, but I need to see if they appeal to children. Once my books are published, I’ll start marketing them. There are so many promotion sites that I don’t know where to start.”
Peter picked up a cookie. “Doesn’t one of your sisters work in social media?”
“Barbara does, but I don’t want to bother her. She’s already spent a lot of time helping me.”
Peter grinned and, not for the first time, Katie’s heart pounded. He had such a genuine, happy smile that it made people smile back at him.
“It’s just as well you’ve met me, then.”
“Don’t tell me. As well as being the chief executive of a successful company, you’re a marketing genius?”
“I’m hopeless when it comes to marketing, but I employ a team of people who are very good. Would you like me to ask them if they have any recommendations?”
