I'm writin a book.... what's the process?? How much does it cost?

Question

no comedians please!

no comedians please!

Answer 1

Okay, you're writing a book. What's the process? Well, it's different for everybody. Different authors do different things, and there's no tried-'n'-true way about it, only whatever works for you. The one thing that is absolutely necessary is that you sit down and write everyday, once you've decided to write. You can get an idea and take as long as you want to think about it, flesh it out in your head and on paper, but the minute you start writing actual text, DON'T STOP. Too many people do, and that's why there are million half-finished novels and great first chapters. Maybe some brilliant authors are able to leave a book for some time and come back to it, but if you haven't written like that before and had it work, then don't. Write every day, no matter how much- you can set goals for yourself (in terms of time, word count, page count, chapter, how far along you get in the story, whatever), but you just need to do it, and do it until it's done. Some people are self-editors, and won't type a single next word until they are absolutely satisfied with the last sentence they've typed, no matter if it takes thirty minutes to get it right. Others just get their ideas out onto paper and know that they can correct it later- that's what editing is all about! I side with the latter- it'll slow down the descent into insanity if you don't worry about how you sound, but rather in getting the entire book done. But to each their own. Just know that you need to write- that's the process of writing.

How much does it cost to write a book? Well, optimally, nothing. You should have everything you need, but if you don't, the most you should ever have to spend is ten or fifteen bucks for the pencils/pens and notebooks. Not many people write longhand anymore, but if you're dirt poor, it's one option (that's how they used to do in the olden' days, right?). Or having access to any computer with a word processing program, a floppy disk/CD/flash drive, and a printer with some ink and paper will allow you to write an entire book (theoretically, you can write a whole novel at your local library and print it out, too, for less than twenty bucks). As for getting it published, that's a different story . . . but you only asked about writing the book.

Answer 2

I wrote a book also.

You can read the first chapter of mine at Intuition Press at http://www.intuitionpress.com/. The theory is they sell your book at about $3.00 to anyone who likes the first chapter and wants to read the rest. Truth be known, nobody has ever paid to read mine and it's been over a year. The name of my book is "The Gates of Hell" and it's about prophecy and the end times.

Online publishing isn't a hurdle. It's getting a publisher to get it into book stores that will be your main challenge.

There's a lot of "subsidy publishers" that will take your money and send you boxes of books. Then you have to market them.

The days of getting published by a mainstream publisher because you're a good writer are over. You have to have "Name recognition" to land a publisher who'll publish and market your book at no cost to you.

Sucks to be a poor unknown.

I intend to use Xulon Press when I get $2,000 together in one place. For that they'll give it their best swing, but they're specifically a Chistian book house.

There's a book called "Writer's Market" that may help you find a publisher.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Publishing shouldn't cost the author ANYTHING. The process? Know your market for the book you are working on. Is it fiction, non-fiction, how-to, etc. Then see what publishers are publishing stuff similar to what you've written. Then submit and submit and submit, eventually you may get your book published.


Thomas

Answer 4

Cando above gave good advice.

The most important thing is to write. You'll need to find your own process, but write. The more you write, the better you will be at writing.

Answer 5

they say, write what you know and like. don't think about publishing it yet. finish it first and look for a good agent. you can google them.

and, you're not crazy. i suppose jk rowling must have had the same comment thrown at her before.

Answer 6

A lot, and how good is the book if you are so crazzzeeee?