Just when I was about to launch my very first book, Little Miracles of Katrina, it should have been one of the happiest moments of my life. Years of work, rewriting, and prayer had led to that day. The response from all of you was amazing — so warm and supportive.
But after all of that excitement, it looked like I rode off into the sunset. For weeks.
Why? Because I discovered the “reputable” publisher I trusted wasn’t reputable at all. As this was my first book, I relied on them to walk me through the publishing process. Instead, they walked all over me.
They quietly added their name to my copyright, overcharged me for printing my own books, and when I looked deeper, I found even more that didn’t sit right. They inserted themselves as the middleman and tried to take control over every aspect of my manuscript launch.
What should have been a celebration turned into one of the most painful learning experiences of my career.
So, I did what any determined — or should I say scorned — woman would do: I took a step back, rolled up my sleeves, and started from scratch.
This was, of course, preceded by a rather loud and boisterous:
“Oh, Hell No!”
I studied every inch of the publishing process. I took those weeks to teach myself everything those companies charge thousands to “take care of.” And somewhere along the way, I had a revelation:
Why not open my own publishing company?
So, I did. I went on IRS.gov and set up my LLC, registered with the state, got a sales tax number, hung out my shingle, created an amazing logo, ordered my own ISBNs, re-registered my LCCN, and copyrighted an amended Little Miracles of Katrina under Books by M.V. Despenza, LLC — where it always belonged.
And I figured if I was going to step up to the plate, I wasn’t just showing up to play — I came to win.
For my book, I now have multiple formats: Hard Cover, Paperback, EPUB, and Adobe PDF, with the Audiobook scheduled for completion in just two weeks (November 4, 2025). I even have the paperback available in both matte and glossy finishes (because why not add a little bling to a book?), and the matte version comes in both cream and white paper.
Because in this publishing game, I brought my own gloves, bats, and balls — and I didn’t come to sit on the bench. ⚾✨
Yes, they tried to throw me a curveball. But I stepped back up to the plate — and I plan to hit a Grand Slam.
Sometimes, the pitch you didn’t see coming… is the one you send flying. ⚾
I know I’m not alone in experiencing this kind of betrayal of trust — the kind that knocks the wind out of you but ultimately makes you stronger. I’d love to hear about your own moment — the time you got knocked down but refused to stay there.
I’ve always believed that when we share those moments, we help each other find the strength to stand up, dust ourselves off, and say our own version of “Oh, Hell No.” 💪✨
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