about writing a book?

Question

what is the process for writing a book.

How do I find and editor / publisher and what does it usually cost. The book is going to be about my life as a child. (grew up poor and abused) Do you think people would be interested?

Answer 1

Finding a publisher is the hardest part (yes, even harder than writing the book!). Head to your local library and check out the 2006 Writers Market. It's a great book that will give you a huge listing of publishers and places to get published.

Once you get a publisher, you'll be provided with an editor. However, enlist other writerly/readerly/educatedly (whatever) friends to edit and comment on your book as you're writing it. Remind them that you are looking for content flaws, where more detail needs to be added, etc...not just spelling and grammar.

Getting published shouldn't cost you anything -- or not the actual publishing (unless you self publish). Of course, you'll have to pay to send out your manuscript but any place that says they'll publish your work for a price isn't worth it!! Don't pay to get your work published.

As for your topic, it's worth a try. The thing is that there are books in existance about the same thing, unless you've become famous since you grew up it's unlikely you'll get this book published right away (unless, of course, the abuse was so outrageous -- think _A Child Called It_). However, if it's written well that's what matters so focus on telling the story in a way that your readers will feel what it felt like to be you. You don't have to have an entirely new topic, you just need to present it in a new, fresh way.

Good luck and happy writing!

Answer 2

Look here for great help. They have information about publishers, agents, and more. Yes, I think your book will be interesting.

Answer 3

Everyone has different methods. The key element it TIME. I do a page every day. This way, I don't skimp on details or fly through the story too quickly. Every page is perfection.

Answer 4

Be specialist: find a theme, research deeply, bring new information by yourself, registre it as copyright, sign a edition contract, publish it.

Answer 5

People will be interested in it if you make it interesting. Make sure you let people read your drafts, but don't always take their advice:) Just use them to see if you have problems to work out.

Answer 6

getting feelings out to the public you might have a good idea that people would want to read about.

Answer 7

you should know what R you writing about...So learn the topic...And the book should be yours, not rewriting of others mind!