Anyone write books?
Discussion
It is - but actually it can be simple . People say , 'oh you need an agent ' . or 'no publisher will accept an unsolicited manuscript' or 'you must only submit a precis ' . But all I can say is that I don't have an agent and I have simply researched suitable publishers and posted them a letter with up to 160,000 words (in case of last book ) of double spaced manuscript - and waited . .
It has worked for me. The work doesn't end with acceptance though , as you then need to turn into a bit of tart to market your book - publisher will do some but unless you are a Child or a Rowling you need to get your hands dirty too . Actually, I am sure they do that too
And self publishing is an option.
However, I wouldn't waste a second thinking about publishers until you have finished writing
It has worked for me. The work doesn't end with acceptance though , as you then need to turn into a bit of tart to market your book - publisher will do some but unless you are a Child or a Rowling you need to get your hands dirty too . Actually, I am sure they do that too
And self publishing is an option.
However, I wouldn't waste a second thinking about publishers until you have finished writing
We print many self-published books and tend to find the authors are members of clubs or societies (or these days, forums and Facebook pages) so they have a ready market which they can appeal to before committing to print. This will give them a guide to how long a print run to go for, and the lucky ones might even generate pre-sale orders. Whatever your subject matter, it might be worth searching out local or online clubs and get a feel for your potential audience that way.
Sammo123 said:
I recently started writing children’s bedtime stories. I read stories to my six year old Daughter before bed and over the last few years I’ve picked up on the various styles they’re written in.
I’ve currently got two completed stories which will be part of a series (publishers of children’s books seem to like a series’ of stories) and I’ve also started writing another based on a different set of characters. The two completed stories get read to my Daughter as and when requested by her and she loves them which I guess can only be a good thing!
I have no idea what to do once I have a complete series written though. I’ve looked at publishing with Amazon although I don’t really know if it’s a good option to go with. I’ve also looked up the various publishing companies but it’s all a bit daunting!
Perhaps not relevant, but a thought which springs to mind - are you (or have you) considered going down the illustrated path? I'm guessing for that age bracket it would make them more appealing?I’ve currently got two completed stories which will be part of a series (publishers of children’s books seem to like a series’ of stories) and I’ve also started writing another based on a different set of characters. The two completed stories get read to my Daughter as and when requested by her and she loves them which I guess can only be a good thing!
I have no idea what to do once I have a complete series written though. I’ve looked at publishing with Amazon although I don’t really know if it’s a good option to go with. I’ve also looked up the various publishing companies but it’s all a bit daunting!
Obviously it depends on the content, something like the ladybird book of numbers would benefit more than from it than the complete works of JK Rowling. I'm guessing your stories are somewhere in between
Zetec-S said:
Perhaps not relevant, but a thought which springs to mind - are you (or have you) considered going down the illustrated path? I'm guessing for that age bracket it would make them more appealing?
Obviously it depends on the content, something like the ladybird book of numbers would benefit more than from it than the complete works of JK Rowling. I'm guessing your stories are somewhere in between
I should of added that I will need to get them illustrated as well. Being books aimed at younger children I don’t think they’d stand up very well with no pictures. That’s actually one thing my Daughter keeps asking me is “when will there be pictures for the story Dad?”Obviously it depends on the content, something like the ladybird book of numbers would benefit more than from it than the complete works of JK Rowling. I'm guessing your stories are somewhere in between
I also should of mentioned that I contacted an independent writer of a Children’s book recently just asking her advice on what to do next. She’s pointed me in the direction of the company she used to get her book illustrated, published etc. so once I’ve got a third book written I’ll get in contact with them and see what they say.
It’s something I’ve always struggled with. Luckily I have a proof reader for books so I can’t get things wrong. I've been involved in a couple of books and find the process antiquated. My day job is on magazines and we can get an issue out in a month, every month. Yet books seem to take many years.
That said I'm pitching a book tomorrow. This is different to the discussion in the thread because it's a business book and I have a sponsor, but by way of reference, the publisher is looking for a pre-order of 2,000 copies at c.£10 a copy (RRP c.£20) to take it on.
That said I'm pitching a book tomorrow. This is different to the discussion in the thread because it's a business book and I have a sponsor, but by way of reference, the publisher is looking for a pre-order of 2,000 copies at c.£10 a copy (RRP c.£20) to take it on.
As well as co-editing MotorPunk Mag, I’ve written motoring and travel books for a well-known traditional publisher. Sometimes as myself, but also as a ghost. I’ve only been offered a flat fee rather than a royalty agreement and for the last three years have been pestering traditional publishers with pitches and ideas. They can be bloody hard work!
A good mate took an alternative route and self published a handful of short books. He did it at his own pace, in his own style. His earnings were about the same as I had with trad’ publishing.
I think, with a financial boost from a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign, that you don’t necessarily need a publisher. You can outsource the tricky jobs.
HOWEVER, the biggest benefit of a good publisher is help with publicity and distribution. If you already have great blog or a substantial following then you might be able to rally your cheerleaders.
DON’T get sucked in by vanity publishers asking for money to get your book out there. They aren’t real publishers. They are expensive printers!!
There’s a great podcast for anyone thinking of taking the plunge. It’s the Self-Publishing School episode 1.
Good luck. Happy to help.
A good mate took an alternative route and self published a handful of short books. He did it at his own pace, in his own style. His earnings were about the same as I had with trad’ publishing.
I think, with a financial boost from a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign, that you don’t necessarily need a publisher. You can outsource the tricky jobs.
HOWEVER, the biggest benefit of a good publisher is help with publicity and distribution. If you already have great blog or a substantial following then you might be able to rally your cheerleaders.
DON’T get sucked in by vanity publishers asking for money to get your book out there. They aren’t real publishers. They are expensive printers!!
There’s a great podcast for anyone thinking of taking the plunge. It’s the Self-Publishing School episode 1.
Good luck. Happy to help.
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