Hello everyone,
BIG and VERY brilliant news!
Just over a year ago I launched the crowdfunding campaign for Made Possible - and now I'm delighted to say that I've just delivered the manuscript to the publisher, Unbound.
Here's a shot of what my desk's looked like for the past few months (the final manuscript was neater than these scrawled-upon pages...I didn't actually handwrite the entire thing):
And I know I've mentioned this before, but I can't stress this enough - I'm hugely grateful to all of you who've backed Made Possible, or who've shared news about its progress to ensure it gets made.
It still amazes me to think that this project - a collection of essays on success by people with learning disabilities - was fully funded within just six weeks. The speed with which the book hit its funding target proves how much this stereotype-shattering title is needed.
What's next? I'll be working with Unbound's editorial team over the coming months and I'm looking forward to seeing the title take shape. People with learning disabilities face huge inequalities in everything from healthcare to education and employment (not to mention barbaric treatment, locked away in 'care' institutions, as reflected in recent media coverage). This book of powerful and entertaining essays by learning disabled high achievers will show an alternative approach to treating and supporting people, and the benefits of that approach.
For those of you who are used to working with me on journalistic projects, I feel duty bound to mention the fact that publishing timescales are more drawn out than my newspaper ones. The gap between manuscript delivery and publication allows for the review, proofing, design, typesetting and cover art process (I sound like I know what I'm talking about - this is all new to me too, and very exciting!).
I'll let you all know about the book's progress and, meantime, please get in touch or share #MadePossible updates on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
Thanks everyone for your support,
Saba