I would like to write a book...how do i start?

Question

I want to write a book. I am not sure how to begin or how i can find a publisher.

Answer 1

I would suggest starting by reading as much as possible, both in the genre(s) you plan on writing, and books that cover different aspects of writing and grammar. My personal favorite books on writing include:

1) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser-- This is an excellent reference for any kind of writing. It will make your emails, essays, stories, and other writing clearer. I recommend this to everyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

2) "Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott-- This is slightly more geared towards fiction writing, but can be helpful when you are attacking ANY large project in your life. Definitely a must for creative writers, students, or people who are looking for an entertaining book on writing.

3) "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. This definitely targets creative writing, and focuses on the practice of writing. I write a lot of poetry and am working on a novel, and this is incredibly motivational to me. Practicing your writing every day will help teach you how to put those ideas together.

4) "On Writing" by Stephen King. This really contains two different stories-- one that is his life, and another which is lessons to writers.

Just to name a few, that is!

As for the writing itself, you just have to sit down and do it. I'd suggest picking a topic that you are passionate about instead of worrying about what others might like to read. Write something you love, and don't worry about the writing being of a high quality the first time around. Editting is the time when you will make everything sparkle-- for now, just get your story down on paper, no matter how rough your draft!

There are two types of publishing: Tradition and Self-Publishing.

The first answer that you got suggested http://www.lulu.com which is, in my opinion, the best self-publisher around. You can set up your book on their website, for free, and they will print copies as they are purchased. They do not edit your book, so you will need to take care of that on your own. This will also NOT get your book in a traditional bookstore, although you can purchase a very affordable package that would allow sale of your book through online bookstores like Amazon.

The second answer referenced "Writer's Market" which, along with "The Guide to Literary Agents" are my two suggestions for diving into the traditional publishing market. I suggest looking for an agent first because they are the best step through the publishing door. You will create a submission package that matches the agents preferences (some, for instance, just want a query letter and summary in your first contact with them while others want more). Once you find an agent that is willing to represent you, they will market your book to publishers. Remember, in traditional publishing you should not be paying for anything! They get paid when you get paid!

But first, you have to get that thing written! Happy writing and good luck!

Answer 2

"Once upon a time...," of course!

Like somebody else said, start at the beginning, put some stuff in the middle, and don't stop until you reach the end. But, although that will work, it doesn't lead to the best stories.

Imagine your character in a series of situations that really take your fancy, and write those scenes as well as you can. They don't have to be connected by any intermediate text at first. And you probably won't use all of these jewel scenes, either. (Some you save for future books.) But take the best ones that will work in the book you're working on now and string them together like pearl on a necklace, with a thread of plot running through them all.

That way, you'll have something to write toward before you get to the climax or the end, bases to touch, like in baseball. And the pearl scenes are the most fun things to write anyway. You might have to rewrite a pearl scene when your thread gets there because something will have changed that you didn't expect at first. But that's pretty easy to do.

Write the book before you worry about agents or publishers. You don't get contracts to write until you prove that you can write at all.

Answer 3

As a great author once said. Start at the beginning, put some stuff in the middle, then finish it at the end.

As far as finding a publisher, I would highly recommend finding a literary agent if you are really serious about making money off of this thing first.

Stephen King once said at a conference that everyone has ten lousy books in them, the quicker you get those out of the way, the more success you will have with the good ones.

The key to writing is: don't ever stop. No matter what anyone tells you, no matter how discouraging it gets, no matter if the sun falls out of the sky and crashes into your neighbor's house, don't ever stop writing.

Answer 4

Write the book first, then worry about getting it published.

Answer 5

compose and outline a plan on paper first to organize your thoughts how this story, bio, instructional, or whatever it is you intend on writing about will be like. Take a couple of days to imagine this and then write your plan down then i would just go for it. If you need additional help i'm positive there are online tutorials about how to write books

Answer 6

Don't even worry about publishers, agents, etc. until your book is well underway. You need to be able to supply them with a manuscript.

Just start writing. Good luck.