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Troy Galyon

Troy Galyon

Maryville, Tennessee

Troy is a lifelong runner and Appalachian Trail thru-hiker without prior backpacking experience who completed the trail in only 107 days to honor his father and fundraise for cancer research.

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About the author

As a thru-hiker of the 2,200 mile long Appalachian Trail, Troy completed something only a few thousand others have been able to accomplish. Not only that, but his journey helped raise close to $7,000 for cancer research as he partnered with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The trials of the trail gave Troy only a slight idea of the struggle his father was experiencing daily with his cancer treatments, but it also gave hope to his father to continue each day.

Troy's aim is to show people that wealth and status are not necessary in changing lives and making the world a better place. The only thing necessary is having a reason and a purpose for doing so. His mission is to show others that anything can be accomplished if we have the proper motivation for attempting change and the grit and tenacity to stick to our goals when challenges present themselves.

A longtime runner and adherent to stoicism, Troy credits his success on the Appalachian Trail and in life to the his friends, family, and the many people around him. Without others, our existence is certainly a sad one, and he hopes everyone finishes this book recognizing the importance of cultivating relationships throughout life.
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If The Trail Provides hits 500 pre-orders by Friday 12 February 2021 4 P.M. UTC, then it will be pitched to 53 traditional publishers when the campaign ends. If The Trail Provides hits 250 pre-orders by Friday 12 February 2021 4 P.M. UTC, then it will be pitched to 32 hybrid publishers when the campaign ends. If The Trail Provides hits 500 pre-orders by Friday 12 February 2021 4 P.M. UTC, then it will be pitched to 103 publishers when the campaign ends.
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Publishizer is a crowdfunding literary agency. If 500 pre-orders is reached, then we pitch this proposal to traditional publishers. If not reached, then it gets pitched to non-traditional publishers.

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$200 Featured Supporter + Panel Ticket

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$250 Adventure Preparation

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The Trail Provides

A Journey of Hope Along the Appalachian Trail

In May of 2017, the day after I graduated from college and with no prior backpacking experience, I started on a journey to hike the entirety of the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in honor of my father who was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer and to raise money for cancer research.

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Biography & Memoir #1 in Biography & Memoir
85,000 words
100% complete
4 publishers interested

Synopsis

There are a handful of memoirs telling of thru-hikers’ journeys along the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail extending from Georgia to Maine, but many of these stories are more like a guidebook for readers to illustrate that anyone with enough fortitude can accomplish the entire trail. Readers are lacking in stories that show the true beauty of the trail, the grueling drudgery of continuous walking, and most importantly the community of people who make the trail a life changing experience for all who undertake it. Another aspect many of the other trail books fail to ascertain is finding a reason for the thru-hiker to take the hike. It is commonly said that people who thru-hike the Appalachian Trail are running to something or from something, but many hikers who fail to complete the entire trail do so because they never find their ‘why’ for hiking in the first place. As Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why can overcome almost any how.” The hikers who set out with a purpose for hiking the trail are able to stay focused and determined in achieving their goal of becoming thru-hikers.

My book bridges the gap for readers looking for more than just a guide to hiking the Appalachian Trail or the story of someone setting out on a journey just for the fun of it. My story provides a ‘why’ immediately. I lay out a reason for my hike, a powerfully motivating factor for my journey, which is to raise money for cancer research and honor my father diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. I lay out the things I took on my hike, the daily struggle of what seemed like non-stop walking, and the incredibly motivating and generous people whose help along the way kept me strong enough to finish in only 107 days. While it is said the Appalachian Trail attracts people running to or from something, it attracted me because I was running for something. I was running to do what I felt would best show the world what a great man my father was and to help bring awareness to cancer research in hope that no other person would have to go through what my father did.

My experience is very specific to my father and me, and the journey we took together can only be described by me. The literal blood, sweat, and tears we both shed throughout my 2,200 mile trek and his daily battle with cancer have given me insights into the joy people can bring into our lives and the agony left by their absence. Not only can I explain the experience of completing a daunting, months-long hike, but I am also able to share what it is like to undertake such a task solely to honor someone else. Because cancer affects so many people in the world, it is important to raise as much awareness and funds to end this disease as possible. My experience with my father’s diagnosis helped me understand what so many other people have had to cope with as well. This book will also be a guide to illustrate to the many people struggling with cancer that there is hope, and it helps show one of many ways to raise awareness and get one step closer to ending cancer forever.

Why support this book?

