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 VoltaireMarquis 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:

[Light editing: 10/7/2019, 2/4/2021]

 

1,305 Responses to “How to write a book – the short honest truth”

  1. Tammy

    I appreciated reading this article and the comments. I just starting writing a book. I’m not in it for the money (although I wouldn’t turn it down), I had this crazy dream one night that was so vivid I had to get it out of my head. Before I knew it, I had, what I feel, is an awesome plot to a story. So, I’m writing a story. If I finish the book, I’ll try to get it published. I mostly want to get it out of my head and into a story that grabs people and keeps them moving. If I can do that, I’m an author, right?! I have let several people at work read what I have completed (which is a prologue and 4 chapters now) and they all are begging me for more. Wanting to know what happens next. That’s pretty cool!

    Reply
  2. Fazal M. Khan

    Hello Scott Berkun! With regards to your advice on writing, I find it sound and necessary for people to know and understand that the process of writing a book is work-oriented, just like owning a business. It was good to have that notion reinforced and I believe I am ready to engage within the process. I appreciate your narrative and may have to resort to you every once in awhile. Thank you very much.

    Reply
  3. john lilgreen

    Hello, i actually enjoyed reading this article and yes it was very helpful. Unlike many i have talked to in the past and heard from about this subject, the reason i am interested in becoming a writer is not for the “riches”, it is simply to create my own world and see it come alive on the pages of a book. To be honest i also very much enjoy the work and effort it takes to write the book, any good adventure requires work. The only problem i have is coming up with dialogue for my characters, i have a detailed history on my world, including detailed history o all different species, races, and characters, i have a map drawn up for referance, and even details on how the book will go and sub details there within to help. I do try to have as many details as possible on everything before i start writing the book, it seems to help, but dialogue is the hard part, once again, everything i come up with seems to either run on forever without point or is incredibly lame.

    any advise by chance?

    thank you for any time you put into this letter.
    John L.

    Reply
  4. SHAWNTEL PERKINS

    HEY I’M TRYING TO WRITE A BOOK CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE THANKS YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT MY EMAIL ADDRESS OR THIS NUMBER 432-7788 THANKS

    Reply
  5. SHAWNTEL PERKINS

    SORRY IT’S 431-7788 THANKS

    Reply
  6. Johan

    Very useful in the way that you point out some very basic pros and cons about writing, the article points out some stuff that to some folks could be a reality check.

    This is ofcourse my own personal opinion :)

    Hope this was a bit creative criticism

    // Yo-Han

    Reply
  7. Craig Nicholls

    Without reading the entire content of this site, I very quickly grasped at some of the very issues i too are now experiencing. Writing a book is a very differant contrast to just putting words to paper or using a PC, I will peruse the rest of the site and see what other hints will enable me to be better.

    Reply
  8. Terry D. Mann

    I’m a armed bank robber, I robbed 10 banks in the upper midwest. People like Jessie James and John Dillinger where my heros growing up. Now i’d like tell my story of why and how it all came to be. I’d like to tell the truth and facts. But don’t know how to get my story out, Would you be interested in helping me get started? or lead my in the right direction. Terry D. Mann

    Reply
  9. durdana mandir

    part of the effort of writing is salvaging the lost remnants of the inner child within you from the depths of the unconscious. and that little one is angry for you have neglected it even since you become a teenager. to get back in touch with the power within you need incubation. in other words if u face writers block sit back and relax, kick off those shoes and sip some cold coffee or whiskey and soon enough the flow of ideas will re-turn. the other solution (and i must say it has its dangers) is automatic writing. though most of what comes off the wrist will be blah-blah non-sense yet bits and pieces of it will also make some coherent sense. and once you connect the dots of those precious islands of meaning among the ocean of meaninglessness yada yada you will begin to see the forest for the trees.

    oh, and one more thing, writing will not necessarily make you a happier person but it will allow you to live twice (metaphorically). that is one reason it is called writing (sounds like righting). writing rights the wrongs that were done in this psychopathic society to a sensitive soul like you. it can be a method and a way of getting back at the anti-intellectual and unfeeling elements of a world gone wrong. so pick up that pencil or pen and scribble away!

    Reply
  10. Jessica

    It’s true, every single word. Of course, you know that, but I would like to say bravo for actually saying what needs to be said (and so gracefully).

    By the way I do enjoy “the bittersweetness of chasing words into sentences,”

    If it wasn’t obvious before, that sentence screams “I’m a writer.” and a damn good one at that.

