Writing a book - Anyone done this?

[Fivez]

Hi there

I am looking to have a go at writing a book this year. The book is going to be about how to influence people inside the business environment as well as outside. I would hope the book could be used by anyone whether it is students, managers, business leaders; teachers.......the list could go on.

However if i am totally honest i would not have a clue which publisher to choose. There are so many out there and some charge you cash before you even begin. It is my dream this book could be sold worldwide (ok maybe i am being too optimistic) so it has to be a respectable publisher.

Has anyone here written a book? Was it a success? Can you give me any sound advice?

Thanks in advance

Stuart

[mumper]

Try this for advice.

http://www.hotigloo.co.uk/

Amber is a forum member and should be able to offer some very good advice.

[Amber]

Well, I've ghostwritten and copyedited books for other people, and am currently working on one of my own...

As far as publishers go, if you want to go down the traditional publishing route, it's not so much a matter of you choosing a publisher as them choosing you.

Most authors get themselves a literary agent first (being accepted by one of these is almost as difficult as being accepted by a publisher, though!) as many of the big publishing houses don't accept unsolicited manuscripts and will only look at ones recommended by agents.

The Writers and Artists Yearbook has details of all book publishers in the UK, with their submission guidelines etc. Definitely worth a look.

You can also choose to self-publish, either through a vanity publisher (where you pay to have the book printed) or through a service like www.lulu.com, which is print on demand, i.e. they print each copy when it is purchased, thus keeping costs lower.

Self-publishing means that you get to keep a larger percentage of the profits, however the downside of this is that you will also have to market the book yourself, without the power of a big publisher behind you. Some bookshops are reluctant to buy self-published books, although you can also sell online, obviously.

At the end of the day it's up to you how you go about publishing your book, and a lot will depend on how good it is, obviously! If I can help at all, just give me a shout!

Amber

[Amber]

Try this for advice.

http://www.hotigloo.co.uk/

Amber is a forum member and should be able to offer some very good advice.

Thanks, John! I didn't see this before I posted :)

[Fivez]

Dear All,

Thank you ever so much!

I honestly can not believe i have met so many helpful people.

I will keep you updated.

Stuart

[RedArc]

Hi Stuart,

I'm a writer, published author and writing tutor.

You've already received some good advice here from Amber so rather than repeat, I will add the following: Do some research. Look at books in your subject area and contact the publishers of these for the author guidelines. Once you have finished your book, you will need to submit an outline and sample chapters although it is very important to follow the submission guidelines.

There is still a demand for well-written non-fiction books but it's getting increasingly difficult to get commissioned by mainstream publishers at the moment. The current trend seems to be for books that have a celebrity tie-in. However, the smaller publishers are always looking for new material. Play on the experience that you have to write this book when you send your proposal.

Self-publishing (not vanity publishing which is completely different and not recommended) can be lucrative but you need to be strong on the marketing side of things. Lulu.com would be a good starting point. Also, take a look at Writing magazine which is full of great advice and my site www.writethismoment.com

Wishing you much success with your project!

Carol

[RedArc]

BTW - I can also highly recommend The Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published by Rachael Stock (White Ladder Press) ... see http://www.whiteladderpress.com/pages/cart/product.asp?ProductID=78

Carol

[Jeff-Smith]

Hi Stuart, I only joined this forum last night, (April 24) and I see this thread was started in January, but nevertheless, you might pick this up.

I've written 3 books and currently writing Numbers 4 and 5 simultaneously. The easy bit is writing, the hard bit is selling :) I've also help quite a few prople to write their books and get them published.

I have questioned all routes like being published and self-publishing and I decided to go the self-publishing route.

You can see my books at www.kpi-book.com (http://www.kpi-book.com) and you can see how they are marketed.

I specialise in the Motor Industry so it's a niche market, nevertheless my books are directly responsible for revenues in excess of £2,000,000. Thank goodness I didn't go to a publishing house :)

If this thread is still live and you want to know more, I'll gladly help you on your way.

Best regards,

Jeff Smith

[Team BB]

Sounds like a great idea Fivez, I wish you all the best, looks like you posted on the right site, having read some of the comments)))
Good Luck

[Jeff-Smith]

Fivz, I made a short film that you can see to give you some idea. (it's not very good as it's my first attempt, but I will be re-doing it at some point).

Free Movie of The KPI Book by Jeff Smith (http://www.askinsight.com/Free-KPI-Movie.html)


You really need to get you head around how you are going to sell your books BEFORE you begin the process of writing as that will dictate many aspects of your book.