How to write a book – the short honest truth
Every author I know gets asked the same question: How do you write a book?
It’s a simple question, but it causes problems. On the one hand, it’s nice to have people interested in something I do. If I told people I fixed toasters for a living, I doubt I’d get many inquires. People are curious about writing and that’s cool and flattering. Rock on.
But on the other hand, the hand involving people who ask because they have an inkling to do it themselves, is that writing books is a topic so old and so well trod by so many famous people that anyone who asks hoping to discover secret advice is hard to take seriously.
Here’s the short honest truth: 20% of the people who ask me are hoping to hear this – Anyone can write a book. They want permission. The truth is you don’t need any. There is no license required. No test to take. Your book idea is worth writing if you think it is. Writing, as opposed to publishing, requires almost no financial or physical resources. A pen, paper and effort are all that has been required for hundreds of years. If Voltaire, Marquis de Sade and Marina Nemat could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia, at lunch, at work, or after your kids go to sleep. You will always find excuses if you want them and most people do. Why? Writing is work. No matter how smart you are or how great your idea is, you will have to put in the time and no one else can do it for you.
It helps to kill the magic: a book is just a bunch of writing. Anyone can write a book. It might be bad or be incomprehensible, but so what: it’s still a book and many published authors haven’t done any better.
Nothing is stopping you right now from collecting all of your elementary school book reports, a years worth of emails you wrote, or drunken napkin scribbles, binding them together at Kinkos for $20, slapping a title on the cover, and qualifying as an author. Want to write a good book? Ok, but get in line since most pro authors are still trying to figure that out too.
Writing a good book, compared to a bad one, involves one thing. More work. No one wants to hear this, but if you take two books off any shelf, I’ll bet my pants the author of the better book worked harder than the author of the other one. Call it effort, study, practice, or whatever you like. Sure there are tricks here and there, but really writing is a kind of work. I like this though: it means anyone who puts in enough time can actually write well. Some of our best writing comes from ordinary people from all walks of life.
Getting published. 30% of the time the real thing people are asking is how do you find a publisher. As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up (start with Jane Friedman’s website). Writers-market is literally begging to help writers find publishers. Many publishers, being positive on the whole idea of communication, put information on how to submit material on their website. And so do agents. The grand comedy of this is how few writers follow the instructions. That’s what pisses off all the editors: few writers do their homework.
The sticking point for most people who want to be authors is, again, the work. They want to hear a secret that skips over the work part. Publishers are rightfully picky and they get pitched a zillion books a day. It takes effort to learn the ropes, send out smart queries, and do the research required to both craft the idea for a book, and then to propose it effectively. So while writing is a rejection prone occupation, even for the rock-stars, finding a publisher is not a mystery. In fact the whole game is self-selective: people who aren’t willing to do the work of getting published are unlikely to be capable of the work required to finish a decent manuscript.
But that said – it’s easier today to self-publish than ever. People look down on self-publishing, but I don’t see why. When people buy books it’s not like they care who published them (“Oh, I don’t read Random House books, sorry”): they only care who recommended or reviewed the book. But again, our tragically unpopular companion, work, is required to self-publish so many prefer to keep asking writers how they got published instead of just doing it themselves. You can read what I learned from self-publishing the first time here (although the technology and options have improved since then).
Being famous and wealthy: Now this is the kicker. About 50% of the time the real thing people want to know is how to become a famous millionaire rock-star author person. As if a) I qualified, b) I could explain how it happened, or c) I’d be willing to tell.
First, this assumes writing is a good way to get rich. I’m not sure how this lie started but writing, like most creative pursuits, has always been a less than lucrative lifestyle. Even if a book sells well, the $$$ to hour ratio will be well below your average corporate job, without the health benefits, sick days, nor the months where you can coast by without your boss noticing. These days people write books after they’re famous, not before. A book can help you gain professional credibility, but then it’s more of a marketing project than a writing project, isn’t it?
And if the only books you read are bestsellers, well, you have a myopic view of the publishing world. Over 100k books are published in the US annually, and few sell more than a few thousand copies. What causes books to sell may have little to do with how good a book is, as we’ve all been mystified by the abysmal bestsellers and surprised by amazing books few seem to know about. Either way, to justify the effort you’ll need reasons other than cash.
