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]
How do you write a book?… just kidding. My ? is, can you truely publish your own book and be successful?
Excellent advice for new writers. Non-traditional publishers are banning together today to make it easier for new authors to navigate the publishing gauntlet. Happy writing!
The advice is good. I have always wanted to write a book and I read books all the time. Can’t go to sleep without reading. I also have always realized how hard it would be to write a book. When I write a letter I probably spend more time editing it than it would take some one to write an entire book. However, I do have a subject to write about that has not been written to death. I discovered that when I tried to get books on a certainsubject and so few were available. So, I foolishly think there is a need, or at least an interest, in the m aterial I want to write about. I am keeping notes now and taking pictures.
I think you’re advice is really good. I’ve always loved to read. I have also always loved to write. I’ve written a lot of poems, all of which have been for my eyes only. I’m a very emotional writer. I’m still very young, only 19, but writing has always been my passion, my escape. I want to be able to write a book, without it being to emotional, or sounding to much like teenage angst. Any advice?
Great article. For the many people who have that distant dream of writing a novel, (myself being one of them,) you pull them back to reality and offer some simple and honest insight.
Unpublished_but_better_than_you, I’m sorry for whatever’s made you so bitter and pedantic. Relax. Life’s not that serious.
This was a great read! I’m not a writer but am a mathematics person. I would like to write a book of my own someday. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the short, honest advice. I am an engineer by day and a singer and actor in my free time to let out some of my artistic side. As a result of the constant regurgitation and performance of other people’s creations, I am looking for a creative outlet that will actually allow me to create! I started reading this column and was excited to hear you say that anyone can do it. By the end however, I was slightly disheartened by the idea of putting so much work into something and never being published (much like Kim in the second installment of this article).
If I were to spend enough time and effort on writing a book of which I could be proud, I don’t think I could deal with no one ever reading it. I guess, in my mind, it’s not a creation if no one gets to (or has to, as the case may be) experience it but me. What can you do with a self published book? Who could I sell it to? Can I walk into Barnes & Noble and drop off a copy, requesting that payment be sent to me at *blank* address?
I know you’re not a career counselor, and I apologize for leaving such a long-winded comment. Thanks again for this post.
i am going to become the world’s greatest writer from Africa, ghana and the world as a whole. thank you
I have mainly one question. I was looking around on the internet, but have seen different answers. Let’s say that I’m going to be writing a book, ok, cool. I’ll be using Microsoft Word. Awesome. My question is, for a decent sized book (let’s say 300 pages) how many pages would that be typed using Word, at 12 font or 10 font, maybe both. If you could reply, i would appreciate it. thanks. —andrew—
Thank you for your notes. I am glad people can get out and write a book, make a Cd. etc. but it is a lot of work to do a good job and there is a lot of materiel to wade through. None of it makes the book a better piece of info really unless it is a good thing to start with. But I am looking for TOOLS to help me speak and be heard.
thank you for your words of wisdom.
My wife wants me to write a book about my experiences with my job which is somewhat of a famous job. Do you have any advice about ghost writers who might help me along or should I just jump in there and hope I can swim?
Thanks. JC
Just want to say your article is striking. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular in this post How to write a book – the short honest truth. Nice informations shared here. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.
books
I want to write about my Gay son’s death from drugs and alcohol at the age of 27. I want to write about what a wonderful person he was who couldn’t control his demons and habits. I want to share the agony and destruction he caused to himself and me his mother. He was my best friend and killed so much of me that I was forced into a disability retirement after 32 years of federal service. Where do I start and how. thank you in advance for any advice.
You explained this writing thing in a relaxed and familiar manner.
Intimidating and still, encouraging.
I’m in. Thanks
Jim
I am 10 years old. I have been writing since 9. I have deleted current stories after I realized how stupid they were, when I learnt how to write better. To tell the truth, I am amazed by some of the writers here. A 11 year old at page 247? That made me go strange, I have been brainstorming my book up for a while, and it is 11 pages, darn it. I was wondering if you could help me get on a normal schedule, because if a 11 year old writes for a year and writes 247 pages she must have been on an awesome schedule. I am better at writing then most of my friends, because I read a lot more. I want to write fantasy, because I am astonished by knights, dragons, trolls, and more. My favorite books are LOTR. I also want you to help me when I need to publish. I would want one that is free or under 20 dollars. Please answer
— Keith Danielson (10)
I agree with most of the points he makes. I’m glad to see that there are writers out there that aren’t complete snobs with their noses 100 feet in the air (which I feared tbh). He’s obviously passionate about writing (as am I), and definitely grasps the creativity aspect of it, which is what I’m most fond of in writing.
