Be Part of the Publishing Process.

The Launching of a Dream.

As a means to provide a space for typically underrepresented authors, Bonniejean Alford has created a new traditional publishing house, Parking Lot Press. It is meant to be a space for ideas to grow and shine. Having just signed our inaugural authors, we have been seeking funding to meet the initial costs of creating the first book. That is where you come in. We need your help to make it reality. We are asking for contributions to cover costs associated with editing, design, copyright, and printing. We are working on the first book with plans for release in November 2022.

 

The Ask.

We have set our ask at $10,000, as this would be what we need to fully create and print 1,000 copies of the book. If 1,000 people just contributed $10 each, we would hit our goal based on straight contribution. We know this won’t be too much of a hardship on people’s lives but helps us greatly if you believe in our work. And for those who have the means to contribute more, we have created rewards meant to excite. We are also using this as Pre-presales for our first authors, whose work is in progress for anticipated release November 2022 and May 2023 respectively. See below for more details on book price and rewards.

 

The Publishing Company.

Parking Lot Press (PLP) was established in July 2020 by Bonniejean Alford to meet the needs of an industry that doesn’t always recognize certain new voices. Our catalog will have an eclectic feel with works connected to or centered around identity in some way. Our word artists (our word for authors) know who they are and share their voice through their writing. We will never ask word artists for money and pay a generous royalty on proceeds. Further, a portion of every book sale will go to at least two charities: one designate by the author and one selected by the Press. We spent time finding the perfect inaugural authors (Jenny Callen and Donna Callen) and book for anticipated release in November 2022. We have just signed Tazima Parris, whose book we anticipate release in May 2023. We hope to have additional books lined up within the next few months to also release in 2023. Submissions are welcome, but unless solicited, a book needs to follow the appropriate submissions requirements on the website.

 

Follow PLP on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn .

 

The Chief Publishing Officer and Founder.

Bonniejean Alford has been writing, as well as managing events and projects for thirty years (yes, she started young). She believes in managing a team through collaboration and attention to detail. She founded Alford Enterprises, where she serves as creativity coach to clients on their own journey to successfully create novels and other artistic or business endeavors – her life and work centers around the production of creativity, thus now the creation of a publishing company. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Bonniejean pens articles and books, maintains an Academic Blog devoted to Social Justice, hosts a podcast radio show about identity, performs as an actress in local productions, and teaches college students how to write about Sociology. She holds two Master of Art degrees, one in Sociology and one in Communication. For more on Bonniejean, please visit her website .

 

The Inaugural Book.

Our first book will be The Z to A of Life with Special /Needs/ Gifts: a daughter-mother approach. It will explore various aspects of life in mini-essay formats through the alphabet, beginning with Z but following a non-linear path to A. The main author is the daughter telling her experiences, with follow up from the parental perspective by her mother. The work is in development, as the company sought out its creation. The book will also offer resources to readers in the appendix. And yes, I know the cover came in on its side - it fits our quirkiness (thanks to the limitations of the GoFundMe photo insertion).

 

Inaugural Authors.

Jenny Callen recently graduated high school with the goal of becoming a writer. Growing up with Williams Syndrome left many viewing her, like others with disabilities, as not being able to accomplish success – which is far from the truth. Having the opportunity to share her experiences to help others understand the world from this perspective not only inspires her, but also excites her. Her mother, Donna Callen, will offer insights on the same concepts from the parental side. As both a parent to a child with Williams Syndrome and a business owner, she has thoughts about life, and success, that have guided her daughter and she hopes will help others in similar situations.

 

The Team.

We are in the process of building our team. We currently have talented designers and editors at the ready, but still need to expand out into other arenas to achieve success.

 

The Market.

Our books are meant to be enjoyed while also leaving the reader feeling a positive reaction to new understandings about identity. While not every aspect of every book will be a happy ending, the process of sharing knowledge brings joy of a certain kind. Books continue to be a huge market, especially real-life stories in unique formations.

 

The Budget.

We have a full budget of $10,000. We have a small team and do plan to have the book listed as on demand to the global market, however, there are costs with starting up the process and we do need to have books on hand. We wish to ensure a successful and quality creation. This amount includes the printing of 1,000 books, but we can adjust that based on what is raised. At minimum, to truly get started, we need to raise $5,000.

 

A loose breakdown of the budget is as follows:

The Book Price.
The inaugural book (as well as others) are still in development. Thus, the actual price of the book is yet to be determined. Typically book prices range from $15 to $25 depending on a lot of factors. We have set the lowest contribution amount as essentially the cost of a book ($20ish) plus shipping and handling ($5), and we call it Pre-presale (even if GoFundMe calls it a donation). This price locks in a book and we will ensure it is a numbered copy in the first few hundred off the presses. It shows support for the authors and the company. You can also wait for formal presales about a month before release or until release. We will have a launch party for local guests and book signings at local book stores. You can use your voucher toward any book in the catalog at any time. Once we go into formal presales, the GoFundMe will be deactivated.

We chose GoFundMe for Pre-presales because they have great customer service, low service fees, and we don't have to be locked in to raising the entire amount. Rest assured, every contribution $25 and higher receives, at minimum, a book in return. Any lower amount helps the cause of funding the launch because you believe in the work we are doing. 

The Rewards.

All contributions are appreciated and will be thanked, but we have set up some special reward levels for those who contribute based on specific amounts. For any reward that includes a book (or books), an appropriate amount will be listed as a sale of the book for the benefit of the author(s) to receive royalties. You will receive a coupon code (or equivalent instructions) to use toward the purchase of any book in our catalog. This will not expire, so you can wait or use it with the inaugural book, as noted in the reward section. All other rewards cannot be substituted.