Discouraged yet? Here is the upside: I love writing books. I love reading books. Books have profound powers and they’ve changed my life so many times. Maybe the bittersweet challenge of chasing words into sentences suits you. If you want to do this you have my support. GO YOU. Sincerely. I am behind you. But thinking about writing isn’t writing. Talking about it isn’t either. Commit to 10 hours of effort (basically a weekend or two). Write an outline or even just a few pages of a chapter. Take a course that focuses on actual writing and getting feedback. If it feels hard but rewarding, keep going. If it doesn’t, well I think you know.
Here are some practical next steps:
- The single best website to learn more about writing and publishing books – Jane Friedman
- How To Start a Book Project – specific advice for tackling a book sized effort.
- Is Your Book Idea Good? I’ll tell you here
- 28 Things No One Tells You About Publishing
- How To Get From An Idea To a Book – a bit harsh, and focused on publishing, but explains the steps and the time you’ll need
- Writing Hacks: Part 1 – Starting – What to do when the page is blank.
- Part 2 of ‘How To Write a Book’ is here, where I answer the best comments.
- Time-lapsed video of a writer writing an essay – amazing and revealing
- Confessions of a Self Published author – here’s what I learned from self publishing my last book.
- Writer’s Market. How to find a publisher for your written work (more good advice here).
- National Novel Writing Month – You must check this out.
- Or leave a comment below. I am, despite the curmudgeonly vibe, happy to answer thoughtful questions.
- Austin Kleon’s book writing flowchart
- Preview image credit
[Light editing: 10/7/2019, 2/4/2021]
Scott,
I’m aspiring and starting out by researching on this internet thingy. Addressing how you see those who ask you how to; Maybe they ask you because they connected to something you wrote or said and think/feel that they might get ionsight from “your” response. Few people able to read are unaware of the work involved in my experience. It is those who are ignorant of the work who try to “become” writer’s as it seems easy. A few of these succeed, but mostly it is those who have to write that are writers.
Hi Scott!
Thanks for the information that you posted , very helpful.
The book that i intend to write, is about a real life experience that had happen 32 yrs ago.
The problem i’m having is this , it’s all in my head, getting it on paper is the hard part. I started writing one evening about four months ago, and got bugged down with it. Telling the story is very easy ,but putting it in the form of a book i’m having struggles. But upon your advice i’ll try again.
I enjoyed your article. What about the other 20%?
Bro mean comment dunno if ne1 still writes on this but lil message to unpublished but betta than u, us maoris hav a sayin here, by the sounds if it you suit it so if youre a dude, you need a good fukn crack in the head, and if youre a chick den you need a good fukin and yea i no i aint spelling rite peace all MEAN MAORI MEAN
o and as 2 that dude that said its too cliche to write bout ur life GO FOR IT, man ive influenced heaps o mi bros wen i tell them bout how i was bought up no whanau (family) no friends, done a hole lot of criminal crap always fighting and drinking and smoking drugs, now im calm and mellow well sort of, and trying to write books and design games, AND I GOT EXPELED FROM SCHOOL i aint very intelligent so get ur shit in order come to NZL and wear blue were im from like i do then well c if u can handle it boi ull be killed i was bought up like that and now im a gud boii heaps o mi bros respect me for that CHUR
MEAN MAORI MEAN
go the fantasy writers right me a gud book to read
Bonjour everyone. I am a minor author (15) who is obviously unpublished. I am in the midst of writing my three-book series that (I think) revolves around a complex and completed main character with many 3-D dynamic and static characters supporting her. I am confident that it could be a bestseller if I wrote it right. The only problem I have with it is my grammer. Sometimes my sentences won’t run smoothly, as in:
“Jessie I know what I saw. So just shut up,”
So then I have to go back and find away to make it sound like the way I want it to.
“Jessie, I know what I saw back there, so please just shut up!”
And then it sounds weird to me.
Any tips for grammer and dialogue? I am only a freshman in highschool, and I really have a problem with it. Maybe THEN I can finally publish it.
Thanks for the article, by the way!
–Ald?sa (a name you will hear in the future)
I enjoyed your advice and then I read comment of some angry reader about ‘than’and ‘then’…ah, if everybody would be perfect then the life got boring
:)
I had a great time reading the article and posts and learned a lot. Thank you so much. Greetings from Brasilia, Brazil
What if you think you have a great idea for a book but you don’t necessarily want to write it. You don’t have the writing skills or the time to put into it. What would you recommend for this situation?
