Anyone here written a book?

[Berlin]

I've got a book in my head (how to, not fiction) and I need to get it out. Its taking up too much space! :)

But I haven't the first clue on what you do to write a book and the process involved. I know a lot of people want to read it as every time I teach someone they always come out with "You should writer a book! This is revolutionary stuff" etc. Its all finished in my head and I just need to get it all down on paper which would take about three months.

So how do you do it? Has anyone written (and published) a book here?

Cheers,
Carl

[fenjer]

I know a couple of authors who are published, could probably put you in touch with them.

They are both fiction authours, but they might be able to help.

[Lozzo]

One of my exes is a published children's (teen market really) author. She has written a four part series of books which have mainly sold in the USA. She has a degree in creative writing and managed to secure advances on the last two books which saw her through the writing stages. The publishers wouldn't advance on the first two though, even though the first book was popular and set the scene for follow ups.

[Dicky Ticker]

Like you B I have a book in my head,sort of,I don't know what you would call it as it would be a series of short stories that have happend either in my presence or to me during 30+ years of international travel.

[mattSV]

PM Grunty Giggles - she may be able to give some good advice ;)

[punyXpress]

Log off here.
Go to Word ( others are available )
Start typing & don't stop until it's all out of your system.
THEN start thinking about how to get it prepared for printing.
Oh, don't forget to come back here from time to time.

[CoolGirl]

join a local writers group
get in touch with your local college and see if they've got any courses or workshops
buy a copy of 'the writers handbook'

all of the above will give you some ideas about where to start with putting pen-to-paper, give you some guidance on structure, and get you started on pitching to publishers (esp if you want to pursue an advance).

[anna]

I dont know very much about this as others have said GG is the one to speak to.

I would say that a lot of research is needed to find a publishing house that might be interested in your concept, then write a synopsis of your idea and put together a presentation to be able to pitch your idea to the publishing house. (Again I might be entirely wrong here).

If it is a "how to" type book consider talking to the how to for dummies as a starting point? http://www.dummies.com/Section/Write-for-Dummies-com.id-390622.html

Some publishers actually give you feedback but, I think it is a bit like auditions very many dont even acknowledge receipt of your ideas.

[seedy100]

Never dont it; but the cynic in me says at least write a synopsis first and get that dated and lodged with a solicitor before you pitch the idea to anyone else.

I dont know if it would help in the event of someone knicking your idea but there is no harm in being cautious.

Good Luck!

[Quiff Wichard]

yeppo GG is the lady you need.

[Lozzo]

yeppo GG is the lady you need.

I get the impression GG is the lady everyone needs, no matter what the situation. :D




Stretchie... nice bloke and all that, but you've just got to hate him for being the one.

[ixlr8]

Log off here.
Go to Word ( others are available )
Start typing & don't stop until it's all out of your system.
THEN start thinking about how to get it prepared for printing.
Oh, don't forget to come back here from time to time.

Do this regardless. Then it's out of your head and cemented in the real world and you (or GG) will be able to see whether there's a publishable amount of knowledge, whether you'll need a ghostwriter, editor, etc., to publish or post as how-to's and so on.

[robin]

I,ve done one (a history of the wooden bowl), nearly finished a second (how to carve wooden spoons) and chapters in several others. Also have lots of friends that have done others and tried the various options eg self publishing.

It is easier now than it was a few years ago as short run printing costs come down publishers are not looking at such big risks.

If you think it will take 3 months I would say plan for at least 12. The advice about actually blatting a pile of stuff out in word is good, get something down on paper. Look at publishers that publish in your specialist field, for me it is woodworking and there are only 2 or 3 to choose from. Those publishers may well have online guidelines for new authors, if not once you have a sample chapter and synopsis then go talk to them.

When you get sufficiently down the line be aware that design and editing are as important to your book as content, if you have a small publisher you may have some say or be able to choose your own designer and editor, with larger publishers it will just go out in the house style which is fine if you like it. It is easy to think content is everything it is actually only a small part of what makes a book good or bad.

Starting from the point of having this thing in your head you need to get out is good. Starting from the point of thinking you might make some money from it is bad. My book took over 50% of my work time for 18months (and I already thought I had it over 50% written when I started) I get around £2.50 a copy for a £25 hardback book and the publisher thinks it has done well having sold around 3000 copies. So £7,500 for a years work. There are other benefits but from most of the authors I know money is unlikely to be better than the same time working in McDonalds.