In June last year I published my very first book. It was exciting to say the least.
The other day one of my kids asked me: "mum, what is the single most exciting event that stands out in your life, apart from having us kids of course?". Pretty insightful question from a 10-year-old I must say. I didn't have to think about it for very long. Previously I would've said: "Living in Australia". But today I say: "When my first book was born". When it arrived in the mail I literally screamed out loud. I am a very together person so screaming out loud is not something I generally do. You can imagine my excitement.
Since I was 7 I have dreamt of writing a book and not just writing it. I have about ten 30-page-books in my computer files, books I never seem to finish. To get one published is one of the most amazing experiences I've had. I think many of us share this dream of writing a book, but most people think "it is not for me" or "I can't write well enough" or "how will I find the time", and the list of excuses goes on. Then there's this group who at least try. Who sit down and write a few pages whenever they find time or inspiration. Others go about life thinking "one day I will write a book", quite certain they will, but it never seem to happen.
Let's say you dream of writing a book and you wish to get it published. I will share my 10 most valuable tips with you, on how to make it happen:
1. Yes you can!
2. Ask yourself: do I want lots of readers and make lots of money or do I want to simply get my message across and simply be happy if only one person reads it? You might want to have different strategies depending on your answer.
3. S T A R T W R I T I N G! It doesn't matter what you write, it doesn't matter if it's any good, it doesn't matter if you have the time. Stop doing the laundry, cleaning out the cupboards or watching TV: WRITE and do it now, not tomorrow, now! You need to get your juices flowing. Set up your structure for the book later.
4. Make a schedule. No I'm afraid you can't wait for inspiration because then it ain't gonna happen. Make a schedule in your diary. For example 3 hours every Friday nigh, 2 hours on Monday around lunch and 2 hours Wednesday after watching the news. No excuses, well perhaps high fever... mmm or not.
5. If you're low on cash, apply for a scholarship. There are loads of them, but you have to apply to many.
6. Have at least 5 people proof reading your book, two of them won't get around doing it so you need back-up people. The 3 people who will do it will give you 3 very valuable perspectives. Listen to their insightful tips. Don't be proud or stubborn. Get help.
7. Research what publishers are around and make a list. When your book is finished, send your book to every publisher you can find.
8. If no one answers, get it published by a print-on-demand publishing house or do it yourself.
9. Make sure you have time to market your book after it's published. Marketing takes time. Set up a marketing plan and make time in your calendar again.
10. Don't give up!
You are amazing! Good luck!
Pernilla <3
The other day one of my kids asked me: "mum, what is the single most exciting event that stands out in your life, apart from having us kids of course?". Pretty insightful question from a 10-year-old I must say. I didn't have to think about it for very long. Previously I would've said: "Living in Australia". But today I say: "When my first book was born". When it arrived in the mail I literally screamed out loud. I am a very together person so screaming out loud is not something I generally do. You can imagine my excitement.
Since I was 7 I have dreamt of writing a book and not just writing it. I have about ten 30-page-books in my computer files, books I never seem to finish. To get one published is one of the most amazing experiences I've had. I think many of us share this dream of writing a book, but most people think "it is not for me" or "I can't write well enough" or "how will I find the time", and the list of excuses goes on. Then there's this group who at least try. Who sit down and write a few pages whenever they find time or inspiration. Others go about life thinking "one day I will write a book", quite certain they will, but it never seem to happen.
Let's say you dream of writing a book and you wish to get it published. I will share my 10 most valuable tips with you, on how to make it happen:
1. Yes you can!
2. Ask yourself: do I want lots of readers and make lots of money or do I want to simply get my message across and simply be happy if only one person reads it? You might want to have different strategies depending on your answer.
3. S T A R T W R I T I N G! It doesn't matter what you write, it doesn't matter if it's any good, it doesn't matter if you have the time. Stop doing the laundry, cleaning out the cupboards or watching TV: WRITE and do it now, not tomorrow, now! You need to get your juices flowing. Set up your structure for the book later.
4. Make a schedule. No I'm afraid you can't wait for inspiration because then it ain't gonna happen. Make a schedule in your diary. For example 3 hours every Friday nigh, 2 hours on Monday around lunch and 2 hours Wednesday after watching the news. No excuses, well perhaps high fever... mmm or not.
5. If you're low on cash, apply for a scholarship. There are loads of them, but you have to apply to many.
6. Have at least 5 people proof reading your book, two of them won't get around doing it so you need back-up people. The 3 people who will do it will give you 3 very valuable perspectives. Listen to their insightful tips. Don't be proud or stubborn. Get help.
7. Research what publishers are around and make a list. When your book is finished, send your book to every publisher you can find.
8. If no one answers, get it published by a print-on-demand publishing house or do it yourself.
9. Make sure you have time to market your book after it's published. Marketing takes time. Set up a marketing plan and make time in your calendar again.
10. Don't give up!
You are amazing! Good luck!
Pernilla <3
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