Regards
Roger
Unfortunately ideas don’t have much market value. In most cases the idea isn’t worth much without the right person who can pull it off. It takes a year of commitment to write a book and the idea itself doesn’t come with any guarantees that time will be worthwhile.
There are ghostwriters which are paid to write books for other people. Ghostwriters go uncredited, so you’ve probably read many books that were ghostwritten. It’s common for famous people to hire a ghostwriter to write their life story or to partner with them in converting conversations or ideas into an actual book.
If the book ideas is non-fiction and in your profession, you may have a colleague who is interested in writing a book with similar themes and you can collaborate in some fashion.
I am currently 14 (almost 15) and want to be published by the time I’m 18. I’ve had some unusually challenging life experiences, and because of the way I’ve handled said life experiences, I’ve been encouraged by family and friends to write an autobiography. I haven’t really started yet, as I’m not sure WHERE to begin. I have no clue HOW to write a book. If you have any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them. I am not wanting to write for the fame and fortune. I want to do it, because it’s been a dream of mine since I was six, and it’s a dream I want to see fullfilled.
Thank you,
Kylee
I thought the article was quite resourceful and positively truthful. It appears as though I wrote my own testimony, changed names and three things to create fiction, 204 pages, 18 chapters and struggling with a “query” letter to the right agent. I am insecure, have no way to visit any writing conferences, which some of the publishing books I’ve read strongly suggest this is the best way to get an agent. I’m tempted to do my own publishing, but also worried I won’t find a lot of people who want to purchase my book either.
And the funny part is that i’VE been working on the book for 13 years
I thought the article was quite resourceful and positively truthful. It appears as though I wrote my own testimony, changed names and three things to create fiction, 204 pages, 18 chapters and struggling with a “query” letter to the right agent. I am insecure, have no way to visit any writing conferences, which some of the publishing books I’ve read strongly suggest this is the best way to get an agent. I’m tempted to do my own publishing, but also worried I won’t find a lot of people who want to purchase my book either.
And the funny part is that i’VE been working on the book for 13 years. Any suggestions?
I’m 14 years old and I love writing, I’ve written over 60 poems and tons of beginnings to books, but I have a hard time finishing the book. I always tend to discourage myself by saying stuff like “Noone would ever read that,” or “There’s no way I could ever compare to those authors,” and I end up crumpling up my story and throwing it away. I’m very good with using metaphors to describe the feelings of the person, and setting a mood, getting the reader captivated in the story that’s about to unravel. If you have any advice for me I’d throughly appreciate it. My want to write books isn’t for fame, or money, but because I have a passion for it and hope to inspire other young girls like myself to reach their potential through literature.
I loved your piece, and the responses which I am still reading. Thank you for your advice and more so for the removal of the complexity , it was sincere and reassuring as I am very imaginative but have always had the fear of how to or if I was godd enough since I didnt go to college but I love Poetry and telling stories, I kind of liken it to Meryl Streep’s character in the movie “Out of Africa ” where she makes up a story on the whim and goes the entire evening telling it. Truth or fiction who doesnt like a good story or admire someone for telling it . Thank you for the words of wisdom Scott.
hey i have a question for really anyone who is listening, me and my best friend have many outrageous stories that we have live through, throughout the years and we want to write a book. duh… but just as you would expect, guy that party and have stories like these are lazy and can’t spell along with the problem that we have very short attention spans so the question is how can we find someone who is interested in just listening to our stories and writing them down, and if it makes enough money to break even and pay the guy that listened and wrote our shit down we would be happy. if you want to help send me an e-mail b-one@mobster.com
i would like to write a book from all my little books ive kept over the years of things that has happened to me and still going on, i got 7 so far, like journals ive kept. i think i could do it if i know know how to start it , any helpful thoughts,
thanks carolyn
Hey there- just wanted to say thank you for a very inspiring and informative article. I’m sixteen years old, turning seventeen this June. I come from a small country in Europe, and yes, English is my second language, right after Serbian. I spent most of my life in the states- my love for writing emerged when I was only nine. Since then I’ve won multiple awards for both writing and my works of art.
It’s only now that I’ve actually considered writing a book- I’m on my hundredth page. Some of my friends took a look at it, as well as my English professor. They were all blown away- so I’m guessing it’s going to be good. I just want to thank you for providing this sort of information- your blog was one of the first I looked into prior to the actual writing process. I’m going to pass this onto my friends- perhaps they too will feel slightly more encouraged to fulfill their goals once they read it. Thanks again, and best wishes!
