Lessons Learned from Writing a Book: My Journey

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By: Jenna Taylor

In recent times, I’ve received a multitude of inquiries about the book writing process, so I thought it would be beneficial to share my experiences and insights for anyone interested in this journey. While I wouldn’t claim to be an expert on every aspect of publishing, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge over the past few years. For instance, I lucked out when my agent approached me directly, so I can’t provide tips on how to find one. However, I can share what I’ve learned about the overall book-writing process.

Writing a book feels remarkably similar to the experience of bringing a child into the world. It’s a mix of pain, exhaustion, and elation, culminating in a beautiful creation that makes all the effort worthwhile. But the journey to that moment is not for the faint-hearted. Anyone who suggests otherwise is simply not being truthful.

The Book Proposal

If you’re diving into fiction, be prepared to have a complete manuscript ready to attract an agent or secure a deal. Yes, that means writing an entire book before you can even think about selling it—less than ideal! For non-fiction, however, a well-crafted proposal can suffice, especially if you have an established blog that showcases your writing style.

If you’re like me and haven’t drafted an outline since your high school days, putting together a proposal can seem daunting. But it’s really straightforward. Here are essential components to include:

1. What is your book about? Explain your motivation behind it.
2. Who are you? This acts as your resume.
3. Who is your target audience? Use tools like Google and Facebook Analytics to gather demographic data.
4. Your online presence: Share links to your blog, social media, and any platforms that connect you to your audience.
5. Press and publications: List any accolades or previous writing appearances.
6. Chapter outline: Provide a detailed outline to ease future writing.
7. Sample content: Include 4-5 chapters that are polished and close to final.
8. Visual elements: Add images, graphics, or anything else to make your proposal pop.
9. Hyperlinks: Make it easy for readers to navigate to your online platforms.
10. Get feedback: Have a few trusted individuals review your proposal to catch any typos or errors.

Navigating the Publishing World

My books, Mommy Confessions and Truths About Motherhood, were published through a well-known imprint. Once I had my proposal ready, my agent presented it to several publishers, and Simon & Schuster made the winning offer. While a bidding war might be exciting, a single solid offer is often all you need.

Many wonder if securing an agent is essential, and the answer is a definite yes. Unless you’re planning to self-publish, having someone knowledgeable in your corner is invaluable. The 15% commission is worth every penny.

Self-publishing is becoming increasingly popular, especially among bloggers with a loyal following. While you won’t have the backing of a publishing house or an advance, you’ll retain all profits from your book. Both traditional and self-publishing can succeed or fail based on various factors. Here are some lessons I’ve learned from working with a major publisher:

1. Find a good fit with your editor. Your editor will be your partner throughout the production process, so it’s vital to have a rapport.
2. Take responsibility for the marketing. Your publisher expects you to drive sales. Despite having a large social media following, I learned that numbers don’t always translate to sales, which can be frustrating.
3. Stay authentic. Your publisher’s goal is to sell books, but it’s crucial to feel comfortable with your branding and messaging.
4. You are your biggest advocate. No one will care about your book as much as you do. Take charge of your promotion and don’t rely solely on others.

Writing the Book

Crafting a book is a vastly different experience from blogging. The joys of immediate feedback and spontaneity in blogging don’t exist in book writing. Here are some tips for the writing process:

1. Seize inspiration when it strikes. Some days will be dry, while others will overflow with ideas. Write when you can, even if it means sacrificing sleep.
2. Seek out inspiration. Read other parenting books or magazines to identify gaps you can fill or formats you can improve upon.
3. Utilize your blog content. Transform successful blog posts into expanded chapters, but remember that a book should offer more than what’s available online.
4. Back up your work. Losing content is a reality; I’ve lost entire chapters that I could never recreate with the same magic.

Marketing and Promoting Your Book

If you publish traditionally, you’ll collaborate with the publisher’s marketing department. However, you’ll likely want to supplement their efforts. If you’re self-publishing, the responsibility falls entirely on you. Here are some ideas to boost your visibility:

1. Create pre-order incentives. I offered signed bookplates for pre-orders, which were simple and effective. Avoid overly complicated incentives that require significant resources.
2. Provide a free sample. Sharing the first two chapters can entice potential readers and lead to increased sales.
3. Give away copies. I freely distributed my book to fellow bloggers, allowing them to review it without pressure. Word-of-mouth can be powerful.
4. Engage in radio interviews. These are convenient and can yield great returns with minimal effort.
5. Leverage your network. Your community—friends, coworkers, and blog followers—can help promote your book if you involve them in the excitement.
6. Throw a launch party. Celebrate your achievement, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger event.
7. Avoid over-promotion. There’s a fine line between promoting and being annoying. Be mindful of your outreach frequency.

Television Appearances

I was fortunate to do local TV before hitting the national stage during my book tour, and I’m grateful for the practice. Here are some tips I picked up along the way:

1. Dress appropriately. Choose flattering attire that will look good on screen—bold colors work, but busy patterns can be distracting.
2. Ensure comfort. Wear clothing that allows you to focus on the interview rather than adjusting your outfit.
3. Practice sitting. Outfits can look different when seated, so test how your clothes appear in that position.
4. Wear heels. You’ll be sitting, so take the opportunity to add a little height.
5. Accept professional help. If offered hair and makeup, take advantage; it’s usually better than what you can do yourself.
6. Focus on the interviewer. Look them in the eye, not directly at the camera.
7. Avoid fidgeting. Minor movements can be distracting on camera.
8. Stick to your message. Prepare key points you want to convey during the interview.
9. Maintain good posture. Slouching is a no-go on camera.
10. Smile! A smile can convey warmth and engagement, far better than a scowl.

Personal Appearances

While book tours are less common than they once were, connecting with readers is still essential. I believed in the value of personal interactions, and they can indeed foster deeper connections.

In conclusion, writing a book is a complex journey filled with challenges and rewards. Each step—from proposal to publication—holds its own lessons, and sharing experiences can help others navigate this path more smoothly. For more insights on home insemination, check out this resource. And for helpful information on fertility, visit this site and this excellent resource.