The Empty Card

It’s always better to do something right and have it take a long time for the end result than cut corners to have it right now. Seeing problems with a product that took a long time can be devastating. It’s best to take a breath, slow down, and ensure every detail is done right.

I learned a valuable lesson. I am selling greeting cards to help pay for publishing my book. I took the time and enjoyed every little detail that went into my cards. When I placed the order, I was so excited to receive the cards in the mail.

When they arrived, it felt like my birthday. I was so excited as I opened each box with the carefully designed cards. My joy was short-lived as I opened the box of the largest cards with the design I was most proud of. This particular card was one I was looking forward to the most. It was different and unique for a Valentine’s card. That was what I loved most about it.

When I took a closer look at them, I realized that the card had an outside design…but was blank on the inside. The other half of my joke was missing. Without the inside design, the whole meaning was lost. There was no way I could sell these cards.

I was crushed and wanted to cry. I appealed to the company to send me replacements. Thankfully, they quickly responded, and I now have my replacements. I have done other things through this company before and had no problems. I have also used this company to develop design ideas for my book's cover.

I thought, what if that had been my book? What if I decided to go with this company to publish my book, and all the pages were blank?  I’m not sure I could get over that kind of letdown.

I realized the importance of doing something right. My book may take a long time, but it will be good quality work and well worth the price. My book may take longer to publish, but it is still a reality.

I also thought about my backers and supporters. The people who have helped me financially with my book. What if one of them received a book with blank pages instead of what they had waited so long for? I won’t do that.

I’m not cutting any corners; my book will be done and done right. I don’t know how to do that yet, so I’m thankful for friends and mentors who teach me what to do. To quote a sticker I saw today, “Failure is success in progress.” Until next time my friends.