How difficult is it to write a book and get it published?

Question

I want to write a book about some life experiences that I have had but I cant afford a ghostwriter.

Answer 1

If you are writing with the hope of one day getting published by a legitimate publishing house then don't write a memoir.... I agree with the other posts that say memoirs of unknowns do not sell. We all have a life story and finding an audience for yours would never pay. Instead,if you feel you have some interesting experiences you want to share,then put them in fictional form. Write something based on your life but embellished enough to be entertaining. That alone could double your chances of finding a publisher and a readership.

Answer 2

Writing a book is a long process. To actually get the story down on paper and edit it until it reads well can take a lot of time. It takes some writers years.

Do you do any other writing? Short stories or poetry or anything? These can be a good way to get your feet wet. Also, check out http://www.nanowrimo.org and see if you have any interest-- it is a challenge to write 50,000 words in the month of November. This can be a great place to find a lot of support while you get your basic story down on paper.

I have a few books that I always recommend to writers. They have been motivational, practical, and overall amazing references to me as I write:
1) "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg.
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "Writer's Market"

Finding an agent and publisher is an even more difficult task, but not impossible. Writers face a lot of rejection, but you can't let it get you down. You have to keep persisting.

Stay away from print-on-demand places (also known as self-publishing and vanity presses). These places will print absolutely anything, so there is not much respect for these books.

I wouldn't worry about publishing right away. Start by getting your story down on paper!

Answer 3

It can be difficult to write-the worst part is staring at a blank page and trying to get your thoughts in order. But you're right about the ghostwriter, it's not worth the trouble and expence. You'll have a much better sense of satisfaction when you've finished the book.

Answer 4

Unless you are a celebrity or have some other heavy duty credentials to your name, a book about your life experiences would not be a hot seller. Getting a legitimate publisher is tough as well. By legitimate I mean one who pays YOU, and not the other way around. All on the Web (Pod's, self-publishers, and sites that feature your work) are not worth a dime and are all considered vanity presses for obvious reasons. Why not start on your school newspaper and get some experience first. This may lead you to other things. Today, publishers accept very little from unknown writers and if you cannot write at all, then I suggest you get into a different field altogether. And by the way, I notice many of you kids want only to be told how good you are and want others to fawn over you, then get mad when you hear the truth about your work or the REALITIES of the publishing field. This field is NOT for children and the faint of heart. Then, you begin posting hate filled diatribes after being given constructive advice. In other words, if you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and don't ask in the first place!

Answer 5

A ghostwriter is a writer who writes using another person's name. Like the popular author V.C. Andrews. After she died of cancer, her publishers hired a couple of ghostwriters keep her books going.

I found two sites on how to self-publish a book:

Answer 6

I think the most difficult part would be to actually write it a good book could takes years of writing and editing so get to work:) I'm currently working on a book so I wish you good luck publishing shouldn't be hard but it will cost money

Answer 7

Writing a book isn't hard, but it does take commitment. Writing is a skill. It is learned. It is not some mystic talent some people are born with. If you dedicate yourself to your book and set aside time everyday to work on it faithfully, then you can do it. The hard part is publishing it. Unless you self publish or e-publish, publishing can be a frustrating and difficult experience.

Answer 8

How difficult is it to write? That's pretty much up to you and how dedicated you are to get a book written.

How difficult is it to get published? Self publishing is easy but not very profitable, getting it published by one of the bog houses is VERY hard.

Answer 9

i think you can pay someone to publish any book, so anyone can but it's just a matter of people reading it and buying it, like stores and such....but if it's something you want to do go for it--good luck and God bless! :)

Answer 10

and what the heck's a ghostwriter!?