    Reply
  11. Margaret

    Your comments are very valid. I have thought of writing a book or books but having to go through the hard work keeps ke off. I have great ideas and inspiration but not enough money to enroll in a class to learn to write. I tried and amazed the tutors but forgot to pay the monthly fees and was sent to collection! for $26.00.

    If I patiently read and follow instructions in print,I feel like I can write even a children’s book. What is your factual down to earth advice for an indingent yet potential writer? I have mutlticultural diverse trainining and experience that is so rich in ideas.

    With hope

    Margaret

    Reply
  12. Kate

    What about kids who want to write book(s), I love writing and reading! I’m a bookaholic, do the same pricipals apply for teenagers as for adults?

    Reply
  13. amcl

    I think that the writing book is very exiting thing and wanna be author,then how can I write it easily?

    Reply
  14. aundie lynn

    Hi Scott,,, Helpful article for someone who’s written, beginning with poetry, every since I can remember. I’m not published though I’ve never submitted anything to be published! Never thought I was good enough. Oddly though everyone has always told me I should write a book. This does include family members but also friends and teachers from long ago…. So to your suggestions you might also add it takes confidence that you don’t or won’t suck when you write. If I’d have had any confidence in my ability I very well could be a happy, published novelist by now! I just turned 50 and that familiar tug is pulling at me again but now age not confidence is my stumbling block.

    Reply
  15. Meganomics101

    Yes, despite the definite “curmudgeonly vibe”, I really enjoyed the whole aspect of, just do it. I understand the aspect of people curious about something I’ve done in my life. I’m a karaoke hostess on a cruise ship and get repeatedly asked the same “how to’s” and “I’ve always wanted to work on a cruise ship.” Like most things that I’ve mastered it started with a “how to”, I just usually ask that question to google, which has led me to this article. Thanks for the input! My answer to all the how to-ers is always “go to their website!”

    Reply
  16. Maria Burd

    I am very interested in writing an autobiography. I have a story to tell. I have also had lawyers and others approach me with the idea. I have been writing since I was a child and it has also been my goal since I was a child to write a book. Why I don’t know.
    I know I need some work in this area and I am willing to do it. However, I need help! Can you help me? Please?
    My book would contain some of the material that related to “A Million Little Pieces” except I can back up everything I say.
    I was drug and alcohol addicted since the age of 11 to 37. I have been homeless, in jail, and suffered physical, sexual abuse. I have also suffered the loss of a daughter.
    I want to share it with the world that life does get better if your willing to do the footwork and take a few steps to release your self from bondage. I know I put myself out there in this note. But that’s okay.
    If anyone can help me, than help me. I don’t care about the money. I just need to really know what I am doing serious taker’s only, please.

    Reply
  17. Charles Thompson, Jr.

    Hi, Can you tell me how to pick a topic to write about? I have many ideas,but i’m not famouse. Who Cares what I have to say!!! How do you get around this? Any answer is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. Charles Thompson.

    Reply
  18. cyraphym

    Thank you.

    You have helped remove my finger out of my A**!

    Cyraphym
    “practice looking deeply”

    Reply
  19. sparky

    Very interesting to read. Had a bit of a chuckle at your truth! Fabulous! I have a dream..my dream. It has been a seed since my primary school years. I am now in my thirties. I have shown friends a few of my short stories and they have been amazed that i have put those words together on paper. I need no reassurance. I know what I have to do, my topic is fact and very important. I would like to help a lot of people. A lot of work..it will be a massive endeavour when I am ready…

    Reply
  20. Monica

    Mr. Berkun…..this was a nice piece of information. A lot many times I have thought of writing a book…but that impulse do not stay for long enough to actually write it.

    I have a blog too (www.harum-scarum-me.blogspot.com), though I dont write regularly. As i know myself….I am very ethical in my ways and want to reach out to people through my writing. The two things I always think of writing about are…about my life and motivational novels.

    Reply
  21. curious?

    I honestly just came to this website on accident but then decideed to read it. I am only 14 and i started writing a book a couple years ago. I think it is weird that i found this website because i have extreme writers block and with the way i write it is veryy uncommon for me. You see my book is all about my life but from somebody else’s perspective. I am a foster kid, i have been to 10 different homes then 2 weeks ago i got kicked out of my year long foster home because i wanted to see my brother.. I won’t go into too much detail but i was wondering if you could possibly reply and help me find a way to get rid of this writers block.. Do you think that the incident 2 weeks ago is causing my writers block?

    Reply
  22. sabelo

    I always start but never finish my book. thanks for the truth Scott.