I’m kind of surprised that people actually write for the money. When thinking of jobs that involve making a lot of money, writing definitely does not come to mind. I want to write because I want to make something that entices people, and pulls them in so that they won’t want to put the book down. And because I enjoy writing, it’s like an outlet for my ideas. My goal in being a writer is to share my imaginative ideas with other people, and hopefully get a positive response.
I actually don’t really want to write a novel. I want to make a comic (or a graphic novel, which I guess sort of counts as a novel, but not really :p). Might not seem too ambitious, but it’s what I want to do. Your article definitely helped me out, it also showed me that there’s a long road ahead of me before I actually get to present my book to other people, but I expected that from the beginning. I’m definitely willing to work for it though.
One question though (for anyone who wants to answer it). When writing a comic, or a gn, or something along those lines, there’s usually a team of people, not just one. Editors, writers, publishers, etc. This may not be the place to ask this but, does anyone know how to get in touch with others that want to pursue this also? Up and coming writers like myself that have high hopes for the future. Any response is much appreciated.
i been writing a journal just a journal as it started there some boring stuff in it like my brokens promises to fufill my wieght destiny and there some intresting like me tlking about my past with being bullied to losing my virginnity i been on this journal for a year till the point i started to make it a book but its a journal..i feel its really really life like cause as i quote “EVERY DAY ANOTHER CHAPTER” WHAT I MEAN IS NOTHING ABOUT ITS FAKE I EVEN TLK ABOUT CELEBRITIES AND un important stuff i have my break downs and i swear its like been so important to me for all this time i literally jump out a window for my writings im only 15 years old and i dnt know anything about writing really and i never thought of being a writer i never really thought of what to be but during my stressful time i was in i just grew all this inspiration to write about my self without leaving out anything. well im writing write know because i simply feel i need to start opening up on what i been writing. i dnt kno if my book would ever sell but my biggest desire would just to have my book spreaded out to the world so they can see MEand see there selves threw me. i swear if my book gets out some people would think im either wierd psycho obessesive silly bipolar or they just might see so much of me and them and i could inspire them i am currently still writing day by day about what happens in my ironic life nd to make this short i also like to draw and write down lyrics to the song that inspires my picture i am not the world best artist im the kind of artist that just took a pen in her hands and a piece of paper just like my writings. If anyone knows anybody or any imformation about how i can get my writings into a publisher or whatever haands that is very trust worthy message me at djacia@yahoo.com or diamondmami35@aim.com
Ha ha ha! Hilarious and full of good advice.
Hello Scott Berkun.
When I opened up my Google page today I was originally going to type “how to write a bestseller”, until I saw “how to write a book” underneath in the suggestions. So, I [obviously] clicked on the suggestion because otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this right now. I am an author under the age of 18, that’s just seeking to plant a seed, an idea that can grow and branch out into a book. In past I’ve had several ideas and plots planned out for books I (thought) I was going to write. But, recently I came up with a new one and I think it may just be that “seed” I’ve been wishing for! After reading your article, it inspired me to take this idea seriously and not give up. Thank you and I will certainly return to your blog further down the road.
V
This was a great article. Definitely among the top ten I have ever read. By the way, unpublished, you shouldn’t be criticizing other people’s work when you, yourself, did not even put your name on your comment. No offense intended, of course, but I am not accountable if some was taken. Thank you.
You’re right. I am a writer, although I’ve never written a single word on a page that would qualify anywhere near to a book.
But I’m going to start. Not now though. lol
Tomorrow! Thanks
Scott,
I have the desire, drive and fully committed to writing my bio. I am aware that everyone has a unique story by I must tell people mine. I am sure that any writer who shared a few drinks with me a let me have the floor to spill my beans for 1 hour would be extremely fascinated and urge me to follow through.
Here’s my first and undoubtedly primary concern. In short, my life has had an extremely shallow ceiling caused by tyranny and ignorance. I am, however, a white male who has been oppressed more than any urban African-American with no father. This story must be told and I am seeking direction or ideas so that I do not just write a poor pitiful me story.
