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]
Cool site. Its encouraged me to get started. At least when writting dialog I wont have to worry so much about grammer and such, i’m goin to write it like people say it.Unfortunatly[for me] I dont live in a castle on a hill so i’ll write what I know about from where I see it[sort of].
Hello, Mr. Scott Berkun. I Have just found you and think I am in love with your Enthusiasm and Intelligence. I have always wanted to write and actually had a book published in my local library when I was in 3rd grade, LOL, Seriously. The Tips and information you give are invaluable. I wish i could poke around in your brain for a day. I write Every chance I get, but it is mostly notes as I am a Criminal Justice Major. I have about 4 books I started, but never went back to and would love to listen and read more of your material to possibly get the kahunas to continue. I have taken the notes i can on the websites available and my next step is to watch information you have on your site, but would love to hear back even if there is a little vulgarity in your voice because maybe that is what I need.I truly believe that I crossed your path for a reason and any help that you can provide would be amazing. I am obsessed with grammar, spelling and just simply common sense and I think with a little help or even an Incredibly busy mentor to Email or call with feed back could make me an even more amazing writer or a writer to start. I am not in it for the fortune, fame or money, but simply to allow others for a moment to be in another world. Thank you so much for being you. You are Truly gifted and Blessed to have the skills you have. I know you are busy and I am babbling, but I have never been in the situation to actually speak to a man with such Great Integrity and Intelligence. I truly Appreciate you and all that you do. I would appreciate any tips or feedback you can give and hey if you are ever in New York it would be simply Amazing to share over a cup of coffee my work and your wisdom. your new biggest and most Appreciative fan, Kera Elizabeth.
Dear Kera Elizabeth,
Your comment is amazing! Are you really a Criminal Justice Major? I’ve been considering this for college. I’m a Junior in High School and would love for someone like you to maybe mentor me.Can you maybe help me decide if that is right for me? You can email me @codyholmes95@yahoo.com I think it’s awesome that you write! I’m currently really interested in writing, as well. Thanks for your time! Please Email me. :D
@ Unpublished but better than you
you obviously can’t read. If you go back up and read that line it says “If Voltaire and Marquis de Sade could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia.” I’m sorry but you need to go back to third grade and learn how to read.It obviously says then. not than.
Hum, I’m a programmer and I “ain’t” never seen an
If (expression)
Than (stuff)
Else (other stuff) Construct.
I would rather be a silly programmer, than a cocky spout. Unfortunately, if I remain a programmer, then I will never find time to write my book; unless I try both at the same time.
I am a web developer, I program in PHP and develop interfaces using JavaScript. You could say I develop web applications more so than actual web sites.
I developed my own CMS from scratch which I use to help me write my book, using both the learning part of programing the CMS (in PHP/AJAX/JAVSCRIPT, etc), and then filling it up with contents of my book to help me organize the pages and notes.
I found that reading everything I post as a web page helps me to concentrate on it more. Like reading an article or a long forum posting. I find it a bit ironic for myself that I can’t seem to get started on reading an actual book, but I can read a lot of text if it’s put in a specific format such as a web page. Heh.
I ended up on this site looking for writing advice as I begin to put all my notes together to begin writing the actual book.
I’d say if you can program, use it to help build a utility to help you build your book. I know for myself it’s working out great!
Duuuuhhhh I dont think you’re a programmer, its
“If”
“Then”
“Else”
dumb dumb, then not than
@jojo,
I think you need to read @GClark’s comment again. You may have missed something.
Loved your introduction! Congrats!
My question is: I have a post-secondary diploma from a 2-year Tourism program and am currently in a corporate job. I do have great ideas for books and I thought I might try to write one. Do you honestly think I can pull that off with no formal education / experience? thanks,
Wow, for someone who is trying to be helpful, you have a nasty attitude. If you want to give encouragement give it, but leave the unnecessary comments off…” As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up”. Of course, they can “look it up” but if they are coming to YOU, take that as a compliments Apparently they would prefer to hear what YOU have to say first over some randomly posted information on the net. You may have some good tips, but your delivery is not good, too arrogant and dismissive.
your mean!
you wouldhave to have a sense of humor to understand why he said it like that . . scrooge .
