WEALTH FROM A DOG

During the last three or four years, I have been assured of making money from the republication of “Butch The One- of- a- Dog.”  The assurance has come in the form of telephone calls.  I got another call a few days ago.

The first caller I had was sincere, spoke correct English, and knew the story of Butch well.   The publisher wanted to republish the book   However, the cost would be mine.  When I told the salesperson I would not invest any more in the book, the pitch changed to their superior marketing plan.  I was told I would be passing up the opportunity to make a wonderful profit on my investment.  It was a sure thing.  I passed on the opportunity.  I did check and there was such a publisher. It appeared valid.  At least they had a website!

I conversed with some of the later callers, but I again passed up their great opportunities.  I tested one by telling the person I realized the book was not in the category of Caldecott winners.  I asked the person if they agreed since they knew children’s books so well.  It was clear the person did not know what I was referencing.

Butch was a little dog that had more personality than most dogs. His mother was a registered Dachshund who met a traveling dog.  When we got him, he looked like his mother.  As he grew, he began to get black stripes.  He became a brindle wiener dog.  People would stop in their tracks, take one look at him, and exclaim, “That is the ugliest dog I have ever seen.”  I wrote about him in 1972 when I took some writing classes.  The original title was, “Butch, The Ugly Dog.”  With passing years, the title became politically incorrect.  I changed the title, did some editing, and in 2013 self-published the book.  My granddaughter, Sara, did the illustrations. My intention was to tell my great-grandchildren about the amusing little dog who brought us so much joy.  After publication, I read the book to kindergartners and first graders in the area and gave books to libraries.  I told more stories about Butch on a blog on my website.   I enjoyed the time with the book, and then I moved on to other things.  The book was never expected to generate income.

The last caller had such an accent I could hardly understand him.  I did understand that a publisher had discovered the book and felt it had great potential. I hung up the telephone before getting the name of the dubious publishing company.  I passed up another wonderful opportunity to become wealthy.

 

Caldecott Medal is an annual award for children’s picture books.

 


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