-Kristina
Great blog but I do disagree a with a few points. They are: you can’t get rich by writing and getting published is difficult.
Case and point Tila Tequila. Are you kinding me? The girl does absolutely nothing but writes a book on partying and gets both published and rich.
I’m being fecicious here because I know that there are a lot of great authors out there working really hard to get published but never make it. Shoot I would love to publish a book and make money someday.
However, do all you hard working authors wonder if you will be able to get your idea thru the door full of garbage like the example I mentioned here?
Oh well, I can only hope. I wisk you all luck.
How do you get pass the fear? All I keep thinking is that I will be laughed at and think my “book” stupid.
hi! i am interested in learning much more on how and where to write/publish a book! not started yet but i’m always having ideas! let me know at my address on what i must do and how i can start! thanks!
I’ve had an idea in my head for a book for 2 years. Now I can get it on paper. Thanks. Your tips really helped.
I love writing, it’s like a second nature to me. People say they love my stories, and ask how I do it. I just simply say: Anyone can do! All you need is an imagination!
I know I can write; I live and breath to write. What completely douses my enthusiasm are the odds of getting published. That thought takes the wind right out of me! I have studied the process of being published since elementary school and have witnessed the discouragement first hand from a friend, a t.v. producer and writer. He has worked for major networks from New York to L.A. He has a friend in New York that is a publisher; that’s supposed to be an automatic IN right? Wrong! It was an autobiography on a key music producer in the 60’s and 70’s in New York for the like of the Beatles and they told him it wasn’t risque enough.
I love to write so much it scares people, I also love to read. but when i finaly start writing i totaly zonk out. I’ve tried everything i can think of but i get nothing.I only get to the first couple of chapters. most of you sound really into this like me so actualy your comments helped. another problem is that because of my age nobody like takes me seriously.that is a huge thing that tikes me off! i mean so what if i’m 13 and a girl.thanks for listening & writing. bye*
I am in over my head! Private investigators, negligent detectives, misleading statements as to facts of a case. Every friend says “write a book”. I don’t know how to write a book, and I’m very aware that it is not on my current list of priorities. My current priority is pressuring the ‘detectives’ to substantiate their claims. Was it suicide? or murder? and what evidence do they have to support their claim.
Question: is there an arena in which I could submit a true story (2 private investigators – video interviews, audio interviews, photos, statements and 1+ year of emails and research by the family) and have someone else write it?
Private investigators conclusion: All evidence indicates he WAS NOT holding weapon when it discharged.
Anyone who has ever investigated HVI spatter would know that the Sheriff’s office explaination as to the HVI spatter on a hand – “caused by post mortem tissue donation” is just dead wrong. What are they covering up?
The story is so awful it borders on comedy – except that someone is dead.
Could someone else write the story? Does this happen? Could any monies go to the children of the deceased? Where do I look?
Thanks
TLC
a.k.a – Mom
Hi, I am 13 years old and want to try to write a novel, I know that it sounds ambitious but it’s something I am quite passionate about. I understand that it wont be easy and is going to take me a number of years. I’m just concerned I’m not going to have enough time to do it and that I will trail off and forget about it. Currently I am juggling school and sports on top of homework and other commitments so I don’t believe I could spend more than an hour a night working on it. Is this a problem? I know it will as I said take me quite a while but in that time my writing could only get better as I learn more. Thanks!
im a young writed and i need help
So I just read through your advices and Have to say I still want to write a book myself, just maybe an opinion would give me the five fingers instead of just two thumbs up…..
I am just wondering if you ever ran across a book That comes from a young girl from European country that came to USA on basketball scholarship than tried to stick around after 4 years in college and now living in Godly Mysterious Los Angeles.
My Goal is to reach young women that consider themselves as a foreigners that were blessed with the traveling mind, heart and soul coming into the blue, as almost the movie Into the Blue, seeing the big picture, the outside shell of an egg of actually big something that is not always so yellow and white and godly as promoted.
With my book and experiences as a women that lived away from her family going through past 7 years of life in overseas country spontaneously with ambition and purpose as number one but that going through hurtles not either cause of not knowing about the culture, different cities people values,am trying to reach the audience of any young women that might are going through same experience to explain its Okay.