  • I have a large network of people in the hiking and running communities who would buy this book to hear the story of someone finishing the trail so quickly and the mental and physical determination it took to do so. With over thousands of email contacts from 2017 hikers, Maryville High School runners, and University of Tennessee Running Club members, my personal community includes a vast network of outdoor enthusiasts who would be interested in purchasing this book.
  • The University of Tennessee and other Knoxville news outlets covered the story of my hike, and many of the viewers and followers of the hike will be interested to hear the detailed story. This includes the story featured in the Tennessee Alumnus which is distributed to all University of Tennessee alumni and is followed by over 1,500 people on Facebook.
  • People who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis will also be interested to read a story of what one son did to honor his father during his battle with cancer. That being said, current statistics show that 40% of all people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That amount of people means almost every US citizen will be affected in one way or another by cancer, and they will be searching for ways to make a difference and stories of others making a difference as well.
  • With over 5,000 new hikers attempting at thru-hike of one of the three national scenic trails and even more section and day hiking, they will be looking for something to give them guidance and help them to know what to expect along a trail. They will also be interested in purchasing my book.

Similar titles

  • The Unlikely Thru-Hiker. Derick Lugo. Appalachian Mountain Club Books. September 7, 2019. My book also tells the journey of an inexperienced thru-hiker, but it includes the challenge of dealing with my father's illness as well as the hike.
  • AWOL on the Appalachian Trail. David Miller. Lake Union Publishing. October 18, 2010. David tells the story of his hike and gives advice and tips on hiking while my book mostly tells my story and describes my personal journey.
  • Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. Ben Montgomery. Chicago Review Press. April 1, 2016. This is an historical look back about a well-known thru-hiker.

Audience

This book is written for outdoor lovers and adventurers who want to witness the trials a son and his father withstood to show the love they had for one another. It is also for people who have experienced a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer and illustrates to them that while the illness itself can be cured only through medical treatment, that family member or friend's mental wellbeing can be greatly improved through all of our actions and care given to them. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics. https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/thru-hiking/2000-milers/.

4 publishers interested Express interest

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1106 Design, LLC

500 copies • Completed manuscript.
1106 Design provides book design, production, and publishing services for independent authors who seek all the quality of traditional publishing without forfeiting their rights and royalties in return. 1106 Design provides traditional publisher quality with one-stop, end-to-end services from copyediting to worldwide distribution. We operate just like a publisher with one difference: YOU maintain complete control of your book, your schedule, and most importantly, your payments.

In our model, distribution accounts are set up in your name. When a book is sold, the retailer takes a cut, the printing cost is deducted, and the balance is deposited directly into your bank account, never ours first. The difference can amount to several more dollars per book in net revenue to you. Our most popular package for non-fiction books, 50,000 words and under, including copyediting, cover design, interior layout, proofreading, eBook formatting, and distribution set up in your name is just $7,353. Fiction titles are slightly lower, $6,488.

Need a different solution? Let's talk! We'll customize our services to your exact needs. At 1106 Design, we love helping authors release great books! If all of the above interests you, please respond with your email address and/or telephone and we'll reach out to answer all your questions. We hope to hear from you soon.

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Atmosphere Press

250 copies • Partial manuscript.
Atmosphere Press is an independent publisher dedicated to author rights. We publish in all genres and have an exceptional editorial, design, and promotional staff. We stand for Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, and Kindness. We want our authors and their readers to be blown away when they first hold that book in their hands. It needs to look good inside and out, and feel good to the touch. And, of course, the words need to be top-notch, and our editors are devoted to making that the case.

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eBooks2go

100 copies • Completed manuscript.
eBooks2go, Inc. was founded in 2011 to provide the missing link for all your publishing needs. Our end-to-end solutions provide the guidance and support that enable publishers and independent authors to pursue their passions. To date, we have helped more than 750 authors and 100 publishers worldwide. We offer an array of simple and affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the book publishing process. Our comprehensive service offering includes editing, print and eBook production, book marketing, cover designs, ISBN registration, and even website designs. We are a single source for all of your publishing needs.

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Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel

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Happy Self Publishing

100 copies • Completed manuscript.
Happy Self Publishing has helped 250+ authors to get their books self-published, hit the #1 position in the Amazon bestseller charts and also establish their author website & brand to grow their business. And the best thing is, we do all this without taking away your rights and royalties. Our publishing packages start at $699! Let's schedule a call to discuss the next steps in your book project: www.happyselfpublishing.com/scheduler

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Children Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mind & Body, Mystery, Thriller, Horror & Suspense, Romantic Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, YA Fiction, Biography & Memoir, Business & Money, Career & Success, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Health, Fitness & Dieting, History, Journalism, Personal Growth & Self-Improvement, Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality, Science, Society & Culture, Sports & Outdoors, Technology & the Future, Travel

Worldwide

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  • Jim Cornfoot
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 1:09 p.m.