    Reply
  23. Antoinette

    Enjoyed your comments. Yes I would like to write a book. Over the years I have written several short stories but never published. I only want to write my story to help other women. My story is about a life journey into abuse, hurt, pain and deliverance. I don’t know what your relationship with God is but He is pulling me to tell what I have experienced so other women won’t have to. It was the suggestion of my Pastor to check out the internet on how to write a book so here I am and I clicked on this site. You will be on the people I thank after my book is published. Have a blessed day and thanks for all you do.

    Reply
  24. Char

    I super enjoyed the post!! Thank you. You made me smile, and you encouraged me, and most especially reminded me to shut up and just do it!

    Reply
  25. Ruthie Marek

    Hi, Scott. First off, I love that you’re so open to helping aspiring writers. Secondly, I love your humor. Bottom line, I think we would be friends. Now to my question. I just finished chemo. Through my cancer (ovarian, if you were wondering), I emailed “updates” to family and friends. I sent them out to about 200 people. Surprisingly, they were a hit and everyone seemed to forward them on to people who don’t even know me. We’re guessing that email list is now at about 500. I’m like a rock star in my community. Too funny. Anyway, lots of people said I should write a book. I have a journalism degree and aspired to be a feature writer. Then “real” work got in the way, and I never persued it. But now I have something to write about. So here’s my question. Do I write the book first, or submit a query? Are there agents/publishers who specialize in particular subjects? I know I can look this up in Writer’s Market, but emailing you is more fun.
    So thanks for listening. And more importantly, thanks for respsonding. I know your answer will be worth the wait.
    Thanks, Scott!
    Ruthie

    Reply
  26. Cassandra Espinosa

    But I did enjoy your article. I am also embarking the long journey of writing. Im excited and, if nothing else, its will be something for my children’s children to look at and possibly add to their family history.

    Reply
  27. Sue Dodd

    Actually you did answer my question of how to write a book. Make it up in your mind and make it real on the page. Thanks

    Reply
  28. Gina

    Great article, and so true. The great thing about writing fiction is you can put on paper ideas you would never otherwise express. Characters in a book can do some pretty wild things.

    Reply
  29. Boo

    thanks so much, I am trying to write a inspyring story of a girl who losed her Christian faith. When young 10 yr old Delilah has found out that she was abopted from a infent her lifes changes befor her eyes. To make matters wrose 3 days after hearing that her Grandfather witch she is close to is dignoced with Cancer and only has a week to live. After hearing the news young Delilah starts to secand think of God. “Is there a God? There cant be!” Her singel mother Nancy keeps telling there is a God just trust him!… Years go by and Delilah now 23, Her Faith is wrose the ever. And her Mother has been dignoced with Cancer. Delilah now is having a hard time. Her Mother Nancy is trying to get her right with God befor she dies of cancer. Her two older sister Jessica and Rose are both missnarys and have a family over in africa. Will Delilah ever find the TRUE God befor her Mother dies. Will she live in heaven one day??

    Reply
  30. Rob Rhodes

    Scott, Thank you for the tips and advice. I am going to finally start writing that book that I’ve been holding off the past 20yrs of my life. I appreciate the no nonsense tell it like it is approach. Thank you!…Rob

    Reply
  31. Lisa Lee

    People tell me all the time i should tell my life story. Or that you can’t make this S&*% up if you wanted to. I suck at writing but i want to tell my story to someone who could write it. I have even had people go as far as to cast who will play me and the other people in my life for the “Movie”
    So where do i go for this?
    LL

    Reply
  32. Susan McKinney de Ortega

    Perseverence goes along with the work part. I recently got discouraged after getting brushed off by about 30 agents, then heard a published author say he found his agent after about 130 tries! That will make you quit feeling sorry for yourself and get back to it.

    I recently had a full manuscript request…

    Reply
  33. luke pritchard

    hey i need help to create a book for a school competiotion it needs to be fasinating and good, i was thinking to make a drama book with a bit of exciting murder mystery inside it, could you help me???

    Reply
  34. Stacy

    Well, I never been much a writer but I want to learn how to wrte and to tell my life story. I want to start when I was a child and go to now. Can I just tell someone my story and let them write it?

    Reply
  35. Amel Jakson

    i’m writing this story for my future u see am just a teen …after sometime am going to graduate and i wnted to figur out if am gone be a scence major or art major ….. My dead line is tuesday and i think am blocked , like suddenly i forgot all my idea’s to write … what do i do give up or continue …or maybe this was a pipe dream …

    Reply
  36. Stian

    Haha, I loved that harsh, concrete beatdown of the “how-do-I-get-everything-without-working-for-it” attitude!