I want to help them all to see the little details of a big picture of living life great and easy and smooth in foreign country to make the downfalls for these women smoother and recovery shorter.
I am on a right track now and never stopped loving life and its purpose for my own unity but at times it wasnt so pleasant since the values I was thought since I was a kid were at times challenged yet changed around.
By the way enough of me writting just wanted to share what I like to write as of now.
I dont care about Money,
aslong as i get enough to buy some bread every week.
and i dont care about being famous,
although all the advertisment and financial busness is only because i want my book to get published and sold :)
and i dont care about “the work” if you call it work.
it sounds like its a chore to write, but its not.
its a priviledge to write, and to release your deep thoughts, or your story to the reader who is willing to listen is really nice in my own humble opinion.
and i love to write, ever since i were a small boy.
I finished my first book when i was 10
350 pages long i believe.
but i dont know what the future holds.
Thanks for pulling me down from the sky, and into the real world.
am doing some “how to write research” for some opinions from other writers,
and some writers say
“weeee, this is so much fun omg”
and others say
“am not famous, and i dont have alot of money teh suxxor”
And anything in between.
i guess i will have my opinion, my own thoughts, when i release my first book.
Thanks for sharing yours.
-Howard
Your article made me see some form of light.
I love to write. However, every orgnal thing i have ever written i have deleted, for fear of it being rejected. But why? It’s my writing. Why should I care if other don’t like it? I shouldn’t give up without at least trying.
I write all the time. Before today, i had completly given up writing anything that was mine. I only wrote stpries on fanfiction.
But now I see that I need to beat the fear out of myself.
So thank you Scott! You gave me the knowledge i needed to get back on track!
i know nothing of the technical intricacies of what the majority of contributers here seem to find themselves consumed by,dont aim for an inner round of self gratuious applause for immaculate grammer and certainly care not a jot for A-grade spelling.
any story relies on fluidity,so as Bruce Lee once mused,be water and go with your own flow!!
I’m writing a book on the untold story of hair weaving and it’s orgin. How the wave of hair weaving was create… by whom, why, and how it was grew from a ideal to the explosion it is to day. I was a part of starting that my aunt was the one who started the firer to spreading.
Your words have inspirer me to write and hurry and finish the book.
Thank you for all the great information.
I been wanting to write for a long time. I have all the ideal in my head, and I would reall y like to share some of them with the world. But like many I didn’t know how to go about it. Thank you for all you knowledge and experience.
God bless,
J. Myles
I fine that kind of alright cause Im a writer
Thank you for the article Scott. I’ve been thinking about writting for a good while. Then I had my college instructor tell me that he sees good potential to be a writer. Well I am already a writer only I write poems and songs. How do I fill in all the spaces between main ideas? For my first book I want to write about my troubling childhood and how it has affected me in my adulthood and even how I’ve overcome it all(for the most part, except maybe a 2 fears I still have). Are there any “free” resources on learning how to become a better writer? I have plenty of ideas I just lack “descriptive” writing abilities that you normally see in books. Any books you would recommend reading to help with this issue? I realize this is an old article, but in the event you do respond; thank you in advance. Blessed Be to You and Yours.
I read your article, and it made me think about riding. I’ve always wanted to write, but I always made excuses my grammar is great, spelling is okay. I’m not famous, nor will I ever be. I’m a senior citizen 50yrs who has had many experiences in my life, some good some bad. You said anyone can write, and I believe that, anyone can write a book, good or bad it can be done. I want to write of my life experiences, from the abused relationship in high school, to my marriage to someone who was as cold as ice, to living with someone who I thought was the love of my life who was financially stable, who I found out later to be an alcoholic, to dealing with my teenage children and realizing that no matter what we do as parents it’s never good enough for some. In my abused relationship I know there are women who have gone through what I have, I’d like to write about it so other women know that they deserve better, and they are worth something. I want to share my experience of marriage, so women out there can know that they are not alone, and as women we deserve to be treated with respect and as equal. I want to share what I think true love is, I’ve been living with my boyfriend/fiance for 8 yrs., he says he wants to marry me, but it’s been 8yrs something always comes up, I’ve come to the conclusion that the man I thought I was the love of my life is not, but I have 10yrs invested with him so I’m not about to go and start over again, instead I will stay and make the best of it. I want share my experiences of not having trust when you think your significant has strayed, yet he denies nothing ever happen, I want to tell women if you think your man has cheated it most likely has, and the love you had for him will never be the same, t could have happen 5 yrs ago, he will say something or do something and it will bring back those ugly memories that have been deeply imbedded in the back of your head and it will and it will feel as though it just happened. I want to tell woman they need to get past these and get on with their life, for this crutch will only hold you back. I want to say and share so many things. So as you said anyone can write, good or bad, it takes work it won’t be easy, but I think I will make another try of it. I’m so glad that I found your website, it’s very informative, I especially like how you have information on publishing a book. Again thank you for all your information, maybe one day if I ever finish my book, I will send you a copy…………Ca Mom
As you can see, my spelling is’nt that great, in my previous comment, I incorrectly spelled the word writing, I wrote riding….Ha!ha! I needed a laughed……..Mom riding in CA
Good luck to all you potential book writers, if you have thought about riding, do it now, don’t let life pass you by….