If that was enough info to clarify my concern do you have some pointers?
Sincerely,
Tim Newsome
Scott, this is a really honest post about writing and publishing. Writng a book and publishing requires hard work for sure. But writing a good book requires something more and there are no recipies for that. Or at least I haven’t learned any certain ones having studied literature at the uni.
Hi Scott!
I like your attitude.
I am ready to do the work for a book, because the subject is important, not me. And I have a question that I was hoping to get a better grip on.
How do one approach a subject that is both educational as well as an easy read?
Ive traveled extensively and am an architecture student, I went crazy crossing the andes mountains with a donkey and a map just to see how rural communities are created 4000m up in a mountain top, I went to the most dangerous slum in Lima escorted by police in the am….I guess that’s when the robbers sleep…but anyway, the real subject I am attacking here is disaster mitigation. Sounds off, but there are multiple condidtions created like slums and refuge after natural disaster, and that is my topic. If the last sentance sounded dry to you, then that is the problem I am having. I want to inspire education and understanding of this in a very “easy read” way. You have any tips for somebody like me?
Thank you!!
Christina
Hello Scott; I need some help right now. I am an avid reader of everything from the H.G. Wells classics to anything new on the book market, but my main love is the Stephen King novels. My personal favorite would have to be Pet Sematary, and not just because one of the characters has my first name (Gage Creed). I have been working on a small fantasy and/or horror novel for at least four months now, but after every couple of weeks I scrap the idea because either I can’t start it off perfectly, I don’t know where to take it, or it just doesn’t make sense to me, even if I have the entire story mapped out. I want to write a book that will appeal to people my age (I’m 14 for the record), yet still have it be able to be remembered for years to come, like theStephen King novels. I’m in desperate need of guidance right now. Any thoughts?-Gage
Scott – I have put off what I think of as my heart’s desire for too long. I have ideas for children’s books as well as several ideas for my own “great American novel” which I hope will begin to form. Your first suggestion of taking your time is no problem for me. We are of Native American descent and ideas constantly flash through my head. My dad says we come from a long line of storytellers. I hope I continue the tradition. No one has ever published, but you never know what the future holds. Thank you for any additional suggestions you might have.
Here’s a dumb question: Do you try to write chapter by chapter, or just one long stream-of-consciousness manuscript?
Scott, I like your down-to-earth attitude about writing. As a writing coach, I see plenty of people who want the book but won’t do the work. One of the main reasons average people write books these days is as a marketing tool, as a way to get known and as a way to get speaking engagements. For all of these purposes, the book takes work and must be good.
Thank you for telling it like it is. The book business is tough, sometimes rewarding, but always interesting.
Hey I read some of the comments below and stopped at Ron, I was going to write ABOUT – my “old house”, and my “young grandchildren” ooops! Anyway this is probably the dumbest question ever but if you write something – can it be stolen when you send it off to a publisher like a song writers work could be stolen? Dumb eh?
Good work! This is a good post. And you’ve succeeded in making me feel like crap. Don’t worry, tho… I do it to myself every day.
I’ve gotten the business of writing a book down, but you’re right about the next part: working on publishing is so darn hard! I can’t get myself to do it. I’ve even read a bunch of the guides on it. I know the long list of “don’t’s.” I know how to do my homework. I know how to pursue the right people…
but it is so damn much homework. I never do it more than a few brief spurts. Ooph. It’s tough. But kudos to the writers who do it.
I can’t help but think the Internet is creating some more space where folks can do things online and establish a bit of a following and justify to editors and agents that they are likely to be saleable. This does, in some ways, make it even easier to get out there.
To Gage … I believe you would benefit from Stephen King’s book “On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft”. Its a book Stephen King wrote about how he himself got started in writing.
I have a book that will be a big hit. the only problem is getting my mom to write it. I know if i could get her past in writing she wouldnt know what to do with all that money! please help get the stone rolling!
Hi. Last Night I started writing a book called….A Horse Called Rayne. It`s about a young girl who’s horse is taken away by a blood bay stallion. She get`s her back but the mare is carring the stallion`s foal. I`ve already got 10 pages and it`s going good. Any Adivce?? Thanks. I`m 14 years old and going into grade 9. I`ve been writing short books since I was 7. Never any good to get published but I keep writing hoping one day I could have my own book. :) Thanks for everyones comments.
