When people learn that
I've written a book, their eyes widen in amazement. Quite a few of
them say, "I wish I could write a book too!"
A lot of people seem to
have a dream to one day write a book. Note that this is different
from dreaming to be a writer. They just want to write one book. So,
if it's just one book, what's holding them back? Ask that question
and the top two answers are: time and ability.
If you have a hankering to
write one book, time is not a problem. You can take as much time as
you want. Write a thousand or so words at a time, on weekends;
200-300 hundred words when you have time or when you feel like it;
just keep at it until you finish. If it takes you five years to
finish your book, that's fine. It's just one book. You're after the
satisfaction of seeing your work in print or on the screen. Take the
time to make it as perfect as you can make it. It's a one time thing
so do it right.
To someone who really
wants to write a book, ability would not be a problem either. Your
spelling skills probably doesn't qualify you for the spelling bee or
your writing style is something only your mother can understand but
these shouldn't be a hindrance. You have two options to solve this:
Hire someone to
proofread or edit your book
If someone is willing to do it
for free then, good for you. If not then just be ready with your
checkbook. There are lots of professionals out there so take the
time to look and ask. Some authors hire beta-readers or people who
give your book an initial read and comment about how it might be
improved. Be careful about using family and close friends for this.
Family members can be very supportive but tend to overlook your
imperfections. Worst is when all the comment you get is, "nice
book."
Collaborate with
someone
You could ask someone to write the book for you. You
could write and he would rewrite to improve. Eventually, when the
book goes out, you include his name in the book or, at the very
least, mention his valuable help in completing the book.
When
the book is completed, you have a choice of going the traditional,
print book, way or the eBook way. The decision is up to
you. Having a printed book gives most people a really huge sense of
achievement. Unfortunately, it is much more difficult to get a book
printed and distributed than just uploading it to an
internet-based eBook distributor. You might want to read my
earlier posts about publishing (Publish in Print or on the Net? Part
1, Part
2, Part
3, Part
4, Part
5).
Publishing
an eBook is a fast and simple way to get your book out and,
potentially, it'll reach more people than via the brick and mortar
bookstores. If your intention is to just get the book out there and
into people's hands with no thought of earning from it, you can give
your book away for free. I don't know of a brick and mortar bookstore
who would be willing to put your book on their shelves and tag it as
"free."
'Got
a book idea in your head? Let it out and share it. You won't regret
it! (",)
