A few Book Writing, Publishing, & Coaching Questions from this past month.
As some of you may know, I’ve been sailing around Europe for the past month in my role as “Resident Historian” for Viking Ocean. It is actually even more fun than it might sound.
While I get to talk about all the fascinating histories and stories I love, I also get to talk books, writers, and book coaching. And, of course, while I’m on board, I’m keeping up with my current and future writing clients at the same time (ah, the magic of the internet and WhatsApp!).
I get asked lots of questions - by both groups - so I thought I’d share with you a few I’ve heard the most this past month, in case you’ve ever wondered about this yourself.
If you have more questions, drop them in the comments or email me and I’ll send you an answer from… you never know where ;-)
This week: Scotland!
What do I need to worry about first - or the most - when I start writing my book?
There are no shortcuts to writing a book.
A number of writers begin our conversations by asking for the quick fix or fastest way to the end. Unfortunately, no such thing exists.
There are certainly steps you can take to set you up for better success, but there isn’t a perfect first step. Your process is different from anyone else’s.
Because everyone comes to the page with different strengths, I use the book proposal as an outline to get into any writing or revising project. To complete a proposal, you have to know all the ins and outs of your story, from plot to marketing. Beginning at the end gives you guardrails and signposts to follow as you go. Some parts are harder or easier at the outset, but the reward is worth the effort.
If I had to narrow these parts to one, central, essential truth for your book, I would say it’s the Reader. Without a doubt, it is the one part of your book that almost every writer underestimates.
I know, I know, you want everyone to read your book. I want that for you, too! But did you know that if you write for a narrow readership - the most specific version you can think of - it is much more likely that more people will, in fact, read it?
It’s all about authenticity.
If you try to write for everyone, you’ll leave too much out. It will also tie you in knots trying to make everyone happy (literally!). If you try to write for one person, or one type of person, however, you’ll write in everything they need and leave out everything they don’t. Only this way can your story be fully developed, and other readers will recognize your commitment to that authentic story and enjoy it.
My favorite example is Harry Potter. Did JK Rowling set out to write a book for absolutely everyone? Of course not! She wrote a book specifically for middle-grade boys in the English school system. Her commitment to them was so complete and authentic, down to the most minute of details, that middle-school girls then also recognized something of their own experience of middle school bots in there and enjoyed it, too. Next were the kids in school systems totally different from the English model, who could identify that middle-grade experience, even if the setting was new to them. Eventually, parents saw something authentic in the depiction of these children’s experiences and enjoyed the books as well.
And that is how you write for everyone
Do you really think I should write this book?
I’m always surprised (and honored) by this question.
My answer is: Yes.
There is nothing stopping you from writing your book, so write it!
If you have a story you want to tell, tell it. Especially today, when there are so many excellent alternatives to the traditional publishing route, there is no reason to doubt your story or your authority to write it.
It’s not up to me to give you permission, but if that helps: Yes, go for it!
[I haven’t written my book yet, but…] Can you put me in touch with a publisher?
As I mentioned in the last question, there are lots of great options for publishing your nonfiction these days. Self- and hybrid-publishing models have become increasingly reliable and traditional routes are no longer the exclusive “ivory tower” of authority like they had been in the past. In fact, writers are increasingly wary of traditional trade publication routes (it’s been a week!)
Small and University Presses fill an important role, not only for academic scholarship but also for other genres, like creative nonfiction and memoir. Shoutout to my colleague and soon-to-be-published memoirist Suzette Mullen who found a home for her memoir, The Only Way Through is Out at UW Press - release date Feb. 2024!
The catch is that no publisher will be able to give you insight into publishing your book until you write it.
It’s the cold, hard truth… well, unless you are very, very famous.
It’s your first job as a writer to create the thing that the publisher will love.
Worry about the Netflix deal later. Worry about your pages now.
How did you become a book coach (aka how can I trust you)?
When I left academia in 2016, I had the chance to join Viking Ocean cruises as a historian. Over the years, I’ve had writers approach me on board with a book idea, or even a manuscript in the hope that I could offer some insight or direction (no joke - it happened again last week - and the last question she asked was “So you’re also a book coach. What is that?”).
When these writers asked for my input, I was flattered but confused. I didn’t have any credentials for this.
Then I discovered Jennie Nash’s book coaching certification program through the excellent academia support site, The Professor Is In. When a close friend reached out three years ago with a similar request for support, I realized I needed to commit.
Now, three years later, I’ve completed Nash’s programs, become an active member of EFA and ACES national editing societies, and put my academic skills to use helping writers like you get started and get finished.
Four of my writers have found publishers in this short period of time (yes, it is short), and I hope several more will be ready to share their books with you in no time!
I have the skills, the plans, the enthusiasm, the experience, and the credentials you can trust.
When you’re ready, let me know.
If you need help or more info about any of these answers, I’m here for you. That’s my job as your book coach.
What other questions can I answer for you? Let me know!
In the meantime, there are 2 other great ways to get more answers from me.
The Editor’s Half Hour Podcast
Next week, on June 1, tune in to The Editor’s Half Hour podcast where I’ll be host Nadia Geagea Pupa’s guest, and we’re talking all things book coaching!
This is a podcast for editors and writers, so check it out wherever you listen to podcasts!
Summer Camp for your Book!
Don’t forget to make this Summer your Hot Writer Summer!
Sign up now to commit to yourself, 5 weeks of deep, intensive work on your book. This is 1:1, full-service book coaching!
Whether you’ve started writing or are finally ready to start, these five weeks will give you clarity and confidence! And, of course, there’s cool Summer Camp swag, of course.
Sign up now and grab the 5 weeks that work for you.