Loved the advise. I have always been told in school as a child on into college and now in my 30’s that I am a great writer. I always kept my gratification of these compliments deep inside me. Fear. Intimidation. Failure, even rejection shackled my thoughts into reality. So here I sit ready to scream out every page I have visually written in my own mind. I will make it happen and I will rejoice in the letters as they fall from my crowded thoughts.
Dear Mr. Berkun: Thank you. I appreciate your candidness. Dr. J. T. Bowles
My dad spent 5 yrs in the hospital after getting shot in the face in WW2. He wrote 250 letters home. Incredible stories. He died 3 weeks ago and I want to tell his story. Will you help me?
Do you have to write it with pen on paper only or can you use word only. I am thirteen years old and i really dont know much about writing ,but i love to read, write and draw. I was just wondering if you could use Microsoft Office Word.
Great post… I was just telling my husband tonight (prior to googling “writing a book” and ending up on your site) that I am feeling called to write a book on a particular subject and for a particular purpose, which is mainly to encourage others with their own journey related to the book’s subject. People have commented to me that I write well. Granted, greeting cards and letters have been the primary objects of their comments. Nevertheless, I feel confident in my abilities to write and to do the work of the writing process, but as my husband and I were talking, the irony hit us both that 1) I have never been one to journal, so I’ve just figured how in the world could I ever write a whole book and 2) it takes me FOREVER to read a book, so again, how and why could I ever write one?! But, I love the art of writing, the process of writing (thankfully, journaling is a different process, to be sure; and my own book I can just read it as I write, so I’ll be sure to finish reading it at some point). I think you said it well, and it resonated with me… I, too, love the notion of having something in my mind become real on a page for the “pleasure or utility” of another person (even if there are only a handful of other persons). Thank you for your honest words. Personally, they give me a gut check and offer me affirmation and encouragement to write on!
Scanning through some of the comments… August 9, 2008… Wow, Mike must be really hacked off because he hasn’t yet learned how to spell the word grammar. I appreciate and agree with his idea that writing is not about having perfect grammar. I have to disagree with his comment that grammar is not important, based on the argument that hip hop lyrics, reality TV, etc enjoy huge successes all the while using slang and improper grammar (how dare they?!). Improper or irregular use of grammar, which btw is much more than spelling and punctuation, does not necessarily take away from, in fact can add to, the meaningfulness of conversation, music, and advertising. Their purposes differ from those of writing. The purpose of writing is to communicate ideas, and good writing should communicate clearly and concisely. Proper (or at least good enough) grammar is integral in creating clear content. Writing is a tool for communication and grammar is a function of that tool… Good grammar, effective tool, good communication perhaps??? I know no one asked, but that’s just my take on it.
Great and effective advise – no responsibility and lots of warm all embracing care – thats the way to do it 97% sweat 3% glory. I love the pain so I am going to write a book check out my website. Book will be called “Exquisite” – greater challenge that the author is dislexic along with a myriad of other fiobles but hell she sure can work her mettle!!!
Hi Scott. I am so very new at this and very nervous. I have been tossing around the idea to write a book for a very very long time. So today I googled “How to write a book” just to see what would pop up. I found this site. I’m glad I did.
I wrote a book when I was about 10 years old. Finished it when I was around 12. My mother kept it….lol I read it about 10 years later. That was one of the most interesting reads I think I’ve ever had the pleasure of let me tell you. Great story, good charaters, but bad dialogue. I was a kid when I wrote it and I’m sure at the time it made sense, but as an adult I found it funny.
The point was I enjoyed reading and writing. I still do. I read everyday. I used to write poems to express my feelings. I have an entire folder of secret poems that no one has ever seen. I don’t write anymore and I miss it. For several years now I have had a story playing out in my head. My husband and I drive to Chicago many times through out the year and as I drive this same story dances across the road in front of me. This same story speaks to me in my dreams some nights. I know this sounds crazy and I may write it out, read it and thinks it is crazy, but I feel the time has come to put it to paper.