I read your article, and it made me think about writing. I’ve always wanted to write, but I always made excuses my grammar is great, spelling is okay. I’m not famous, nor will I ever be. I’m a senior citizen 50yrs who has had many experiences in my life, some good some bad. You said anyone can write, and I believe that, anyone can write a book, good or bad it can be done. I want to write of my life experiences, from the abused relationship in high school, to my marriage to someone who was as cold as ice, to living with someone who I thought was the love of my life who was financially stable, who I found out later to be an alcoholic, to dealing with my teenage children and realizing that no matter what we do as parents it’s never good enough for some. In my abused relationship I know there are women who have gone through what I have, I’d like to write about it so other women know that they deserve better, and they are worth something. I want to share my experience of marriage, so women out there can know that they are not alone, and as women we deserve to be treated with respect and as equal. I want to share what I think true love is, I’ve been living with my boyfriend/fiance for 8 yrs., he says he wants to marry me, but it’s been 8yrs something always comes up, I’ve come to the conclusion that the man I thought I was the love of my life is not, but I have 10yrs invested with him so I’m not about to go and start over again, instead I will stay and make the best of it. I want share my experiences of not having trust when you think your significant has strayed, yet he denies nothing ever happen, I want to tell women if you think your man has cheated it most likely has, and the love you had for him will never be the same, t could have happen 5 yrs ago, he will say something or do something and it will bring back those ugly memories that have been deeply imbedded in the back of your head and it will and it will feel as though it just happened. I want to tell woman they need to get past these and get on with their life, for this crutch will only hold you back. I want to say and share so many things. So as you said anyone can write, good or bad, it takes work it won’t be easy, but I think I will make another try of it. I’m so glad that I found your website, it’s very informative, I especially like how you have information on publishing a book. Again thank you for all your information, maybe one day if I ever finish my book, I will send you a copy…………Ca Mom
dear Author:
thank you, im 16 years of age, and ive had an obsession with writting for quite some time.
Im currently writting a book, and was very self consious to how it would compare to others.
im putting about 5 hours of a days work into, and just maybe, all i needed to hear were the words “everyone can write”.
so, thank you again {:
I love to read and write. I have been a dreamer my whole life and would love to be a writer. I am not troubled about how to publish etc. I can just write away. My problem is while i have no trouble creating content, I am horrible with spelling, grammer, and the over all technical side of it all. Is this a problem? I mean should i just write and not worry about this?
I wrote several books and not were ever published. I guess I sure have used a smaller font and not farted.
I don’t think my last comment made my problem clear. what i meant is that i can lay down to go to sleep and write half of a book in my head. I have no trouble with that. I can sit at the computer and write for hours never once having to think about what to write. It is and always has been my passion. Now, here is what stops me….I will be sitting there just writing away and then i begin to overanalize everything i do because i know im not very smart when it comes to the technical side. For example…do i put a comma here? Do i start a new paragraph here? Is this when it should be a new chapter? So you see i get discouraged simply by these things and not the writing part itself. So my question was will publishers just throw your book out with these types of errors or is it truly the writing that matters???
PLAESE HELP ME KNOW HOW TO WRITE
Interesting article indeed. I honestly wish I could say a term such as ‘short and sweet’ could apply to me, but I would be lying.