    Keep the strong sense of commitment up! ;)

    Reply
  37. backfromthethirties

    Unpublished_but_better_than _you…..in my humble and short lived experience, I believe that if you feel compelled to put your intelligence and skills above others you evidently “know” through a few paragraphs they have written (merely to be helpful I might add!), you must be an exceptional human being!!….Did someone get teased and prodded in high school??…..Grow up and quit correcting grammerical errors to make yourself feel more important. We’re all just here fumbling to live decent lives. Try and contribute in opposition to tearing down(that could very well be a good look for you;)…

    Reply
  38. Alexandria

    You are so right about it being about more than just money. If it’s your passion it wouldn’t be all about money in the first place. Thank you for the encouragement and I will continue to write my book. Hopefully one day you would read my book.

    Reply
  39. jake thumm

    Whats wrong with making toasters i make toaster alright and i have a great life so yeah.

    Reply
  40. Gina Bachmeier

    Greetings,
    When I was seventeen and a early grad from High School I had so many things I wanted to be and do! I wanted to be a writer so I prepared a desk and sat down to write. I had nothing to say and I felt it was because I had not a life to write about and I lacked experience. I wanted to have depth and I was just a kid, I loved Bob Dylan, Hermann Hesse at the time. Also I loved Pearl S Buck. As a youth, I was not sure why I could fly through one book and stumble all the way through another. I am fifty three years old now and life has given me many topics!!! Discipline, but what about just free form writing to sort out whats bubbling up. Many writers today jump around in Time so much, special chapters or style of type, In school the teachers would say just write and let it flow but write, don’t shy away. Would you say styles have changed with the times, the readers changed from long intense books to short and easy to read novelettes? thanks for your web page!
    gina

    Reply
  41. Tara Welch

    My love for reading books started when I was a child. Along with my wild imagination, my mother use to ask, “Where do you get this stuff” like it was beeing passed down to me. I can’t help it really, even waking in the middle of the night and writing my thoughts down before it passed. The problem is, I’ve started three different books and haven’t finished them, not because I don’t have the passion to do so i’m driving my self crazy with all the ideas in my head. Like a battle without the war. I think the hardest part is letting go of the ideas that seem to be the darkest of my thoughts. I think to myself…how in the hell can I even think of such things.

    Reply
  42. Kez

    I did a google search on how to write a book and you appeared top of the list :-) Some good advice and insite in your article.

    My problem with writting and sticking to it is that i seem to re-read my work too much, I’ll finish an introduction, read through it, continuesly (spelling?)expanding the ideas then deside the whole idea sounded silly in the first place.

    Am i my own worst critic? And how do i get past my road block?

    Reply
  43. abigayle

    i sm just wondering where you get the hard cover book and write in it thats all i wanted.

    Reply
  44. michelle

    i want to write two books 1 a book full of poems is that wierd? i dont know i have millions of poems on bassically every topic and some of them are pretty good i only write true things like things that have really occured to me.
    2 the second book i want to write is this story of a girl well the story is still in the process but will hopefully soon come to an end the story is mine
    since i am quite young most people tell me dream on u’ll never write a book! i dont want to do it for the$ i want to do it because i feel like i need to share what i love

    Reply
  45. Glenda

    So how do you write a book? Just kidding. Your article was very informative and brutally honest, just how I like it! Thanks.

    Reply
  46. Abigail :)

    Yeah-you never know what kind of books people want to read. What sells?
    –great article by the way. I myself am an author. Not a very sucessful one but I try!

    Reply
  47. Shannon Ester

    Okay, here is the thing, I love thinking up stories and putting them on paper. I love to reading and complete about two books per week (all I can get done with a Moms schedule). Great, I know, but I just don’t feel like I am the best at grammer or spelling. Yes, there are word proccessors now that help with that, but I still cannot help but feel less than adequate in this area. Any advice, besides going back to college and taking yet more courses? Also, how strict are publishers when it comes to review manuscripts? Do they have to be almost perfect in the grammer/spelling areas?

    Sincerly,
    A Want-A-Be Writer

    Reply
  48. Paul Alisauskas

    This is a funny, sobering, practical, irreverent and plain fabulous perspective on that maddening process. Thank you for it. I’ve only recently started writing “for fun” and, although no one is reading anything I put on my blog, it’s simply a joyous pursuit.

