Why did I write Proactive Pregnancy?

I was a math major in college and my teachers never praised my writing. So why did I write a 90,000 page book on babies? I certainly had no idea that I would be capable of such a thing...

Here's how it happened...

I was at a baby shower of a friend, Victoria, just after my second child turned 1 year old. This was her first and I was excited for her. As she was opening her gifts, I found myself giving her advice like, "You'll need to get another pink blanket, in case you misplace that one" and "it's great you got so many different types of pacifiers because you'll never know which one she'll like." After a while, Victoria said, "Why don't you right these down for me?" I agreed but I knew that I didn't have much time because she only had a month before her baby was due.

While my kids took naps, I started writing down some tips that I wished someone had told me. I had read a great many books on pregnancy and babies when I was pregnant with my son, but still felt ill-prepared for motherhood. I think my document was about 3 pages long filled with one sentence tips.

I sent her the document and gave her a week to read it. She loved it but added the suggestion, "Could you maybe explain things more?"

And so, while my kids slept in the afternoon, I would work on this project.

I sent her an expanded copy and she added "Could you organize it better?"

Thus, a 3 page list of suggestions has become an over 300 page book. I have emailed draft copies of it to pregnant women with glowing responses like, "Wow! I think you could publish this!"- Shelly B.

Of course, I have sent queries to literary agents (about 10) with all of them turning me down. From what I have read, I need to have a guaranteed audience for a publisher to take a chance on me. That's why so many books are coming out by television personalities. I like to say that they only publish books from people who are famous or who have killed someone famous.

So for the past 18 months, I have been working on Proactive Pregnancy a little almost every day while my preschoolers have slept. I have given up working out, watching tv, or any other pleasurable self serving thing that a stay at home mom does while her kids sleep (including cleaning house!)

My goal is to finish this final edit, let someone proof read it for me, and then print 40 copies at Office Depot to sell online, at baby boutiques and to give away to pregnant women.

Thanks to all who have encouraged me.

If you would like to see some sample chapters of the book, click over to Proactive Pregnancy's website at www.joeandkatie.com/book