It's problem page time again on DREAMCATCHER and reader Bella has a dilemma for CHERRY COSTELLO to solve...
Bella says:
Writing has always been my passion, my talent, my destiny. Teachers at parent's evening say so and tell me I am a born writer. I know that now is the time to start writing real books - but I don't know how. I know how to write the book, but the whole aspect of publishing seems so daunting. I don't know how many times I need to do another draft, or how long it should take me to write it, or who to approach to publish it. Who will illustrate the cover? Will it cost money? These are the things that go round and round in my head. Please help!
Cherry says:
Writing is my dream too, and I have done some research and read up on this, so although I am not published yet either, I hope I can help. First of all, get writing - plan and write your book, and polish and re-draft until you are sure it's a good as it possibly can be. For some, the writing part can be rapid - 'Na No Mi Ro' month has proved it's possible to write a book in a month - but for most authors it takes a lot longer, anything from several months to years! We are all different, so find your own pace and write 'from the heart' as it will show! Next, get a copy of 'The Writers And Artists Yearbook'. This is in all big libraries or available in bookshops to buy, and it lists all UK publishers and agents and tells you which will accept manuscripts and how to present and send your work - it's invaluable. The advice is to find an agent and let them approach the publishers, as many publishers will not deal with unsolicited manuscripts these days. Then it is a waiting game to see if an agent likes your work, and after that to see if a publisher does. If you get as far as a publishing deal, they will pay YOU money and will help with any editing and design, book cover, marketing etc. In short, they do all the tricky stuff for you. Remember that many authors try for years and years before hitting it lucky, so be patient and determined. Self-publishing is a route some take now, and this can be a good step, but it is a different thing and it DOES cost you money, and I am not up to speed on how this works. You could investigate though! Good luck Bella... I hope the dream comes true for both of us!
Cathy says:
Great advice from Cherry. It takes me three to six months to write a book, in general, and I agree that persistence and resilience is essential. Good luck! Have YOU ever dreamed of writing a book, or do YOU have good advice for Bella? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
Bella says:
Writing has always been my passion, my talent, my destiny. Teachers at parent's evening say so and tell me I am a born writer. I know that now is the time to start writing real books - but I don't know how. I know how to write the book, but the whole aspect of publishing seems so daunting. I don't know how many times I need to do another draft, or how long it should take me to write it, or who to approach to publish it. Who will illustrate the cover? Will it cost money? These are the things that go round and round in my head. Please help!
Writing is my dream too, and I have done some research and read up on this, so although I am not published yet either, I hope I can help. First of all, get writing - plan and write your book, and polish and re-draft until you are sure it's a good as it possibly can be. For some, the writing part can be rapid - 'Na No Mi Ro' month has proved it's possible to write a book in a month - but for most authors it takes a lot longer, anything from several months to years! We are all different, so find your own pace and write 'from the heart' as it will show! Next, get a copy of 'The Writers And Artists Yearbook'. This is in all big libraries or available in bookshops to buy, and it lists all UK publishers and agents and tells you which will accept manuscripts and how to present and send your work - it's invaluable. The advice is to find an agent and let them approach the publishers, as many publishers will not deal with unsolicited manuscripts these days. Then it is a waiting game to see if an agent likes your work, and after that to see if a publisher does. If you get as far as a publishing deal, they will pay YOU money and will help with any editing and design, book cover, marketing etc. In short, they do all the tricky stuff for you. Remember that many authors try for years and years before hitting it lucky, so be patient and determined. Self-publishing is a route some take now, and this can be a good step, but it is a different thing and it DOES cost you money, and I am not up to speed on how this works. You could investigate though! Good luck Bella... I hope the dream comes true for both of us!
Cathy says:
Great advice from Cherry. It takes me three to six months to write a book, in general, and I agree that persistence and resilience is essential. Good luck! Have YOU ever dreamed of writing a book, or do YOU have good advice for Bella? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
The first thing I would suggest is putting together your own first manuscript. Write your novel and then edit it until you can't edit anymore. Then you can do two things, you can send the manuscript to publishers/agents or you can post the manuscript on an online writing forum (Wattpad/Movella) or even submit it into writing competitions (Inkitt/Movella Comps). Any of these methods will help you become recognised. Having an online audience is always a good idea too as some publishers are interested in authors with a fanbase (I learnt that from a creative writing handbook). Thee most important thing to do over all of this is never give up. If this is your dream, chase it. Don't let anything or anyone stop you. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I wrote this post under a different name and I appreciate so much your advice!!!
DeleteThanks Cathy for publishing it
Dear Cathy,
DeleteI emailed you about something important to do with the blog. Have you seen it yet? ❓