Rants, Rita, and Realities – A Grace Full Life
The topic of today’s podcast is the book writing process and how it’s going. If you’ve ever wanted to or have written a book, the easiest part of the process is writing the book.
Insert maniacal laughter.
I discuss in the podcast that I am submitting query letters to literary agents who I believe would be a good fit for my book until January. If I don’t hear back from anyone by March, I’ll start the self-publishing process.
I go on to explain what a literary agent is, what a query letter looks like, why I want my book published, and the agent I fell in love with who is living my ideal life.
I also go over the process of self-publishing, so if you’re a writer who has ever considered writing or self-publishing a book, I have some resources to share with you or pass on to someone you know who might be interested. If anything, I hope to help other writers who lack connections or are just starting out.
Here are some links to articles that have been really useful to me during this process:
Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published | Jane Friedman
Start Here: How to Self-Publish Your Book | Jane Friedman
These two links will take you to websites where you can find literary agents:
Search for Literary Agents | QueryTracker
Genre/Name Search | The Official Manuscript Wish List Website
If you want to self-publish but don’t want to do all of the work yourself, consider the following:
The Limelight Package! – Limelight Publishing
Professional Services to Format, Publish & Sell Books | Lulu
Have you ever wanted to write a book?
OR
Have you ever written a book?
If so, do you have any tips?
A Grace Full Life 
I have often thought of writing a book but that’s as far in the process as I’ve ever gotten. I find the whole process so intimidating that I have never fully given the idea time to take root. Best of luck to you!!
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I think you would make an excellent author. It’s an intimidating process at first, but once you learn how to navigate it, it’s not that bad. We all have a story to tell, and I believe that self-publishing allows those stories to be told.
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Wow. There is a lot involved in this process. I never really gave it much thought. I had a friend years ago tell me she was writing a book about Mothering and needed an interview with me right away, (like stop what you are doing now!) but I think she gave up because I never heard anything after that. I don’t think it’s a process for the faint of heart.
I commend you for getting it done and moving forward with your goals and dreams! WOOT WOOT.
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There’s a lot more to this process than I originally thought. I’m not sure I’d have begun it in the first place if I’d known, HA!
It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been fun work. 🙂
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Even though I’m a writer and read a ton of books, I don’t have the desire to write one. Unless it was a collection of poetry or essays.
I have two friends who have written non-fiction books. One friend used CreateSpace. The other friend (poetry) was first published by Tia Chucha Press and then she went with CreateSpace for her second book of poetry.
My second cousin has written several fiction books. I looked up the last one – published by SoulMate Press.
Wishing you all the best no matter what route you take!
xoxo
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I’d buy a collection of your essays and poetry. I’d also purchase a cookbook written by you. Just an idea. 😉
Thank you for the recommendations of CreateSpace and Tia Chucha Press!
SoulMate press is a great name! I felt chills when I read the name. I will look into all of them.
Thank you so much, my friend. It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a lot of fun.
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Thank you for being my cheerleader! You just made my morning.
I just looked up SoulMate Press. Definitely not the publisher you’re looking for. All drippy romance! 😉
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I really mean it! I’d love to read a cookbook full of your recipes!
I just checked out SoulMate Press, and it doesn’t look like I’ll be a good fit, HA!
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Yes, I have written several mid grade novels. I pulled a few chapters from one and they were published in The Los Angeles Times Kids’ Reading Room page. Unfortunately, that page got cut years ago. I’ve looked for agents and publishers, had a few interested but never got published in the end. I appreciate your links and am enjoying following your progress.
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I’ve liked hearing about your previous writing projects! I enjoy learning from other bloggers and authors. It’s an incredible community, and I’m grateful to be part of it. 🙂
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I am also grateful to be part of this community. It helps me with motivation to see what everyone else is doing.
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I agree!
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Well, I just came back here and I’m surprised not to see a comment from me. I’m wondering if I commented in my brain and then never finished it on my phone, because my phone had this window open as if I WAS ABOUT TO COMMENT. Anyway, here I am. Back, with my brain.
I took a class that taught us how to write a letter to an agent or an editor that I found very helpful. I love that you have a plan in place with goals and switching tactics to plan B, etc. I’m excited for your book to come out. Lots of hard work. I have pinpointed an agent I’d like to submit my book to . . . when I’m done. If I’m flighty enough not to leave a comment when I think I did, then it might be awhile before I’m done.
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That’s so funny and also incredibly relatable.
That’s a class I should’ve taken, LOL.
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I’ve never wanted to write a book, never felt a strong inner push to publish anything really. Maybe because growing up I was around an author relative? I dunno. I think it is like teaching middle school. You really gotta want it! 🙂
That’s why I’m so proud of you. You’re working so hard to make your dream happen and to share what you’ve learned. I wish I had some way of helping – like the contact info for the perfect agent. Why is real life never like a movie? This is the precise moment in the movie where I’d just happen 2b related to your dream literary agent! But even my author relative would be… unhelpful. So I’m just going to keep thinking good thoughts for you & sending good vibes. Fingers crossed you’ll meet that magical person who *can* help you.
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YES! That’s exactly how I felt! Like, I’d find out that she’d seen a post I’d written or discovered a tweet of mine. I even tried to message her on Twitter, but she doesn’t have her messages enabled. Most likely as a result of this EXACT SCENARIO. LOL
Keep those fingers crossed and say all the good wishes, please. 🙂
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