I read I should tell people, at least some people, about my doing this. That way I stay focused and don’t give up half way through the book writing process. Plus they can let me know if I stray from the charater or story line. I thought I would wait until the whole thing was finished and let someone read it as a whole. Should I have people set to do this or maybe different people set for each part? Someone to read during and someone to read after? I know and understand that this is just one step of many. This is just my first step. Thank you for your help.
I would rather then than than and then than again.
By the time I had read a few comments I had to go and re-read the article which I found to be very enlightening for the few honest writers out there.
Sometimes one has to go back to the basics of what writing is all about to find that zest for it again. Well done is not the words that come to mind but thank you seems more appropriate.
On writing dialogue one has to put yourself in that characters shoes to feel their passion in a way.( Put on a hat or scarf or something of sorts.)
As far as writing goes…as the author says…just do it!
I am 48 yrs old and became a drug addict by taking prescription medication that was prescribed by a doctor. But I always said that could never happen to me meaning becoming a drug addict as a matter of fact that the name I want my book to be. My goal is to try with my story to save as many people as I may be able to.
And how easy it could happen to anyone. Its really not about money as much as it is about putting my story out there as awareness . How easy it could happen to anyone. Any age. And above most to the people who think it could never happen to them. Please e-mail me to tell me if you could help me.
Thisis a great website for those who want information on writing a book or novel. You give great information and advice on doing the research. Do the leg work it will pay off in the end. Thanks!
This is a great website for those who want information on writing a book or novel. You give great information and advice on doing the research. Do the leg work it will pay off in the end. Thanks!
Hi,I’m currently writing a book ,however I am in the rough draft stages.What advice would you give me after I finish doing my rough draft and separating by chapters would you advise getting an editor at that point or what? thanks
My brother is the autor of 5 books. If I start writing a book do you think I can finish it in two years. At one tine he published 2 books in one year.
I am writing a book about an elementary education teacher who has a very noble profession but is disrespected daily by society. What do you think?
I know too many examples of famous,successful, or popular writers who like to talk about what they do. It’s like they can’t stop. Almost as soon as you get an interview, you’ll have to explain your own writing process. Anyone who enjoys writing would rather not do this.
Great post. Thanks.
Comments are really good too.
Even old “unpublished but better etc.”
Well hi there. I’m 16, and wondering why Christopher Paolini can write a hit series and so why can’t I?
That aside, I found your text quite a good read.
However, there was a minute detail that you did not cover. You apparently ridiculed those asking “How to write a book”
From the text, you take this to mean, “Is it possible for anyone to write a book?”, while in truth, A few people, myself included, are actually asking, “What are the steps required to write a good book, and moreover, what are the imperative elements to a good book?”
I really value this stuff i just see myself coming out with something meaningful that will go along way affecting the life of nations through my write up.
Is there a way to protect or reserve the name of a book I am working on? Business Book
i love books and in the future i would like to be book seller!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recently an agent agreed to represent me on the basis of reading a portion of a novel I had submitted, but then pulled out of the deal giving the reason that it was too short (60,000 words). I was writing about a topic with which I’m very familiar. The story contained a rich set of characters and a large number of plot points, out of which a better writer than me could have made a very long novel. I suspect my training as a scientist is steering my writing technique to just resolving plot points. Are there any general rules about the balance of character development, exposition and any other elements that are required to make a novel an enjoyable and deep experience. Some best-selling authors I’ve read obviously pad their material. e.g. On passing through a kitchen, the entire contents of the pantry was described in exquisite detail when it had nothing to do with the plot. I think there’s a fine line between providing atmosphere and boring your audience silly.
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m interested in submitting my Grandmothers German/English cookbook and add my own recipes as well. I have all the information that is needed to create this cookbook. I just dont know how or where to start. If you can help with some advise that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michelle Deis
Great article. I am in the process of writing a book (my first book) and your writing on this subject has helped clear some of my misconceptions on the process of writing and publishing.
Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
i v no idea what dis is all about….i kinda nid more details on how to write a book proposal
thank u for the help. i will be back.
I found your article “How to write a book – The short honest truth”, well honest! I enjoy writing for my own creative purposes, it has always been something I have enjoyed although it is not a topic I have studied.
I am currently writing my own perspective on a certain life situation that I have found myself involved in, it has emotional connections as well as some quirky commical type stuff and at this point it is purely for myself.