    Love you, Troy! And proud of you for putting your story down on paper.

  • Stacey Gendal
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 2:14 p.m.

    Good luck Troy! I am so excited for you! This is a huge accomplishment!

  • Kathryn Pepperman
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 2:29 p.m.

    You are an inspiring person and a great friend. Victor and I can’t wait to read your work!

  • Steve Millsaps
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 8:30 p.m.

    Good luck with your efforts. You have made a difference. I know your father is very proud of you.
    Steve “Survivor” Millsaps

  • Harrison Smith
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 9:22 p.m.

    Love you, bud. Proud of you and hope this goes well!

  • Beth Pankratz
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 9:42 p.m.

    So proud of you Troy! I look forward to reading the book!

  • PHILIP COCKS
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 10:08 p.m.

    Hi We are friends of Donald and Maylea

    Phil and Sylvia

  • June Branton
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 10:31 p.m.

    Best wishes for much success Troy! Can’t wait to read of your adventure. My youngest son was planning on walking the trail, but unfortunately his dream never came to fruition.

  • Jarod Coppenger
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 10:31 p.m.

    Proud of all of your accomplishments, Troy. I wish you and your family the best.

    Jarod

  • Robert Michaud
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 10:40 p.m.

    I will be anxious to read your story. Give my best to your Mom. She and I worked together in Boone. Best of luck to you. Bob Michaud

  • Dwayne Koontz
    on Jan. 13, 2021, 11:42 p.m.

    Congrats on the book. Look forward to reading it.

  • Bobbie Briggs
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 12:02 a.m.

    Congratulations on doing this! I look forward to reading your book!

  • Lisa Throop
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 12:03 a.m.

    I am super proud of you! Can’t wait to read your book!

  • Kim Porter
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 12:12 a.m.

    Troy! We have to catch up!!! So happy for you!

    Kim Porter

  • David Mills
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 1 a.m.

    Proud of you Troy!!! You’re a fine young man!
    T.

  • Jennifer Null
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 2:03 a.m.

    Can’t wait to read your story Troy...you and your Dad will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget Danny....thank you for letting me be one of his caregivers. Love you!

  • Ashley Porter
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 1:30 p.m.

    Wow, Troy! I'm looking forward to reading your book. Super proud of you!!! :-)

  • Malerie Lazar
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 2:26 p.m.

    So excited for you and so excited to read this!

  • Barbara Jenkins
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 3:01 p.m.

    I am very proud of you, and excited to read about your journey. Congratulations on the upcoming book release!

    Wising you much success,
    Barbara Jenkins

  • Bev Gambill
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 4:56 p.m.

    Congratulations on your accomplishment!! I know you have worked very hard to get to where you are now. I gladly support you because in 2020, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May and is responding well to treatment. In October, he was diagnosed with stage 2C melanoma and is currently doing well. Thank you for all your hard work to fight cancer!!

  • Rani Zaouk
    on Jan. 14, 2021, 11:50 p.m.

    Best of luck! Excited to follow your adventures throughout the book

  • Carolyn Forster
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 12:12 a.m.

    Happy to see you complete this labor of love in honor and memory of your dad. Congratulations!

  • Dolly Rose
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 1:04 a.m.

    So proud of you Troy! Can't wait to read your story.

  • Emily Palenkas-West
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 1:52 a.m.

    Yay, Troy! So proud of you and this amazing accomplishment. Can’t wait to read!

  • Sydney Sherrod
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 2 a.m.

    Troy, this is amazing! Such a cool achievement, and for an even better cause. I sincerely hope you’re doing well and hope our paths cross again someday! Until then, keep hiking and staying a badass.

  • Sandy Steichen
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 2:28 a.m.

    Can’t wait to read about all of your adventures.

  • Matthew Morris
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 3:45 a.m.

    Keep at it man, so proud to see you keep pursuing this! Hope you’re well!
    -Matthew Morris

  • Shannon Stone
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 2:56 p.m.

    Excited for you! Can’t wait to read it! -Shannon

  • Julia Ganns
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 3:50 p.m.