Hi have you ever wrote a book about you like your life storey? i am trying to because i think people will want to read it but im stuck im afraid it wont get published or im losing peoples attention as it goes on do i just carry on and hope for the best? or stop and write a fiction book im doubting my mad skills :)
Wow. Scott you are well versed. I wont even begin to act like a sophisticated writer because I am not. But damn. Your website is badass I must say. It speaks the truth. People are way to lazy. Whatever, this isn’t about debate or discussion. This is about writting. And you did a damn well good job in simply stating it. Laying out the obvious. And you, Scott Berkun just inspired the hell out of me. I would love to talk in more detail about your books and thoughts of life. Isn’t that the foundations of writing? I am a 21 year old female that went to school, joined a sorority, became a massage therapist, then moved to a new state trying to find excitement. I have always wanted an exciting story to tell. And for what? People around us, life around us creates the fiction or non-fiction in our minds that we want to tell. The stories just waiting to be told. Like you said, all it takes is the WORK, I can search all I want for some secret into becoming a best seller, to finding that story worth telling, but it all starts with me and realizing my potential of what I have to tell. Thank you so much for your insight! Very much appreciated. I feel very ready to write. And to research. And to go with that passion of writing! Because that’s what it is all about? All great compositions start with that, a person willing to write-it-down. ;)
Sincerely,
Emilee
You just inspired me Emilee. So people have it and some don’t. You, have it.
Hey emilee I’m sarah and I have to say if you want to write a bestseller write a biography! your life is about the most inspiring thing scince EVER! you’ve inspired me to follow my dream as a writer, and hey- I’m 10 years old! Just so you know, even though I don’t know you, I’m supportive! if I can do it you can, so follow your dreams and kick some badass publishers socks off! Hell ya!
Emilee care to help me write a book?
EverLovinE@aol.com
PS I have had several people tell that I need to write a book and I am not good at writing.
Hi there,
I just read your article on “How to write a book” and it seems interesting. I am a total novice insofar as book writing is concern. However I intend write a “one of its kind book”.
Secondly, I live in a region where the reading culture is less than poor. This does not only demotivate me but also make me feel my trial will be a mere waste of time.
Could you please throw a clue on how I should take a step?
Thanks
I honestly think that this was very useful information and as it is it felt as though you were stating pure fact and setting your opinion aside(for the most part) therefore having I (the reader) decide how to take it. I’ve read plenty of articles on how to write a book and the writer almost always makes the article pessimistic or bland depending on their personal point of view. I’ve wanted to write my life story since I was very young (about 12) but I have never been able to until now, I needed some sort of motivation such as knowing how to start, people that began meeting me felt interested in what I had been through and what I had to say and over time I’ve been told that if I did put my life into a book they would definetly read it (not to mention that it’s always been my desire to write a book)… So overall, Thank You. :)
I enjoy writing and I am sure you hear this all the time but where do I start? I have so many ideas just don’t know how to put them in order. Any advise you could spare would be awesome. Thanks for your time
I would just like to know how to write chapters. Is there a formula for this or any advice someone would be willing to give please? And thank you
I love your advice. It is nice to get some blunt truth sometimes. I will definitely take this advice and put it to good use. I thank you very much for this useful incite.
Good stuff, Scott. In the future when people ask me how to write a book, I think I’ll just send them here. You say it all so well and with such humor.
Hi,
Want to write and decided to look for some guidance on the net. Yours was the first page that popped up. I liked it. I also liked the fact that you replied the anonymous comment about the typo… It was then I realised you were a guy. How strange that I assumed a female had written this. I don’t usually make that mistake.
Anyway. Thank you. I’m going to attempt writing, although I don’t know where to begin. I’ll just write and see if anything worthwhile appears on the page.