I have wondered if I may have a future in this industry and after reading your article, I stil feel inspired but also a little more prepared for what it really takes.
Thank you.
Hi. I have always wanted to share my experiences with other people. I might have a boring topic though. My family won’t be truthful with me, maybe you will. I have two ideas. The first one is to share my experiences as a truck driver for nearly twenty years. This book could be quite boring. My second and most logical idea is to write and hopefully publish a shorter book that would be more geared towards a smaller audience. It would be designed to share the truth of truck driving with the masses that aspire to make it a career. It is not only a very lonely lifestyle, it is thankless as well. What do you think? Thank you. John Brockman
I’m having trouble describing all the details of my super-awesome story on paper. I wish someone could invent a device that attaches to your head and sucks the pictures from your imagination so everyone could see! Maybe I’ll try to put it in comic book form so people could see.. but then they wouldn’t get all the details :/ And plus, I don’t have the patience to sit there and try to draw all that with my horrid art skills. I barely have the patience to write in my own journal every Friday! Am I drinking too much soda? OH WAIT I KNOW! I’ll write the book but have lots of pictures in it to even everything out! So… I answered my own question… PEACE MAN.
Thanks for the encouragment about writing. You will see my book in the stores and in the movies one day.
I enjoyed your advice. I have been wanting to write a book for a while now. I think I have a pretty interesting topic, but the only problem is this- I dont have anyone to proof it before I send it out. Is there some type of service offered for that? I might sound like a complete idiot, but, like I said, I am new at this.
“I love writing books. I love reading books. I love the entire notion that people can make things up in their mind and then make them real on a page, for the pleasure or utility of someone else.”
Awesome, indeed! My heart soared when I read this – myproblem is faced by thousands more – butt in chair, but endlessly distracted.
Enough messing around! I am going to write daily – on napkins, in notebooks, on my netbook, and at my desk. No more waiting for blocks of time that never appear.
Thanks, Scott, for the kick-start I needed.
“Sure there are tricks here and there, but really writing is a kind of work.” I love that line. I get ridiculed all of the time for my writing and the enjoyment that I take in it. Thanks for thinking otherwise.
I know not if my comment will be read, nor do I care. I know not if any to whom I may address will see this, or care for what I say. I do know that this will be my first and last post, as I know my fallible nature will lead me to forget this website…. To the young and young at heart: keep writing! Do NOT, EVER, let anyone tell you that you cannot write. To the young peoples who dream of writing, DO SO. Nothing can stop you, only yourself. As for the publishers, they WILL take you seriously, and if they don’t, let nothing quench the fires within you. PUBLISH IT. A wise man once said, “Do not underestimate the children, for the smallest child is often greater than the wisest man.” Looking over these posts, many may have gone from this world, or stopped caring about replies, or even let the urge to write shrivel and die within their hearts…. There is no consolation I can offer to those who do not care; to those who do not write. To those who have passed away, God be with you.
Writing is like planting an unknown flower and watching it bloom into the most magnificent, most pure part of oneself. It will never die if you care for it. I deem myself no writer, though I still write. The only reason I overcome my fear of openness here is to give hope to those who think they are no better than anyone else. If anyone at all reads this, I hope, deeply, that they will take root and bloom into the best they can be through their writing.
Through it all, know this: I support all of you writers, you poets, you authors. I support you all, though I am ‘quietly here.’
I love common-sense advice. Your article is honest, humorous and encouraging. I appreciate the links you provided too! I want to focus on my love of writing, and not the very small possiblity at making money at it. You have inspired me to continue. Thanks!
I look forward to reading more from you. I have committed myself to writing a novel. Something that I have dreamed of for about 30 yrs. Never made the time for it being a single mom. Now that my child is older and I am now a house-wife , I figured why not give it a try. Of course I want to write something that is a success. But even if it is not, I can at lease say that I did it. I have been researching different articles, and researching the best way to accomplish this dream of mine. I find your information very informative. Thank You!
I love writing and I have tried many times to start writing a book/story, but never had the goal or plan to complete it. I’m now getting more serious about writing and understanding the indescribable feeling that I feel of the words, stories, revelations and arguments inside me that’s trying to get out.
Good website, I appreciate the help.
i read your info and am sad to still ask, if i write my book with pencil and paper, can i then send to publisher or should it really be typed.