Lessons Learned About Writing a Book… The Challenging Way

At home insemination

I often receive inquiries regarding the book writing journey, so I thought it would be valuable to share my experiences for anyone curious about the process. While I don’t claim to know everything about publishing, I have certainly gained insights over the years. For instance, I’ve been fortunate that my agent discovered me, so I can’t provide tips on how to find one—apologies for that! Nevertheless, I now possess a wealth of knowledge about the entire book creation process compared to a few years ago.

Releasing a book feels strikingly similar to having a child: it’s painful, exhausting, exhilarating, and ultimately a huge blur once it’s done. The moment you hold your finished book, all the hard work seems worthwhile. But getting there is no simple feat, and anyone who suggests otherwise is not being truthful.

The Book Proposal

For fiction writers, a completed manuscript is typically required to secure an agent or a book deal. This means you need to finish your entire book before you can sell it—which can be frustrating. However, if you’re crafting a non-fiction piece, a well-crafted proposal may suffice, especially if you have a blog that showcases your writing style.

If, like me, you haven’t prepared an outline since high school, writing a proposal can feel intimidating. However, it’s manageable if you keep a few points in mind:

1. What is your book about? And why are you writing it?
2. Who are you? This serves as your resume.
3. Who is your target audience? Utilize tools like Google and Facebook Analytics to determine your readers’ demographics.
4. Your online presence: List your blog, social media accounts, and other platforms.
5. Press/Publications: Have you been featured in any publications or received awards? Note everything.
6. Chapter Outline: Provide a detailed outline to ease future writing.
7. Sample Content: Write 4-5 chapters fully, although you can revise them later.
8. Visuals: If you’re visually inclined, include graphics in your proposal to make it stand out.
9. Hyperlinks: Make it easy for reviewers to click through to your blog and other resources.
10. Get feedback: Fresh eyes can catch typos and mistakes you might overlook.

Navigating the Publishing World

My first two books were published by a major publisher. Once I had a solid proposal, my agent pitched it to various houses, and the one that made an offer was Simon & Schuster. While a bidding war would have been ideal, receiving even one offer is what truly matters.

Do you need an agent? Absolutely. Unless you’re self-publishing, having someone knowledgeable in your corner is invaluable. The 15% commission is well worth it.

Self-publishing is on the rise, especially among bloggers with established audiences. You won’t have a publishing house backing you, nor will you receive an advance, but you keep all profits from sales. Both traditional publishing and self-publishing can lead to either success or failure. Here are some insights from my experience with a major publisher:

1. Build a rapport with your editor. They not only edit your manuscript but also manage the production process. It helps to have a good relationship with them.
2. Your publisher expects you to market your book. While they will assist, they assume your audience will be your primary buyers. Despite having a large following, translating that into sales can be unexpectedly challenging.
3. Stay authentic. Your publisher’s main goal is to sell, which might not align with your vision. When my publisher proposed a book trailer I didn’t like, I opted to create my own, even if it may not have generated as many sales.
4. Your book matters most to you. No one else will care as much as you do, so advocate for your work and take initiative to promote it.

Writing the Book

The process of writing a book differs greatly from blogging. Unlike the instant gratification and reader interaction found in blogging, writing a book can be a formidable challenge. Here are some strategies that helped me:

1. Capture inspiration when it strikes. I often had days with no ideas, then suddenly, I’d write multiple chapters in one go. Take advantage of those bursts of creativity, even if it means staying up late.
2. Seek inspiration actively. Explore other books to identify gaps you can fill or ideas you can improve upon. I often found inspiration in magazines and frequented bookstores to overcome writer’s block.
3. Review your blog content. While readers might not pay for a book when they can access your blog for free, you can expand on popular stories to add value.
4. Backup your work. I cannot stress enough the importance of saving your drafts; I lost three chapters once, and they were never quite recreated as well as the originals.

Marketing and Promoting Your Book

If you work with a traditional publisher, the marketing department will often assist you. However, if you’re self-publishing, the responsibility falls entirely on you. Here are some effective marketing strategies:

1. Create pre-order incentives. I offered signed bookplates for pre-orders, which were easy to manage. Larger incentives, like party packs, were not worth the effort compared to the return.
2. Offer free samples. Providing the first chapters for free can increase interest and drive sales.
3. Give away your book. Distributing copies to friends can lead to organic word-of-mouth promotion.
4. Participate in radio interviews. These are convenient and can yield good promotional results.
5. Engage your community. Involve your readers, friends, and coworkers in spreading the word about your book.
6. Throw a launch party. Celebrating your achievement helps generate buzz.
7. Avoid overwhelming your audience. Maintain a balance between promotion and not being overly pushy.

Television Appearances

I was fortunate to do local TV before moving onto national appearances during my book tour. Here are some tips I learned for effective TV interviews:

1. Dress appropriately. Choose flattering attire that isn’t distracting; bold colors work while busy patterns don’t.
2. Get comfortable. Wear something you can focus in rather than something tight or distracting.
3. Practice sitting. Ensure your outfit looks good while seated.
4. Wear heels. They can elevate your look without being a hindrance.
5. Let professionals handle hair and makeup. They do it better than you might.
6. Focus on the interviewer. It’s better to engage with them than look at the camera.
7. Avoid fidgeting. Keep your movements minimal to avoid distractions.
8. Stick to your key messages. Practice sharing your book and blog name often.
9. Sit up straight. Good posture is key on camera.
10. Smile. It helps convey warmth and engagement.

Personal Appearances

Unless you’re a celebrity, the effectiveness of book tours has diminished. I initially thought personal appearances were vital for connecting with readers, but I learned otherwise.

Summary

Writing and promoting a book is a complex adventure filled with challenges and rewards. From crafting a compelling proposal to navigating the publishing landscape, understanding marketing strategies, and preparing for media appearances, each step requires dedication and authenticity. Embrace your journey, advocate for your work, and remember that no one will care about your book as much as you do.