I was wondering as a author yourself (me being one of the wannabe’s) how do you control your ideas for story lines as you are currently writing something else? My problem is that I have a great story line and begin it then the further I go I come up with more different story lines and think I need to jot those down and start yet another. I have to date 6 story lines that are started but nothing ever gets finished because my mind starts going crazy as I am writing. How do you control the ideas without lossing them but finishing the one your on?
I have been seriously considering writing a book over the past few months and reading this article put the icing on the cake for me. Thanks for the honesty and all of the resources!
Scott, it seems you have detractors and supporters with a mix of some cinical nit pickers having a dig due to grammatical errors… I find the last bit quite amusing as being a writer and grammatically accurate bear no relevance to success as a writer… It is about the story itself and having the intestinal fortitude to allow one self to fail, yes fail… Perhaps fail in the eyes of a publisher or peers you’ve been telling about your book, but in my mind failure is NOT putting your thoughts on paper, failure is NOT pursuing your dream…
Through the words you’ve posted I have again found the mental strength to pursue my dream, it is simple… My dream is to finish MY story, whether it gets published or not is neither here nor there, my success is about me and simply writing it is success enough… And if it does get published then my reward will be recognition of a great mind..
Thank you Scott, your vision is much apprecaited…
Hi! Thanks so much! I’ve been writing a book lately and I’m having motivations problems to finish it. I really want to finish it, but I”m having problems sticking with it. Any ideas anyone to keep up the motivation? I have a bunch of people saying they want to buy the book when it comes out.
Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this noble and useful material, i have read just a few tips/advice for aspiring writers but i think this is easily the most informative. It has this controversial and less than optimistic appeal, yet very rewarding.
I am on the verge of dabbling into writing and the most consistent counsel i have had is {start writing} so its high time i put my self together and start penning.
Thanks
I would like to write a book, my only experience in writing is gospel songs, christian poems and thought and christian articles for my church magazine. Writing a book seems to me more complicated because I do want to write it with the purpose to publish it…sell it. How can I start something like this?
I have a question. I love to write, a lot. I make plot lines for a story every other day. Well I usually just have an erge to write, and after about three pages I give it a plot line. I have a problem though, I can’t finish anything. I can explain to you every key moment in the story from start to end, but I can’t write it. I can only ever write bits and pieces of the story. I can’t write the in-between parts. How do I finish one of my books?
I am interested in writing a historical fiction around the Naval Militia. The Naval Militia was an important defense program in the early 20th century – today it exists in 6 states in some form. I am advocating for the reconstitution in Rhode Island. I have written articles on the subject but need more attention to overcome the political hurdles. So thinking about a story similiar to the Bernard Cornwall’s Sharpe series. What is your opinion?
I wrote a book when I was 13 years old. Now I’m 17 and it’s going to be published. I do think anyone can write a book, just use your imagination.
Thanks Scott for haveing a site like this very informative has given me a view of something thats been bugging me for a few years now been trying to ignore it,it’s a bit like the insulation you put in the outer walls of a house(we call it pink batts) and you get a piece of it under your skin and it irratate’s you,you try to look for it and carn’t find it because it’s so fine,but it’s still there makeing your itchy,irratable and restless.I’ll read through your site and try to get handle on why this issue is creating these emotions thanks again,you have a good day and I’ll cu after Bruce
Hello. For many years I have always been told that I have a true story that would make a good for lifetime movie. I have been writing down my story for years, but have no clue as how to make it professional or right in book form. Are true life stories in book form harder to get published than fictional? I always wondered if I could tell my story and have someone else write it and share in the book together. Not b/c I don’t want to do the work, but because I wouldn’t know how. :)
I have been told I should write a book by so many. I have started but have not written each day. I write when I have time or feel the courage. You see I would like to write a true story. About my life, the thing that started me wanting to do this is my son was killed in Iraq in 2008. I had to fight the government for over two years to allow his wife from Okinawa Japan and his baby, who he never met to live in the U.S. My story is all over the internet. My question is do you think I should do it. It pains me to write but I know my story should be told. I believe this will be another way to honor my son. I’m not sure how to put my words in a book correctly. Any tips you can give me would be wonderful. Thank you for any help you can give me. Robin Ferschke
I am only 11, but I really think I want to be a writer when I’m older. All my teachers say I’ve got natural potential, the kind you can’t teach. And I’ve started writing a couple of books. Proper books, not like 20 pages or whatever, real books that I hope will someday get published and be seen on the bookshelves in Waterstones and other bookstores. It’s just, I know it’s good to have loads of ideas teaming in your head, and inspiration coming at you from all directions. But I think I’m getting TOO many ideas, and I can’t quite choose which one to start turning into a book. In my position what would you do?
