Writing a book - advice needed......

Folks, has anyone here written a book? Doesn't have to be a bible but anything that has been 'published'.

I have a project that I need to start as it needs to be completed in time for D-Day 65.

Haven't got a clue of costs, time, effort or anything...any advice is welcomed.

Cheers

Jack.

Jack,

There is a book of publishers you can buy, I forget the name but my brother has it. You will need to send a few chapters to hundreds of them and hope someone likes it!

Chris

D-Day '65 - you planning on extended longevitry then Jack??? - only thats another 58 years away.......

Don't tell us your finally going to publish that erotic novel you've been working on...

Jack, maybe try here:

http://www.tankograd.com/cms/website.php?id=/en/index/kontakt/autoren.htm

I would seriously consider publishing it yourself if you can afford it and know how many you want to print. Without being rude, you may well know people who know people who could set and print it for you. Finding a publisher who won't sting you for all the profit and interfere with your vision will be difficult but not impossible - but I am jealous of losing my ideas or having them watered down. You will need the services of a decent editor - ie NOT me, but hey - it's all down to belief and having valued people to offer opinions and advice. The big cost is typesetting and printing. You can then do mail order, you know all about that already. Always be reserved about the numbers you expect to sell. I would imagine you are doing this for the sake of the subject and the achievement more than being a Dan Brown. Though, it can happen of course (Tom Hanks looks a bit like you - but can he do the accent?). Our friends have offered good advice. Use it and absorb all the info they recommend. But don't lose sight of your original concept and see it through. I'll give you a fair review on HMVF....for a fee.

Jack, military authors seem to find that a very significant factor for a publisher is whether it can be sold in sufficient numbers in the USA. I suspect your leanings would mean that it could be.

But people writing about British equipment are up against it. Although if you want to write about aeroplanes & railway engines I suspect there is less of a problem than British MVs.

Thank you very much folks for the wisdom it is appreciated.

Clive - it would have some relevance to the USA but not for reasons that you would expect.....

Mark - what I am doing wouldn't need to much 'editorial' imput......I think?!

I am no expert, but book editing is a whole different kettle of fish to mags and stuff. You need a degree in quantum physics and have a fondness for old typesetting measurments like emms. The money's ok but the Garibaldi biscuits get a bit much after a while.

I've had three published (Osprey, Ian Allen and Arms & Armour) but don't think I'm qualified to give advice as such... even if you had given the slightest clue as to the nature of the publication!

I can say that you have to convince the publisher that a) you've a good, saleable (in the US that is) idea and b) you can actually deliver!

Produce a summary of your idea complete with contents list, a sample chapter or two, a cv of past publications, and mail it to every publisher who deals in whatever kind of book it is your are after writing. Then wait for the rejections slips to drop through the letter box. That's no slur on your idea or ability... its what happens. Anyone who can't handle rejection should not apply.

If you get the commission be prepared for a 20 page contract headed up with a paltry sum (you thought what CMV paid was paltry.. you wait!) that you'll be paid in installments, followed by small print laying every possible responsibility, including the publisher's dog getting fleas, at your door.

It's a hell of a lot of hard work and, frankly, I've no desire to do it again any time soon. But never say never.

Publish yourself? They don't it call it vanity publishing for nothing. I've never done it, don't imagine I ever would, but I know people who have. Two words - mug's game. You'll never get it on Amazon, never get it in Waterstones or WH Smith etc.. in other words, never sell in enough quantity to get your outlay back, never mind make any sort of profit.

Just in case all the above sounds negative (and it certainly does!) I have to say that I'm very pleased I put the effort in to get published and there is still a sense of achievement there. I just don't have the drive to do it again... mind you I do just have this one idea for a real corker....

Many thanks for that reply John and yes, I am calling the Samaritans as we speak. Perhaps the best action for me is to post up my plan as I am sure it would then make more sense - not sure if that is wise though on a public forum?!

Jack.

I’ve written around 20 books on specialist motoring subjects for around ten publishers ranging from 'pile 'em high sell 'em cheap ones to more serious ones. Subjects include classic American bikes, Jeeps, classic American Pick-ups, British Bikes, tractors, Chopped Harleys and so on. The ones that may interest users of this forum may be Harley 45 - warhorse and workhorse (from 1994. Osprey) and the Jeep books. Did it almost full time for a while (along with magazine freelancing) but the cashflow was difficult so I got a full time magazine job again.

Much of what's said here about books is right but send me a PM with specific questions and I'll do my best.

JC