| Archive for gutreaction.myfreeforum.org Self-help, support and chat for sufferers of emetophobia, a fear of vomiting. |
| Lia |
Publishing a bookHi guys,I have started my new years resolution which is to write a book. It is something I have wanted to do since I was 15 but I am finally pulling my finger out and doing something about it. Does anyone know how or where I need to start if I want to look at getting it published? Do I just write it first and then approach publishers or should I use a self publishing company? I honesly have no idea where to start. I have no experience in writing, let alone a novel but I'm not going to let the stop me from writing. However this will mean that if there are any strict rules about writing, ie certain amount of words per chapter, how and when to introduce characters, story lines etc, then I have no idea! |
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| Nicolette |
Hey Lia,
If you're writing a novel, then you need to finish the book before sending it off. This is because, when you send out your first 3 chapters and synopsis (a break down of the plot with the resolution of the story), they might ask to see the rest of the story and if you haven't written it, then they're gonna have to wait until you do it and as you know that takes time!! If you're writing non-fiction, then you only have to have an idea for a book. Send the publisher a breakdown of each chapter and what it will contain, who you think it will market to, what competition you're up against, etc. The best thing to do is to get a recent copy of THE WRITER'S AND ARTISTS YEARBOOK. They update this every year and it's very important to get a recent copy as contact names may have changed. There's loads of info in it about writing, how to set your work out, who to send it to and who might be interested. Some publishers won't look at you unless you have an agent and some agents won't look at you unless you have a publisher! Double edged sword, I know, but best of luck! If you have any more questions then don't hesitate to contact me! Nicolette x |
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| Lia |
Hi Nicolette,
Thanks for your advise, I had absolutely no idea where to start. I am writing a cross between a part autobiography and a novel so would that count as a novel? Is there a criteria on how many chapters a novel must have or how many words make up a chapter? I tend to just write and write and before I know it I've written 5000 words and I have no idea whether that makes up less than one chapter or 3! I will keep writing and when it's done I will send out my first 3 chapters and synopsis, if I am lucky enough to have a publishing house take on my book (I have read that 98% of authors never get published), will they give me editing advise or do I need to organise my own editor? Thanks again! ia |
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| dragonfly |
I wrote a kids book thats on the market this year (well me and hubby) through AH stockwell
We self published.... however.. we wished we had published other stories not the one we did!! Danny the dustcart and friends!! |
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| Lia |
Hiya,
How did you find self publishing? Would you recommend it? Did you do your own illustrations too? Writing a book has always been an ambition of mine even if it doesn't get published. The main character in my story (me!) has emetaphobia so I'm not sure what appeal that will have to the general public but even if I can give it to my friends and family to try and help them understand what it is we emets go through then I'd call that a success |
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| Nicolette |
It would count as a novel. Most people assume a first novel has some autobiographical qualities anyway. Just remember to be careful about what you write about other people who might recognise themselves!
There is no criteria on how many chapters a novel must have or how long they should be. Some people write books without chapters. They just double space when there's a break/change in scenery. James Patterson sometimes writes very short chapters, just a couple of hundred words long, whilst other authors write 5000 word chapters. You will be assigned an editor with a publishing house, but they will not edit your work for you say if you have bad grammar or constant typos. They will expect you to know how to write well (and let's face it, if you don't, you're gonna have to work really hard to correct it all on your own!). An editor will pick up on continuation errors and such stuff. Like a character having blue eyes in chapter 1, but green eyes by the end of the book, etc, etc. They will also be your point of contact if you have to ring or email with a query. |
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| Nicolette |
www.lulu.com are very good for self-publishing. | ||||
| Lia |
Hi Nicolette,
Thanks again! Oh no, what if my writing is rubbish!!! It might take me 3 years to self correct!! Good point about characters recognising themselves, think I need to make a few changes! Thanks for the advise on chapters, I will introduce them when I feel it's appropriate. I have so much to learn 
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