And the writing begins…
I’m in the process of writing my first book, which focuses on helping leaders in non-startup businesses to think and act more like entrepreneurs. In doing so, they can move faster, break down growth-stunting barriers, and achieve more.
I decided about a year ago that, if possible, I’d prefer to have a publisher for my book (vs. self-publishing.) Research, both online and through talking with authors, told me that the best route to getting a publisher would be to sign with an agent.
I cast a wide net and had many conversations with agents, and ended up choosing Leticia Gomez at Savvy Literary agency. Leticia has been a great partner so far on this journey, and I highly recommend her to anyone interested in finding a book agent.
The process then became putting together a proper proposal to send to various publishers that Leticia thought would be interested in such a project. We sent out initial proposals mid-January. As of this writing, we’re currently talking to several publishers about representing us, but in the end we will need to find a publisher that is “willing to take a chance” on this first-time author. If that doesn’t happen by mid-year, I’ll likely make the decision to self-publish.
So, I’ve decided to start actually writing the book. I have an outline and about 30 pages written, but have held off on writing until I was close to locking down a publisher. But I’m eager to start writing, so I figure that now is as good a time as any to start.
My process is going to be to write 2-3 hours a day, each week day, with a goal of having a draft of the book completed in three months. When I’m about half-way through, I’ll have my editor (who has been helping me from the beginning) start working on edits while I continue writing the second half.
Given the fact that I’m tying up between 10 and 15 hours a week for writing, my already over-booked schedule is going to be further limited, so I apologize in advance to anyone I meet (or can’t meet!) over the next several months.
As I get into it, I’ll report on the process I’m taking and the tools I’m using, and I’m very open to suggestions!
PS – I still plan to write a blog post every week day, but we will see how that goes…
Yay! So great to hear that you have started writing. Traditional publishers can be tricky. Be sure to read the fine print when it comes to advances and how long they get to keep your rights. Are you trying to go digital and print or just digital?
I know a lot of indie writers that have non fiction books and they do quite well with it. Especially because they can 1) price it higher as it is a problem solving book for someone, and 2) use it as a business card of sorts that can land them speaking gigs, etc. There are a lot of avenues to get books out these days, but it is a super competitive market. I love it though.
As far as writing itself goes, from one writer to another, having a schedule is crucial, especially starting out. I usually schedule out two blocks of time a day and then have a word count for myself each day. For me, since I can get restless, I use the Pomodoro method. I write in a 20 minute sprint and then give myself a 5 minute break. I do this for a few rounds during my blocked out time. My PR for a 20 minute sprint is 703 words. I shoot for +/- 1500 words a day depending on my deadline, so I can meet that in about an hour if I focus.
That just a little tip in case you need something to help you with the writing. It’s hard work but so rewarding in the end. And I’m no agent, but I would get to writing that book. If you find a publisher, they are going to want to see some pages. Have them ready! :)
Good luck!!!
I’ll be doing print for sure (and digital.) A big reason for writing this book is to share with my clients and hopefully, future clients.
I LOVE the Pomodoro method, thanks so much for sharing it! I’m going to try it this coming week ;)
Thanks for the advice!