Tell the Truth About Publishing a Book
What advice would you give to a new writer filled with excitement about writing a book?
My daughter, who is in her 40s, is very brave. She recently shared the first few pages of her debut book, which is a memoir about a historical figure. Do you remember what it was like to share your writing with someone for the first time? It takes a lot of courage to do that, doesn't it?
I asked, “Is there anything you want me to specifically look for?” she simply answered with one question, “Is the book worth developing?”
I answered her honestly because it is a great story to share with readers. The first draft is always rough, but she created something she can work on. I think that’s what new writers forget. The words are not etched in stone. That’s why there are erasers on pencils. Perhaps a more appropriate, updated version of that old saying is that’s why there is a delete key on the keyboard.
She has followed me and my writing so she hesitated for many years to actually pen the book. She knows how writing the book is difficult, but she also knows how hard it is to publish and market it. I believe new writers have no idea that once the book is written, they have no idea that when they type THE END on the last page, it is really just the beginning of getting their story into readers’ hands.
The time is ripe for her to jump into the writing. Many coincidences have come up (God winks?) that seem to keep supporting the effort needed to pen a book and devote her time to share the story of the amazing Ojibwa nation woman, especially when my daughter feels her spirit directing her to more information about the subject and her family. The story keeps swirling in her mind. She must release it.
Moms always have to protect their babies. I don’t want her to get hurt along the way to publication and beyond. But she’s a big girl now. And since she has been an empty nester for over a year and her job was eliminated in April, she has the time to work on telling the story.
I want to be positive. The book could be a huge success! And success is not measured in dollars for her.
So, here I sit, reading her freshly written pages again. I will need to do a balancing act when she asks for suggestions. Not too much praise, not too much criticism.
I won’t be picky in this drafting stage to call out her use of too many commas or mention the scenes that need more description and emotion. I will be honest, but gentle.
Parenting does not stop when the child reaches 18. LOL. We have a great relationship, so I trust she can do the writing, and I will support her throughout, not overwhelm her with the “wisdom” I have picked up over the many years of writing.
I will update you as she makes her way on the rough road to publication.
Thanks for reading. Sharing my worries with you helps a lot! Please leave your thoughts below. Thank you!!
I wouldn’t be much of a marketer if I didn’t mention my cozy mysteries and memoir released by BWL Publishing are half-price during the Smashwords End of Year Sale through December 26 and my self-published non-fiction books are half off through January 1.
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Hey, J. Q. I'm belated cleaning up emails. I'm excited about your daughter's foray into writing. I know you'll share just enough of your wisdom and not too much. This is a learn by doing activity. Boy, I've had a hard time figuring out how to share from Substack. I'm sticking with Word Press. :)