Hello readers,
When my book was released in May 2025, I first shared the news with my family and friends around the world, as well as with my proofreader. Then I put it on sale on my website, on Amazon and in independent bookstores across Quebec.
I also knew I could sell it directly during my season as captain on whale-watching cruises. During the summer of 2025, at sea or after my outing, I would offer customers the chance to keep a written souvenir, especially when we'd had a great encounter with marine mammals. I posted my book on the window of my boat, along with my website and these three words: Autobiography of Julien Marchal. People had the choice of buying it on the spot, in the store above reception. Sometimes customers would tip me, but I'd suggest they buy my autobiography instead, because it was a nice gift. I didn't sell many copies and, to be honest, at first I had no idea how many I was going to sell. In my mind, distributing a few was already a lot. In the end, I sold around 25 copies. Sometimes I had time between cruises to sign the book, but sometimes I didn't, because I didn't have enough time. Especially as customers had to return their sailing clothes first, and then go up to the boutique. This could take a long time, as there were people on every floor.
Here are a few comments:
From my former principal in Montpellier, France:
" Salut Julien, Yes, of course I've read your book, and hats off to you, because writing a book retracing your life and passions is a monumental task. Congratulations, because when we read your book, it's not just one life you've had, but a thousand. What a rich life you've had. Your family, your friends, Corsica, your travels, your encounters (very many) and above all your passion for marine mammals in the four corners of the oceans... what a joy to have lived it all. I was forgetting about your determination to succeed, which I sensed when you were training in Montpellier. You must make a lot of people jealous who haven't had the "chance" or the will to have a life like yours. In any case, that's my case. Well done again. Julien, you're a great guy. What more can I say? You're happy with your little family, you've made your dreams come true, even if you've still got a few left in the tank. Keep dreaming and moving forward for yourself, but especially for your little mermaid Saïna. Best regards.
It's been 2 weeks since I returned home and my heart is still in the Saguenay estuary and off Bergeronnes with all these wonderful living beings. I thank the Universe, the Creator or the Big Boss, as it's appropriate for everyone to call him, for putting on my path inspiring beings filled with love for their fellow man (fellow man here means: beings incarnated in a body other than human). I've recognized the same love for animals, it's good to recognize each other and it gives a boost to our mission of life on earth, thank you for that Julien.. Go where your heart delights you, for my part, it's when I come into contact with animals and music that my heart delights, as it does for you with animals... take care of yourself....".
Sincerely.
Terrebonne, Quebec/Canada, January 2026
Julien Marchal