What if the book is based on a “True Story” can you leave out the specifics until you meet a publisher that feels you have something that will fly?
well im young and want to write a book about my life going through my acl tear and the recontrutive surgury and even after it happened. i even have a name picked out. im nevous though. is there a key to hooking the readers into being interested?
I’m 13 (young for such a topic), but my passion for writing has kept me going since I was even younger. Considering that I’m young, it may be obvious that I’d write a fiction book. At the moment I don’t relize how many mistakes I may have. I only notice that when people (my firends)read my book, they can’t get enough. When I read about all the other writers either encouraging or discouraging, i can’t help but refect on their decisions for writing. I sometimes hope that things I say will get me noticed or if anyone would take the time to read this, but one question on my mind is bugging me. Whether I like the answer or not..I must know. Is it possible that I can become an official writer at my age? I don’t have an exact reason to ask becuase even if you said no, some part of me would want to either prove you wrong or wait until I’m old enough to show you how good I am. :)I mean well!
Sorry..made a few typos. At least i won’t be a jerk about a mistake. We’re only human ;)
I loved your no nonsense approach to explaining to facts about writing. I just wanted an opinion, of somebody, anybody. I am half way through writing a book about, to put it simply, my moody rants, and i just wanted to know if anybody thought this was a good idea, or am i simply waisting my time. I’m not looking to get ritch, just to get published.
DEAR SCOTT
It was lovely to read your site on Writing.
I have to date written a number of poems, namely related to my family, I enjoyed creative writing when at school, more than forty years ago. I live in a once predominately Indian Suburb called Reservoir Hills in Durban that has a rich culture in poltics, social life, etc and poses many challenges.
I would like to write a book on my suburb, is it worth the time and effort iro some research.
Your advise please.
With Best wishes
Hey Scott
I’m a young South African guy, who writes simply to leave the daily burn of my simple and over emotional life. Its therapeutic for me to escape into a fictional world and write about a world where humor and enjoyment is a daily serving.
I enjoy my stories, and South Africans have a very special kind of humor. But in light of the birthplace of my stories,
Should I leave my therapeutic little habit out of lights eyes?
What I’m really asking is, Does it matter where it all comes from…?
Regards
I completely agree with you! I’ve been writing since I was in 4th grade, it was my therapy to cope with my parents divorce. Seven years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a painful illness that often makes it not only difficult to sit for an extended period of time but, difficult to think. My cognition is half of what it once was and I find myself taking longer to get my point across. Sometimes forgetting my place in mid sentence or remembering another term for a certain word or just simple grammar. When I tell someone that I’m writing a book they ask the chapter I’m on and I feel awful because, I started writing this sequel book about 4 years ago. Writing fantasy chapter books like Harry Potter seems REALLY hard to do and I wonder how long does it take for a person like me how is a perfectionist write 3 separate chapter books then merging those concepts into a final? If you could answer that one question or anyone it would be appreciated.
Again, it comes down to the work. When you come to the text you come as a guest and the text is dispersed and deferred having multiple meanings and meaning something different everytime you read it so you might finish in a short amount of time or spend years trying to finish, it will end when you have exhausted all possible outcomes pragmatically.
I started writing a book a while ago and had great ideas for it but after writing a couple of paragraphs i put it to one side and forgot about it, after reading this i have started to carry on with the book! thanks!