Based on the vexatious and, quite unfortunate fact that I am really young (younger than you think) I’m not going to reveal my age, simply because I would like to be taken seriously (:
The brusque truth of this article was quite inspiring. Though I feel that writing can be considered a completely personal project or achievement, having readers feel inspired, or even just enjoy your work really is more than a bonus; it’s great for the ego! :P
I love the character and finesse Scott showed in this article, and am pleased to state that it will help me greatly in the book I am writing.
Not being taken seriously because of my age has hardened me quite a deal. Proving my point is a must, not a luxury, and so the work I have been putting into this novel (one of many, hopefully :] ) makes me feel like I’m actually getting somewhere.
I don’t know if you can or cannot publish a book if you’re under eighteen, but I daresay that won’t stop me :D
As for the immature time wasters who love to pick out the nitty gritty of what everyone has to say, thanks for wasting your time, and some of ours. It’s amusing to know that there are still people who think we care about their scandals.
tootles!
:)
that`s good
i salute you!!
but….
could you say
anything about writing
a book in a
very shortway?
Scott, I enjoyed reading your to the point comments on the subject. I suppose I fall into the “getting published” category of inquirers. I possess a story “non-fiction” as a result of five and a half years of my work. Is there such thing as ghost writers or agencies that specialize in assisting others put a story to paper? Is so, how do they work, staff for publishers, agents, etc.? I have some experience writing music but none writing books.
Thanks, Tristan
Hi, I’m thinking about writing a book. The book would be about my experiences in attempting to care for my disabled elderly mother. Unfortunitly my mother owned valuable shoreline property in Connecticut and her attorney was the town TPZ chairman and a corny of the local probate Judge. I could and did deal with my mom’s alzheimer’s (even her doctors tesified on my behalf)but I couldn’t stop the court from ripping her to pieces to gain control of her property. The arrogant Judge referred to my mom as juridictional property.It is an amazing story that pitted the medical community against the legal authorities in two New England states. The end result was my mother died. Her house was taken from my control, within 3 months the house was destroyed from a flooded pipe and then left to rot, my mother wasted away and died and a 1.7 million dollar mansion was built upon her property. The story involves 5 judges, about 25 attorneys, two courts in two states, many doctors and medical professionals, me and my mother.
Do you think that anybody would be interested in a story, [book] like that? I’ve learned that this type of thing happens all the time in this country.
Hello, my question is the format of writing a book. How to start I have in my mind what I want to write but whats the format meaning starting the first chapter or how many chapters, what to put in a chapter and how to end one. I went through quite an ordeal when I was a young man and found that the system does not want young black men taken care of their children and fought me for years trying to force me not to be there for my child. I would like to tell my story while I can still remember it.
hi,
my name is jasmin.
and will like to write a true story
about a girl.
rita .
is a story that will move any human being.
but i need a writer plz help me
regards
jsamin
jazzyda@hotmail.com
3862952231
What is your opinion on self-publishing? Thanks,Nan
very good information thanks
I want to share my life story with the world I don’t have a aa or a ba but I’m not going to let that be the reason why I can’t express my self share my experience and may be help some one!I haven’t shared this with no one because people are so quick to judge I love to write poetry was always a outlet from the stress and I’m too talented to let it go to waist!
I’d like to read your books sometime, your simple advice was capturing as it is. You sound charming.
A year after first reading this post, it resonates with me more than before, particularly the last paragraph. Yes, writing can be a pain but I love it (despite of it or perhaps because of it).
Have the ideas but don’t know how to even begin to start writing a book. Don’t want to spend a year(s) doing this. Any ideas, like a ghost writer? Help.
I’m a senior in high school. I have big dreams, alot of them, and one of them, is to be an author. I have the book, it’s basic outline, and i can’t stop tweaking the details. I find that I am constntly being inspired by the music i listen to. If i listen to a song, twice or more, there’s more than one view. What I want to know is… Should I cut my losses, and go for it? Should i publish, after i organize and perfect?
i have a great idea for a book. i have written a little. But i dont have great grammar skills
I have never written a book before but I have been wanting to share what is taking place at this time in my life now. I think it is also important for people to know what is happening with me at this time. I will keep this short, my father passed last year and left me a will giving me everything he has. Now his EX wife now divorced 10 years is suing me and wants everything he has. I have found the american court system to be corrupt and a complete joke. It is not like have not allready known this as my family has been sued before. The people who have money in this country need to be worried about the unscupulous lawyers waiting to steal their money. Obviously I have alot to share. Do you think anyone would be interrested in a book like this.
Thank you! very helpful and informative article.