    Your book, The Myths of Innovation, is where I came across your name, then this blog. Wonderful work. Your overall signature approach to things is the proverbial breath of fresh air. I’ll continue to follow with great interest.

    P.A.

    Reply
  49. Eric Lugo

    I am not an aspiring author nor have I ever had dreams of becoming one. I’m a realist and understand that the story of Stephanie Meyer, who was bored one day and decided to write about a dream she had about love and vampires, and turned it into millions and millions of dollars isn’t likely. With all that being said, for the last two years I have had this story that would play over and over in my mind during my commute to work. I am an avid reader and always admired the works of what I have read, but never imagined it is something I would try. Recently, I said “what the hell”, and have begun writing. Nothing fancy, just my pencil, notebook and iPod (music helps me envision scenes) while on the NYC subway everyday.

    I’m not looking for riches, publishing deals, book tours or anything remotely close to that. I just want to write my day dreams down on paper and enjoy it. Once completed, I will share it with my wife and close friends and family. If it is destined to become a novel that will be in the hands of avid readers across the world … great. If not, it will be a personal accomplishment that one day I will share with my three children (when they get older). To anyone out there debating whether to do it. Just do it, don’t think about it, just start writing. Its good therapy. Put on some good music and let your heart and mind do the writing. You have nothing to lose.

    Reply
  50. dcmother

    I am an attorney in dc. i’ve written tens of thousand’s of pages of legal documents. i am much more fond of my masters in arts in literature degree. I adore my seven year old daughter. My marriage is complicated by culture (independent corn fed girl from ohio v. Iranian through and through). I know I have the skills to write a book, and I have a great appreciation of the 20th century classics, but I feel like NO ONE would be interested in my situation. Is it best to come up with some random story (how?) or best to write about what you love (my daughter)???

    Reply
  51. Bonnie G

    Thank you for this article. That’s that. I have no pretentious opinions on the advice you gave, ‘nor raves about it’s usefulness. Simply, thank you. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.

    Reply
  52. jennifer

    I basically have been through the fire and back. i want to write about my experiences and have so for quite some time. I just don’t know HOW to get started. Any advice you could give me would be appreciative. I believe my experiences would help many other women in the same situations. Please help me and thank youcx in advance for your time.

    Reply
  53. Sam

    Thanks for the adivce! I am really young to be even thinking about wrting a book I am only 13:) it has been my dream to see my book on a book shlef. Everytime I write a book I automatically think of a new topic and keep changing topics. Also my story length only gets to about 10 pages. I think if I write EVERY day I’ll be able to get atleast a few chapters down so I don’t quit my topic. Please give me some feedback. Thanks:)

    Reply
  54. Stephanie

    I’m only a high school student and I’ve recently started to write a book. I’ve run into two main problems. I keep giving the characters too many traits like myself or people I know. I don’t mean to keep writing about my own life, so how do I avoid that? Also, how would I get a publisher to take me seriously, considering I’m so young?

    Reply
  55. Cassle

    Very wonderful explanation. I love the way you emphasize on the word work! Both fiction and non-fiction require lots of researches and observations to mention great ideas with numerous evidences and facts. I’m 100% agree with you about the work.

    And I’m glad to see that you mention Nanowrimo. Since my field is around the non-fiction world, I do wonder where I could find such things like Nanowrimo but in non-fiction way? Also about Writersmarket, as I’m living outside the US, unfortunately such a great facility didn’t available throughout the world. Moreover, not every part of the world wants quality researched books which involve lots of works. Some markets even prefer books with controversial arguments instead of the real ‘great books’.

    Reply
  56. Gwyn Long

    Thank you for your straight shot. I have been working on this book for years and hope that someone will be interested in the suject by the time I get the book done. Hopefully before I DIE! It’s nice to know I can get it published myself and not rely on someone else, it is very important to me and my childs legacy. Thank you for your time and advise. Sincerely, Gwyn Long

    Reply
  57. Rajnish Phale

    Hi. I am a HR Professional with more than 18 years of experience in manufacturing and corporate setup with top Indian and MNC companies. I am now running my own HR Consulting firm for little more than a year. Had a humble background, from lower middle class family. I want to write book on my life, how do I go about it. Not an autobiography exactly but it has to be similar to that and inspiring.
    Regards
    Rajnish

    Reply
  58. carolyn gomez

    i am thinking about writing a story on my husband’s life.he recently passed away,but i feel he led such an inspirational life that i would like to share it.i don’t know where to start.please help.

    Reply

Pingbacks

Leave a Reply

* Required