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This is a genuine question and is similar to one I have been asked many times:
Qu. I am half way (I guess) through writing my book, but I am at the stage where I need to re-order and plan for exactly how I want to structure it. Part of my problem is that most of my knowledge is in my head, having already read a lot on the issue
My question is, what sort of support do I need? Do I need an editor, or just to keep at it and then try and find a publisher? I find > the writing a breeze, pretty much, but the practical side is slowing me downe some.
Any advice, greatly appreciated!
Ans.If you find a publisher they will provide the editor, so paying someone to
edit your manuscript at this stage is possibly a waste of money. If you know
someone who will do it for a small fee it may be worthwhile as it could save
you some time and energy - as writers we often can't see the wood for the
trees and an outside brain will often put things into perspective.
But I would suggest that you might try pitching to a publisher now you have got this
far. This is not going to be easy...
You need to provide:
1) A synopsis of the book - about 1 page - no more they won't read it. Some
have a policy of only reading one paragraph!
2) An author biography - again no more than a page
3) Marketing plan - who is your target audience, where do you think it will
sell, who will it sell to. Do you have any media connections? Publishers love
these so if you know a magazine/newspaper editor, radio journalist or TV
presenter let them know.
4) The competition - what else is in the market that is competitive with
your work.
5) Why your book will sell!
Having got all that ready you should then send it to the publishers who
produce books in your genre. This may seem like a lot of work, however if
you want your book published it is essential.
The alternative is to consider self-publishing and marketing! The marketing is vital unless you want a shed full of books you don't know what to do with. Self-publishing is another subject - and it can be done cheaply and sensibly. More info on that to come...
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