Thanks for the advise. I’ve got a couple of stories that I’ve wanted to tell. I can say with conviction my skills as a writer would be fictional at best. No candy coating…..I suck at writing. All that said, my motivation to “talk” has been from people who I’ve happened to tell small bits and pieces to. The order varies but the reaction is more or less the same. Jaw open, disbelief, belief, stunned, pity and with out fail, “Wow, it sucks to be you.” Like I haven’t figured that out by now. My question is as follows. What would I need to change besides the actual names of those involved? It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out the corp involved sinse historically, it couldn’t be anyone else. I’d like keep what little I have, such as it is.
I just asked the question to myself how do you write a book and got on the web and ran across your article. You don’t answer the question.
People, mostly famous people, write bios. all the time. I have this idea to write my bio. as i am 57 years old and dont have a pot to p_ _ _ s in and its not for lack of trying. I have worked hard all my life never been fired or layed off but the “system” kept me, or us as i am married, down through corporate greed. I kind of think this would interest people because judging by the news there are a lot of us out there. Any thoughts on this? Thanks
Dear…Well I don’t know if you’re going to read this anyway, I could rant on and on into empty space for all I Know…but I’d like to ask a question
I’m writing a Book…Well only 21/23 Chapters, then I’m Passing it on to another writer who writes another 3 chapters and from there 3 chapters until it’s… well I guess It Ends when I someone ends it. Anyway I wrote a good beginning. and You’re an inspiration, and when it’s done and published would you read it
If a person decides to write a book spanning his or her 40+ years spent in one functional area with several fortune 500 corporations beginning in 1964, would you advise them to make it “fictional” or “factual”?
Hi Mr. Berkun. I’m hoping to be an author, but I’m only thirteen. I really want to have a book published by the time I’m eighteen. Is that possible (of course it’s possible, but I mean is it likely to happen?)
Thanks for Your Time,
Sandra
Hilarious! and informative :) thanks
I have toyed with the idea of writing several times and finally have an idea for a book that I can actually compile (The first idea was cool, in my opninion, but I still can’t come up with a sequence of events that can be portrayed without people getting to the end and having no clue what just happened)
ANYWAY! My question is to all who read/write – If I write this book, it will probably be controversial, especially to religious fanatics (Which categorizes just about my entire family), is it just as fine to publish under an assumed name as you’re actual name, or will doing that hinder it in some way? (Or is it just flat cowardly?)
The problem is my first book will be “based” on a true story. Part of me wants to do it for me and hide it from them, and the other half thinks, “Screw it. They can draw their own conclusions if they decide to read it.” (Be it that they think I’m the damn anti-christ or whatever)
Does anyone have advice for that kind of situation or been there done that? I would love to read what you have to say.
Thanks!
PS – About the article: I just started reading a book I found on the discount rack at the store and it is the first book I’ve ever read, published with a hardback fancy cover and all, with blatant everyday vocabulary. It even seems out of its time, or supposed to be out of this time. Maybe. trying to figure it out. It starts talking about Gods and immortals, mixing Greek gods with other genres of Gods (I’m rusty on my mythology these days) and seemingly in present day times. It was confusing to me the old gods and immortals were so updated on their slang! haha. The point is, yes, anyone can write. The catch seems to be (like someone mentioned before) whether or not a large enough group of people will be interested enough in the story (or account) to finsih and recommend the book to other people and possibly buy your next book and will your writing style be liked or appeciated. And like the book I mentioned, you CAN write a book on a limited vocabulary. Some people might like it. I don’t like it. I find it hard to take seriously. But I am one person out of millions. I’m sure it could be overlooked by having an awesome story. :)
I appreciate your honesty. I have been thinking about writing a book, which may be as interesting as a book about toasters as you mentioned earlier. Nonetheless, I feel I need to do this because to me it is a form of expression, to yell to the world my thoughts on how to properly appraise mobile and manufactured homes. This type of shelter is affordable housing, not the trailer trash concept, but the future of housing projects, and a way of reaching out to a different pride of ownership.
I hope by reading your website I get the inspiration to pursue my criticized desire.
Amusing and true.
I am fortunate since I don’t want to write a book.
During a party, a lady asked to Italian writer Curzio Malaparte: “Mr Pavese, how can you possibly write beautiful things?”.
He answered: “With a typewriter, Madam. A portable one”.
Bye,
Umberta