Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, hurdles to overcome, and mountains to climb. Recently, I encountered a unique challenge when I received a request for an English version of my book, Educated Drugdealer. Excitedly, I had it translated, only to find out it was a literal Google Translate rendition, even down to my email address becoming “pharamacyassistant@gmail.” Talk about a setback!
It was disheartening, especially considering the investment of my hard-earned savings. Yet, amidst the disappointment, I refused to give up on my dream. Determined to find a solution, I turned to social media for help, and through a trusted contact, finally secured a reliable translator.
However, navigating marketing strategies abroad posed another hurdle. Marketing books internationally seemed daunting, but I refused to be deterred. Eventually, my book found its place on Amazon.com, marking a significant step in international distribution, despite initially being labeled as a Dutch book—a minor setback easily rectified.
Recently, I reached out to English-speaking readers in the Netherlands, which yielded unexpected and fantastic results. I sent out 200 copies to The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), who are now organizing an exciting promotion. It’s incredible how asking for help and giving away books in exchange for reviews on platforms like Goodreads can lead to unexpected success.
In every setback lies an opportunity, and through perseverance, creativity, and the support of others, I continue to forge ahead, turning challenges into triumphs on this entrepreneurial journey.
Additionally, for those interested in learning more about my book Educated Drugdealer, I’ve created a dedicated English page on my website. There, you can find more information about the book, including a preview, testimonials, and details on how to purchase both the ebook and paperback versions. It’s my hope that by sharing these stories, I can connect with colleagues and readers worldwide. If you know someone outside the Netherlands who might enjoy this book, please don’t hesitate to share the link with them.
With love, Ellen
Ellen Kruize Kok, author of the books Educated Drugdealer and Stories from the Pharmacy NL. Also, the creator of the Educated Drugdealer Podcast NL. Listen on Spotify or YouTube (for free) or follow on social media. Check out all the free downloads in the shop!