Great article, maybe some day i’ll write a book
Hi Mr. Scott Burken, Thanks for putting this information out there for all to see who is interested or searching for information about book writing. I read several of the comments and I think those who commented negatively, well, will have a difficult time in many things in life with a closed mind and too quick to judge attitude. I found your information helpful. I like the sense of humor you add, as direct as it may be, and I find your choice of words to reflect your personality, even though we’ve not met. In my opinion, your verbage says you don’t have to be a Harvard Grad, nor do you have to feel like you are being born out of the pits of stupidity. So again, thanks. I will now move on with my quest to write, it may be the only book I ever write, but I am ready to write it.
Mr. Berkun,
People have been telling me for years to write a book. It has really been a dream of mine. I must get it from my father. He would sit up for hours and write things down about his life. Growing up in Philadelphia, getting wounded in WWII, falling in love, getting married and raising 6 children. I always told him I would finish that book. Recently, my thoughts on the book have changed. My friends lost thier 6 year old son in a tragic car accident in thier driveway. Since his death, our community has come together amazingly. There has been a foundation set up as well as a scholorship fund in his name. I would love to write a book about his short life and the inpact he and his family have had in our little community. I even have a title. I have no idea where to start. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for your time.
Paul Nolan
I like your writing voice and the way you approach the reality of writing books. After spending a few years in college, I believe I have a original idea for a fictional book and what is sure to be a misconception that I can write. Your Blog confirms that I can not get someone to pay my bills while I lock my self in my room for a year to write a book. I guess I will have to fit it in between Linear Circuits and Espanol. Thank you for your words.
Hello everyone,
I am sixteen years old and I am going through some rough times. I have been keeping a journal and I thought maybe I could turn my story into a book. I did not have any idea in regards to getting started here are some details, I hope you guys can give me some feedback.
Main character: Abigail Cerda
– Femle
-Sixteen years old
– Dominican
-Living in her grandparent’s basement along with her whole family.
-mom is a housekeeper (part-time)
– dad works in a produce factory
– she made a fake Facebook account as well as a fake myspace in order to act like the person who she really is inside.
-she lies to absolutely everyone around her
– she is Hispanic but likes to pretend that she is Caucasian
– Her self-esteem issues have pretty much take over her life
The solution:
She keeps a journal and records all of the things that she is experiencing. The more she writes the more she realizes that she has conflicts that she has to resolve. She starts taking part in her community and she begins to understand herself as well as those around her.
What do you guys think ? Any advice ? Please tell me hat you think. I also have a lot of details that I didn’t include for several different reasons. If ther is anyone that would be willing to help me out with this massive project that I have ahead.
Thank you for your input for those who are looking for advice. Really you point out the obvious, if you want to write and be published you will find a way advice or without advice.
Just another testimony:
I’ve been playing with the idea of writing a book (thriller actually) for years, because I like the idea of playing with words on paper about the things I experience in my work and private life while travling with people, as well as all other of life’s facettes. Some of the intrigues and coincidences of funny and sad occasions in life seem to be missing someone to document it in its glorious state – that being said, youtube is rarely adequate :)
Reading this ‘how-to’ really put me off stalling by filling my time with other hobbies and pushed me towards writing. I’m on a good 30 pages now and not sure if other people will like reading it as much as I enjoy writing it, but at least it’s a start of something I enjoy doing more than I anticipated! So *BIG* thanks to Scott for putting this ‘how-to’ out there :)
Loved this! Straight forward and not patting on egos. Thumbs up and it made me sit down and start on what’s been in my head for ages.
Dude!
In several paragraphs you’ve taken away every reason I’ve ever had to not write something! Just how am to go about feeling bad about not putting words on paper (hard drive in my case)if you’ve taken away all the reasons not to write them? Jeeze, thanks buddy…
Ps. Awesome stuff you have here, thanks for putting the time into it for us.
