Alan Votta served twenty-four years in the United States Navy Nuclear Submarine Service, including his early days as a recruit, attending training schools, building submarines, going on patrols, and becoming a Naval instructor. His rich history has provided a wealth of stories to share, and what better way to share them than as a memoir? Real Stories from a Nuclear Submariner captures Votta’s sense of humor, winning personality, his love and respect for those he served with, and the honor and pride he felt having served in the US Navy as a nuclear submariner.
Votta’s Self-Publishing Path
Alan Votta’s authorial career is closely linked to his wife’s. Ann Votta’s publishing journey started in 2010 when she began considering writing a book about reconnecting with her high school sweetheart after fifty years. This resulted in her first memoir, Reunited: When the Past Becomes a Present, published in 2013.
Though Ann was an English major in college, she wasn’t truly interested in writing from the start. Her daughter, Leigh Vincola, however, has a Masters in English and was instrumental in providing writing advice and critiques. Leigh is currently enrolled in a certificate program in Narrative Medicine. The extensive research Ann conducted about self-publishing led her to 1106 Design, and we helped bring her project to completion.
Ann followed up with a second memoir in 2018, From Italy and Back: Coming Full Circle, which celebrates her Italian heritage. Ann’s second book helped inspire Alan to finally pen his own memoir. The three books are intertwined, making each project even more unique. Ann is currently working on her next book, a professional memoir. In her own words, it’s “about the twenty years I spent as a work/life and human resource consultant creating, developing, and growing the work/life movement.”
Advice from the Vottas
“Learn as much as you can from ALL resources available.” It’s important to conduct research before making decisions, and don’t be afraid to use the legitimate resources available to help you be successful. The Vottas use social media, various websites, local bookstores, and local book fairs to promote their books, which are available in print and ebook formats.
“It has been fun. It has been rewarding. And it has given me a new career path,” Ann says of self-publishing. “So for anyone who has the inclination, I say, ‘Go for it!’ It’s an interesting journey.”
Ann Votta provided a detailed account of their publishing journey on their blog. You can read more details by reading “The Journey to Publication, Part 1” and “The Journey to Publication, Part 2.”
The learning curve was enormous for both Ann and Alan, and Ann says, “Without the help and guidance of 1106 Design and Michele’s team, we never would have realized our dream of publishing a memoir of which we could be very proud. We contracted with them for cover design, interior layout, and proofing.”
We’ve had the pleasure of working with Ann and Alan throughout the course of their self-publishing career and look forward to continuing the relationship. If you have any questions about self-publishing or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.
Real Stories from a Nuclear Submariner: Once Upon a Time/This Ain’t No Bullshit
Author: Alan Votta
Genre: Nonfiction, memoir
Link to Amazon Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Stories-Nuclear-Submariner-Bullshit/dp/0988975750
Author Website URL: https://reunitingblog.com/
Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/alan.votta.31
Twitter Handle: @alanvotta2
Reunited: When the Past Becomes a Present
Author: Ann Votta
Genre: Nonfiction, memoir
Link to Amazon Book Page: www.amazon.com/dp/098897570X
Author Website URL: http://www.reunitedalovestory.com/
Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/ann.p.votta
Twitter Handle: @annpvotta
LinkedIn Page URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-vincola-votta-5294368
From Italy and Back: Coming Full Circle
Author: Ann Votta
Genre: Nonfiction, memoir
Link to Amazon Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988975734
Author Website URL: https://fromitalyandback.com/
