I am really excited to share details of this new project with you.
“Body of Evidence” is a series of essays detailing what it is like to live in the body of a woman who was sexually abused as a child. In the book, I take you on a tour of my body – from the top of my head to the tips of my toes – and explain how years of incest and child sexual abuse has affected it.
In recent months, publishers and agents have been very positive in thier appraisal of “Body of Evidence”. Most importantly, it has really landed with others who have histories of sexual abuse, and those who care for them, when they have atttended readings, performances, and presentations of elements of this work.
Here is a selection of the reactions I have received:
“Thank you for your excellent submission. This is an important work, but I am retiring in June, so not in a position to take on this project.” (Agent, US).
“Your words have been haunting me all day – but in a good way. Hazel, I want to read more, I want to have this book to go back to time and time again. You get it in ways that no one else does.” (Survivor)
“As I listened, I just got angrier and angrier. Not with you , but with all those men. It really made me feel ashamed to be a man.” (Non-survivor.)
“We have had a meeting about your submission, and feel that we are too small a press for ‘Body of Evidence’. It is a very important book and needs to be read widely. We simply do not feel that we have the reach necessary to do it justice.” (Publisher, Canada).
In spite of all the positive feedback, I have not yet found an agent or publisher who is willing to take the book on. Most simply respond with praise for the writing, followed by a statement of regret that it is not right for them.
Look I get it, I do. “Body of Evidence” is a scary proposition. Unlike other books dealing with trauma – I have multiple traumas. I have survived more than “just” poverty, or “just” rape, or “just” incest, or “just” a narcissistic mother, or “just” trafficking, or “just” domestic violence, or “just” transgenerational trauma, or “just” attempts on my life. I’ve survived them all (and more). And I’ve done it on my own. I had no loving parent. I did not have the “one good adult” that research tells us every child needs. I was ignored and / or abandoned by people – the local GP, the judiciary, the local health board, psychiatrists, social workers, etc. – who knew what I was living with, who acknowledged my life was in danger, and who still refused to act to protect me.
As a result, this book is an uncomfortable, and confronting, read for some, but a relief for those who share elements of my history. If you are interested, a synopsis of each chapter can be found here.
Here is Your Opportunity:
I want to get “Body of Evidence” into the hands (and ears – with the audio version) of those who need it, and those who want it, before the end of this year. You can read an extract from the book here.
Some of the chapters still need work, and I will engage professionals to design the cover, edit the content, and format it for both paperback and ebook versions. I have done this before, so I know what is involved and how long it will take. As a result, I know I need to raise the funds for this project by the end of July. Yes, I know that’s not very far away, but it’s not impossible, either.
If you have ever fancied yourself as a Patron of the Arts, this is your chance! You can be part of this thrilling, innovative, project by choosing to become one of the following:
An eBook Patron (<—Click this link) who will receive a copy of the ebook, and the name of their choice in the list of patrons at the back of the book (€18)
A First Edition Patron, (<—Click this link) who will receive a signed copy of the first edition of the paperback, the ebook, and the name of their choice printed in the patron’s list at the back of the book. They will also receive a VIP invitation to the book launch in December of 2024. (€38)
A Book Club Patron (<—Click this link) For this option, patrons will receive three copies each of the first edition paperback (signed), the ebook, and the audiobook. Also offered with this option is a visit from me (via Zoom unless otherwise agreed) to a nominated bookclub, and the name of their choice printed in the patron’s list at the back of the book. They will also receive three VIP invitations to the book launch in December of 2024. (€108.)
A Corporate Patron (<—Click this link) This level of patronage entitles you to five copies each of the first edition paperback (signed), the ebook, and the audiobook. Also included is a half-day workshop from my suite of workshops, specially adapted for your organisasion of choice, or a talk/presentation at an event of your choosing (via Zoom unless otherwise agreed). Please note that there are only ten Corporate Patronages available. They will also receive five invitations to the book launch in December of 2024. (€888.)
FAQ
What will you spend the money on, Hazel?
Why, Champagne and cavier, of course!
No, of course not. Funds will go towards production costs, post and packaging of the paperback versions, and costs associated with the book launch.
Why not set up a Go Fund Me campaign?
I am not soliciting donations. I am backing this project, and inviting other people to back it, too.
In that case, why not go with a hybrid publisher, or a dedicated book funding site like Unbound?
Great question! For reasons I am not being public about, I am under a bit of time pressure. In order to get this into your hands and ears by the end of the year, I do not have the luxury of to-ing and fro-ing with a hybrid publisher. My content, according to The Powers That Be at Unbound, is not for them.
What if I don’t have my copy/ies of your book in my hot little hands by December?
Once you have become a patron, we will have entered into a morally (and legally) binding contract. If I do not fulfil my end of the bargain – through procrastination, death, or disability – your investment will be returned.
Should you have any question, queries, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me.
