Posted on 08/18/2024 6:26:07 PM PDT by think4yrsf
I’m writing a book. Looking for anyone with experience on the process that would willing to assist. I know my experiences are extremely noteworthy. So much so , that I have to share. DM me if you’d like to help. If successful, I would definitely be willing to give a portion to FR. Thanks in advance!
Thanks this is very inspiring, I have been sticking to an outline and I’m happy with my progress. There is so much to tell I could explode but I’ve started adding things about UVA most people don’t know but would find interesting. Still trying to stay focused. This will be a nonfiction book on UVA and 20 years of its history, photos of everything as a bonus
Bookmarking. Great thread!
Apparently not.
Regards,
Same here. But then it takes so much effort to subsequent decipher the runny ink stains on my soggy note pad...
Regards,
I am the author of four books. I self-published all of them on Amazon and also recorded and marketed the audiobook versions on Audible.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kim-Kipling/author/B09SFHWKVZ
My books encompass a biography of a Vietnam War Special Forces hero, a collection of humorous military short stories about my time in the Navy, a full-length novel/political thriller and a short allegorical scream against the DEI cancer that infects our government and defense efforts. The novel in particular is extremely timely, as it depicts the dystopian future our current state of play may take us to if we don’t make some immediate changes.
https://www.amazon.com/Flickering-Torch-Kim-Kipling-ebook/dp/B0C5YVR3NL
My advice on the process of writing is covered in this podcast, recorded earlier this year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVPkCJbjuiA
Short version: Have a good story to tell. Write what you know about, as authentically as possible. Do your research and learn about what you don’t know about, rather than just trying to fake it and discussing things beyond your experience. Outline your story before you start writing. Then write.
Proofread carefully, and get other good readers with a solid grasp on spelling and punctuation to proofread for you. LISTEN to their feedback and check your ego at the door.
Once your manuscript is ready for publication, hire an independent book designer to create your cover art and to format the files for publication both as an actual print book and an e-book. Then go for it and publish.
Marketing is a crap shoot. A robust social media presence is probably absolutely key to getting read these days. Successful major publishing houses no longer do that work for you, if you are an unknown author. Getting readers to post online reviews of your books is MOST helpful. DO NOT work with a vanity publisher like Dorrance Publishing, who contact you and beg to publish your work. They are money-making scams and you will end up paying them handsomely for sales you never make.
The Audiobook recording and editing process is hard, but can be done cost-free if you are willing to learn how. There are several online articles and Youtube videos on the process. I did it all four times, using a borrowed Apple laptop, and some freeware called GarageBand. My recording studio was my master bedroom walk-in closet. It took a lot of time and effort, but I get sales royalties every month from both Amazon and Audible, so I think it was worth it. If you don’t have the voice for it, maybe you know someone who does, or you can hire a narrator. The editing of the recorded files will take much longer than you think it will, so be ready for that. Alternatively, you can hire a recording studio to help you with this, but that gets expensive quickly.
I will DM you some very useful guidance on structuring and formatting your work that I was kindly given by a well-known and highly-successful FR Author who has sold a LOT of his excellent books. I found his thoughtful input most helpful and I think you will too. Unfortunately, I had rushed a first edition of the novel into publication before I received it, and it cost me a significant amount of money to take his feedback to heart and re-publish a much-improved second edition according to his advice. Don’t do that: be patient and get it right before you start spending money on book design.
Good luck in your efforts.
I found that the key to writing (besides having a compelling story to tell)is rewriting. I always let the first draft of any chapter sit for a day and then come back to it with fresh eyes for a rewrite.
So it’s largely, if not completely, an autobiography. I’m in a similar situation, having started a book with two major parts, 8 chapters away from finishing rough draft of first part. Taking a break.
It tends to be a three stage process: rough draft (just spit it out without regard to details), revised draft (read what you wrote with a critical eye), then strict, professional editing.
Find a couple people you trust who can coach you. Never use the word “utilize” or I’ll come down there and tear up your manuscript.
More here than I anticipated.
Just had first book published, and working on finishing the second.
Thanks for the post!
Thanks to all for the advice and encouragement. Looks like I’m basically on the correct path. Knew that I needed to do this for quite some time and recently the words just started spilling out. Now to organize write and rewrite.
This is more work than anticipated but glad these experience won’t be lost.
Cheers!
My advice ...
(”too early” - see, I already need my own editor!)
bttt
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