As a publisher we are always looking for non fiction books to publish. Either into physical books or to ebook. Feel free to email me gavin.elliott@dbpublishing.co.uk
dear sir/madam
i have a very good true story about 4 people who has made thier way to europe by fleeing from the old afghan regime. the story is based on four people i am included when they started their journey from afghanistan by land trucks foot mountains boats and alot of hungry days to reach safety in europ. two to them at the time were 14 years old.
i want to write a book on this story. it took us three and half months to come to safety.
can you please give me some advice where to start.
i would be thankful to you
hey,
I am a 11 year kid who lives in India in Mumbai I want to know all about a book from how to write a book to how to publish. I know i’m too small but it’s my passion. Can you please advice me?
I have talked for years about writing a book and now have the time on my hands to do so. I have just started one. I research about the aspects in between writing. And yes it is most definitely WORK! Just wanted to say thank you for the plain truth. Regardless of the outcome, I have read books all my life and written plenty of poetry and will continue to do so.
I read what you put and like yourself i enjoy reading. The book im trying to write is about me. I was in the RAF and went to Iraq but came back scared from things i had witnessed and friends lost. I guess this book is tp try and help me come to terms with my past and to try to move on. I want to be honest and give a good account but also dont want to offend. I came back to England with Post traumatic stress disorder but no one around me realised till it was too late. Once i have finished which I am only two chapters in but getting there, is there any rules i have to follow so im not breaking the law.
Guess i want the MOD to open there eyes and realise that people out there need help after being in combat. Do you think you could help? Any publishers that specialise in military publishing?
Thanks for your time,
Mark
Dear Mr. Scott Berkun,
I’m a kid and I’m trying to write a book. I am thinking it should be about a dog who is the leader of a group of dogs in a city [haven’t decided yet]. I am asking if my idea is any good, I might email you my first chapter when I’m done for review. Peace and see you later’
Matthew aspiring author.
pessimist
I do not currently have a web site however I hope to in the near future.
My book would be about life inside 28 years with the IRS. The political crap that goes on daily by management an my 3 year as Vice President of a local union chapter.
I was thinking Inside the IRS the first 14 years. Inside the IRS the last 14 years
Although all events are true the way I remember them I would love to name names but have heard that is very dangerous especially in this type book.
Do you think this book has a chance of getting published and what direction should I move in to test the waters for interest.
Thanks for any assistantce you can provide.
i have thoughts about writing a book that has been written before
but i want to put my own twist on it
it is based on a legend in fables but has actual occurances in facts
what do i need to do as far as rights to write about this
it will be fiction based on some facts that happened in a town back in the 1300’s
do i need permission from anyone’s book from before?
thank-you
sincerely craig
the best thing about writing a book is that there is no competion, no deadlines. but you have to know whether you are hardwired for writing a book. i feel that the above mentioned things are written for motivation but is far from truth. the genre is the most important thing here. if you write something you have been through or something based on what you have some knowledge about writing could be easier. atleast you know what to write about. but, what about a book on fiction. writing, as mentioned rightly by scott might just require a pencil and paper but it’s like you have to create your world and connect the dots. don’t forget, you also have to work somewhere to earn your living. even if you have thought of the characters you have to live them, rather get lost in them. it is definitely not as easy as mentioned by scott, nor is it about mastering English of grammar. if everyone were able to create their own world imagine what the world would have been. i feel that its much more harder than being a doctor or doing research in science. its like you decide that you want to write a song, can you? you might have listened to a thousand songs but still can you manage to write one? i have read books by mario puzo, jeffery archer, agastha christie, kiran desai. the depth of their thinking is astounding and impossible for a common man to be somewhere near them.
Last bit about the depth of and author’s writing is understandable and, from my experiences and state of mind, true. But the rest is muddled and unworthy of being written about. Get your head straight and get a life.
Last bit about the depth of and author’s writing is understandable and, from my experiences and state of mind, true. But the rest is muddled and unworthy of being written about. Get your head straight and get a life.
What an irony. Im not using a pen or pencil or a typwriter or paper. But Im sure writing! Is what Im now commenting to you an already published piece of writing? And whose work does it become? Is it worth the “hard work”?! Cheers n thanks for your gr8 tips. Surely helps.