    Just preordered! So excited to read about your story.
    Best wishes from Germany ;)

  • Thomas Coulter
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 5:04 p.m.

    David Finch recommended the book, and I look forward to getting it!

  • Michael Bailey
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 5:11 p.m.

    Hello sir! I am extremely proud of all you accomplished. So glad that I could find a way to support. Continue to be the amazing human that I know you are!

    -Michael B

  • Zach Rayborn
    on Jan. 15, 2021, 6:54 p.m.

    Good luck, Troy! Can’t wait to read it!

  • Jared Anderson
    on Jan. 16, 2021, 7:44 a.m.

    Troy, can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for putting it out there, and I hope my purchase helps a tiny bit. Good luck man!

  • Melony Colquitt
    on Jan. 16, 2021, 2:37 p.m.

    Congratulations Troy on publishing your book! I can 't wait to read it! Melony Colquitt

  • Kathryn Mardon
    on Jan. 16, 2021, 4:38 p.m.

    Can't wait to read - hope some day we can talk about it in person. Good luck always.

  • Molly Bate
    on Jan. 16, 2021, 11:20 p.m.

    Very Cool!!! I don’t know if you remember me...I work for The Pour Guys...but mostly I’m an avid hiker!!! Congrats!!!

  • Cristyn Richards
    on Jan. 16, 2021, 11:55 p.m.

    I’m a friend of your moms, and followed your hike online. I’m excited to read more about your adventure... God Bless you for doing this in your fathers memory.

  • April Check
    on Jan. 17, 2021, 12:36 a.m.

    Best of luck on your goals. Looking forward to reading your book.
    April Check
    (Family friend of Devin Finch)

  • Laura Bradley Thrasher
    on Jan. 17, 2021, 7:14 a.m.

    Thanks to Eric (a good friend of my niece) for posting this. Happy to support you and read your story.
    My best to you all,
    Laura

  • Sheila McNeil
    on Jan. 17, 2021, 3:04 p.m.

    Congratulations on your book, Troy! My parents and siblings knew your father well, and I a excited to share with them as well.

  • Taylor Drake
    on Jan. 19, 2021, 1:01 a.m.

    I can't wait to see Troy's wisdom poured out on the pages! Love you!!

  • Jean Donaldson
    on Jan. 19, 2021, 5:11 p.m.

    Troy best of luck I know this will be a great read, much love. Congratulations on writing a book and getting married!

  • Ethan Pollack
    on Jan. 19, 2021, 10:46 p.m.

    Proud of you boss and excited to hear your journey!

  • Victoria DeShazer
    on Jan. 21, 2021, 12:28 a.m.

    Way to go Troy! Really proud of your tribute to your dad and your accomplishments!!!! What an experience!!!! Can’t wait to read it!

  • Ann Ogle
    on Jan. 25, 2021, 12:41 p.m.

    Your dad was my first AP when I started working at EES in 2006. He always made things lively and I loved him. I think what you did to honor him was amazing.

  • DeAnn Wooten
    on Jan. 25, 2021, 4:28 p.m.

    Troy,
    Congratulations on your marriage.
    I am so excited for you. You know how much Danny meant to our High School family. Our 40th reunion is coming up & planning it will not be the same without your dad. I cant wait to read your book. Take care.
    Love always, De from Dr. Collins office

  • Mike Lonas
    on Jan. 25, 2021, 4:53 p.m.

    Looking forward to reading the book. Was in the Guard with your dad for many years. Much respect for you both!

  • Donald Wilson
    on Jan. 25, 2021, 11:01 p.m.

    Best wishes Troy... I look forward to reading your story...

  • Danielle Cupp
    on Jan. 25, 2021, 11:23 p.m.

    We are so proud of you and we love you so much!

  • Chris Cupp
    on Jan. 26, 2021, 12:39 a.m.

    Troy, Great Job! So Proud of you!!!

  • Chip Fuller
    on Jan. 26, 2021, 12:49 a.m.

    So proud of you. Great article today in the Daily Times.

    Chip and Zac

  • Bryan McFarland
    on Jan. 26, 2021, 4:24 p.m.

    Hey Troy... So happy to see this coming to fruition! And congratulations on marriage. Woot! Life changes galore, huh!

    Best to you/y'all,

    Bryan, Diane, and Meagan

  • Tim Burdine
    on Jan. 27, 2021, 11:18 p.m.

    Great job Troy! Looking forward to reading about your journey. We’re proud of you!
    -Uncle Bud and Paige