Great advice. I’m twenty years old and bouta turn 21in December. I have lots of crazy exciting. Ideas for books all the time, its just. I get so confused on being someone great I lose track on the important things .I have the ideas but my motivation isn’t t all there. Can yu give me any advice
Mr. Berkun: I have decided that I really do need to write a book about my CAREGIVING EXPERIENCES that I have had in the last 7 yrs.I was a CAREGIVER to both of my parents til they passed on.My Mother more recent on Nov 19,2010 she died in my arms. But that is not what I really needed to share.It’s other things on how this country is not prepared for what is coming ahead for our elderly as well as ourselves.How we were abused as a family.People find it to be unbelievable what My Family& I have endured at the hands of the medical professionals in this country.It would wake up alot of folks thats for sure.I know that I have enough to tell to write a book on it. Alot of people have said that to me.I need to. I want to. I have got to get it out the pain that I have suffered as a CAREGIVER/DAUGHTER .Could you please assist meon this matter?? If you could I would be most grateful & THANK YOU in advance! I will be anxiously awaitng your reply.K.B.
I am trying to learn how to begin a book.Iknow what i want to write about.I just dont know where to begin.Iwant to write about a drug addicts life(my life)from when i began at the age of 9 how i was molested at 9 all the way to now at 44.in this story i want to tell all the up and downs from when i tried to commit suicide one of five trys to when I sold dope living awild life to how quick I lost it all severl times.Starting a family in this time of hell to when Iliked to of losing them to the system.Now where at hitting bottom Inow have lost several freinds to overdoses to prison.Being shot at running from the law,being caught alot for posseson to sales going to prison the life I had in there.To accidents where I lost dear friends.I have a true story that covers all corners of my life and every thing is true.But i want people to see where this life leads, the people I have hurt to the pain I suffered especially when Ilost my mom recently to my now 4 and ahalf years sober from drugs to my 8 yrs clean from alchol.I just need to know how to get it all down in order not leave things out,also not implcate myself or others save embarresing times from others. Can you help me!
hello Scott Berkun my name is Kanysha Davenport and i am 15 years old. i really like writing books and i really think my book can be on the bestseller but really im not in for the money i really want to show people a different world i been dreaming of for years i want people to see what i see and feel. i want to get my writing there and show people that im not to young to write a book. i read alot of books where authors is not that much older than me. you dont understand how much it will mean to me to feel wrothy for what im doing. i love how you just been you and told it like it is. i really inspire that so please Mr Scott write back to me on my email and talk to me i think i need the help
I have a passion for writing. Am 52. I am lacking the skill to put experience to pen. How do I find a story? I find my interests lie in the story of non-fiction. Because I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 36 years, I might have a story. I want this to be a personal and interesting story which does not preach or gives advice. There is plenty of preaching going around, and for people in my category, we do not need “how to’s”.
I know one needs personal experience or a great deal of research to write a story. Where do I begin? Should I go back to school? I am 52 and have a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Thanks for your input,
Kareni
Interesting article. Blended with the facts of personal experience and subtle angst is a real message about the “work” of writing. It appears that few can bridge the gap between playing with words and carving out a meaningful book worth reading. I too have enjoyed crafting words in strings to color the pages and turn the mundane into something worth reading but despite this enjoyment I have yet to do what my heart desires — craft the individual pages into a book.
I have read many leadership books in the course of my career and I have been inspired to take that interest in leadership and spin it with my own insights. The challenge is saying somthing new, providing meaning where others have yet to trod and create something of commercial value. Thus, this challenge is what holds me back and allows me to rationalize not joining the pursuit. Any advice?
Thanks for the article and look forward to any other guidance you may offer on this subject.
Hi Scott,
I am not,nor do I desire to be,a writer. I do ,however,feel that I have a very intereting story to tell. I was hoping you could tell me how to go about finding an author to write my story. Any pointers you could give me would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Kelly.